Former six-time National Champion from 2012 to 2018, Mihiliya Methsarani, making her mark after rising from the junior squash circuit.
Sri Lanka Squash has commenced a mission to promote the sport across the nation with the recent launch of its Regional Squash Development Programme, led by Colonel Managala Balasuriya. The programme has set its sights on introducing squash to outstation areas, including schools in Colombo.
Sri Lanka Squash President Dhammika Wijesundara highlighted the initial steps, saying, “We’ve started by sending coaches, including Army coaches and players, to Diyatalawa, where we have provided guidance to the students.”
The sport of squash in Sri Lanka dates back to 1951, with S Thomas’ College, Gurutalawa, being the pioneering school. Under the guidance of its new Principal, Maj Gen Laksiri Perera, the school has embarked on a new journey, with support from Colonel Mangala Balasooriya, a key member of the school’s executive committee and the driving force behind the regional development plan for Sri Lanka Squash.
It’s worth noting that S Thomas’ Gurutalawa takes pride in producing Saman Thilakaratne, a 13-time National Champion who now resides in France. In an exciting development, Sumedha College, a semi-government school in Gampaha, has joined the ranks of schools participating in the Junior Nationals. Gampaha currently has only one squash court, but efforts are underway to encourage Bandaranaike College, a leading school in the region, to embrace the sport as well.
Furthermore, students from Boyagane Maha Vidyalaya, Kurunegala who embarked on their squash journey last year, are gearing up to compete in the ongoing Junior Nationals.
Dharmapala Vidyalaya Pannipitiya initiated squash training at the Mattegoda Army courts, thanks to the support of Army Squash Chairman Maj General Lanka Amarapala.
This week, a significant step was taken to introduce squash to principals and representatives from schools in Kandy during an Annual Leadership Programme Planning meeting organized by the Kandy Schools Past Pupils Association. Several Kandy Boys’ and Girls’ schools have expressed keen interest in starting squash programs immediately.
Efforts are also underway to explore collaborations with Amaya Hills and the Randoli Club, which currently house the only available squash facilities in the city, to facilitate the launch of squash in Kandy until proper infrastructure is established.
The squash community is fortunate to have the support of Wicky, a businessman, golfer, and former passionate squash player, who has expressed his willingness to support the development of squash in Kandy.
Moreover, past presidents and administrators of the squash community have come forward to assist in furthering the sport’s development. Air Vice Marshall Asoka Amunugama, a past president, will lead the Kandy Squash Development Project and is actively searching for suitable land in Kandy. Dr. Amunugama, a dentist, operates 16 dental clinics in partnership with Vision Care.
Another past president, Air Commodore Ajith Abeysekara, will organize a fundraising event to support squash, ensuring the sport’s continued growth and success, especially in the absence of government funds.
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