Friday, February 3, 2017

Dandeniya withdraws

CT Sports: Ceylon Today reliably learns that former president of the Sri Lanka Badminton Association (SLBA) Roshan Gunawardena will be a strong contender to contest the post again when they conduct their election of office bearers on 24 March.
With Gunawardena tipped to be a strong contender the current president Suraj Dandeniya has decided to withdraw from the race.
Gunawardena who was first appointed as president of the SLBA in 2010 had imposed a ban of one year on Sri Lanka national champion Niluka Karunaratne for disciplinary reasons.
However, Gunawardena quit as president in 2011 due to political pressure. When Ceylon Today made enquiries regarding his intention to contest again he said that he is coming forward because of requests made by many followers.
"Many officials of the association have requested me to come forward again and help raise the standard of badminton from where it has fallen to now. Present president Suraj Dandeniya has also given me the blessings to contest this time.
The President, the Prime Minister and the Sports Minister have not tried to influence me in any way to came forward to contest for the top post. However, two former Sports Ministers who were fearful of my contesting, have come forward to help another party who will be contesting together with me. I regret that. Anyhow, whatever problems that arise, I will win," said Gunawardena.
Accordingly, former President Professor Ranjith Silva, Nishantha Jayasinghe as well as an individual who is said to be a President of a Provincial Association will contest this election.
Present president of SLBA Suraj Dandeniya confirmed that he is withdrawing from the contest. He also said that he has done a lot for the players and that during his tenure of four years he created a lot of opportunities for players to participate in international tournaments. However, the players were playing the game as a leisure. He said that he was disappointed and hoped the new president will motivate them in a different way.
"I have given every facility to the players and even found sponsors but they blamed me and I thought of quitting as president.
Hope the future president will do something," he added.

Inter Club Badminton C’ship on 10, 11, 12 February


The Western Province Badminton Association (WPBA) Inter Club Team Badminton Championship will be held on 10, 11 and 12 February at S Thomas' College Sports Complex, Mt Lavinia.
WPBA is affiliated to the Sri Lanka Badminton Association (SLBA) and is one of the most active and popular Badminton Associations of Sri Lanka. Since its formation in 1973, WPBA has conducted its Inter-Club Team Championship among its member clubs. With the passage of time new teams joined in and the Championship became the most popular badminton event in the Province.
Clubs and Institutions in the Western Province, and even non-members, are able to take part in the tournament. All players should be residents of the Western Province.
Winners and runners-up will receive certificates, medals and gifts. The Organizing Committee has also decided to award cash prizes to the winners.
Entries will close on 3 February 2017 and should be handed over to the Tournament Secretary or General Secretary of the WPBA.
For further details contact Lalith Perera 0766852907, Ruwan Fernando 0716160346, Chinthaka Fernando 0712301515 or Asanka Peiris 0718217056 or www.wpba.com
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