Nilanka, Amalja win badminton titles

Nilanka Randilukshana of Carey College, Colombo and Amalja Jithwari of OLV Convent, Moratuwa emerged under-13 boys and girls champions at the third Open Junior Badminton Championship conducted by the Moratuwa YMCA at its indoor sports complex recently.

The winners of the tournament with the chief guest L.R Ariyananda (front row 5th from left) and the President of Moratuwa YMCA Bernard Fernando (front row- 4th from left. Back row from left : Suwani Muthumali, Gayani Piumra, Ashini Isara Fernando, Sandali Dewmini, Dumindu Abeywickrama, Thulith Palliyaguru, Chethaka Anuk Kumarasiri, Chaniru Mirando. Middle row from left: Dunshan Hettiarachchi, Akila A. Peter, Nilanka Randilukshana, Hasini Ileperuma, Dewmi Ama Bandara, Tharaka De Silva, Nihinsa Rusandi Medis, Amalja Jithwari

The tournament was held in collaboration with the Western Province Badminton Association and attracted more than 200 up and coming players who exhibited a high standard of play. Winners and runner-ups received valuable gifts, medals and certificates from the chief guest, former National Champion and National coach L.R. Ariyananda who is presently the President of the Western Province Badminton Association. Among the main sponsors were Astron (Lanka) Ltd., Ashaway- Moratuwa, HNB-Moratuwa, Prime Grameen Micro Finance, The Finance Co Ltd- Moratuwa and Citizens Development Business Finance PLC. Several other well wishers too contributed towards the success of this tournament.

Under 11-Boys: Winner - Dumindu Abeywickrama (Royal College- Col-07). Runner up - Thulith Palliyaguru (D.S. Senanayaka College)

Under 11- Girls : Winner -W.G.G.A Suwani Muthumali (Sri Sumangala Balika – Panadura). Runner up - Gayani Piumra (Janadhipathi Balika Vidyalaya)

Under 13- Boys : Winner -H.H Nilanka Randilukshana (Carey College). Runner up - Akila A. Peter (St. Thoma’s College-Mt. Lavinia)

Under 13 Girls : Winner -Amalja Jithwari (OLV Convent – Moratuwa). Runner up - Nihinsa Rusandi Medis (OLV Convent – Moratuwa)