- The reciprocal biennial event has been hosted for over three decades in Sri Lanka
- The sports festival aims to foster the relationship between the Indian and Sri Lankan plantation sector
- Players competed in Cricket, Golf, Tennis, Badminton and Billiards/Snooker
The Planters Association of Ceylon (PA) and United Planters of Southern India Sports Club (UPASI SC) successfully concluded their Biennial sports festival held from 23rd to 28th March 2023. The reciprocal biennial event, which has been in existence for over three decades, covers five disciplines, namely, Cricket, Golf, Tennis, Badminton, and Billiards/Snooker.
The team from the apex body of UPASI Sports Club was scheduled to visit in 2019, but due to travel restrictions brought about by the pandemic, the event was postponed to 2023. Nevertheless, both Associations were thrilled to come together once again for the much-anticipated sports festival.
RPCs showed their colours this year by winning the annual Golf Tournament after a lapse of 20 years, with Tharindu Wickramasinghe excelling and winning the overall team winner award and clinching the title of ‘Stable Ford’. In addition, the PA team also won the Cricket and Badminton tournaments at the annual event.
One of the highlights of the event was the outstanding performance by batsman Chathura Bandara, who scored a fantastic century and took home the awards for ‘best batsman’ and ‘man of the match’.
The PA Badminton Team emerged victorious with an outstanding performance by Chamith Arthur in the Singles event while Rohan Weerakoone and Lalindra Abeywardena won in the Veteran Doubles. Furthermore, Chamith Arthur and Bandara Vitharana defeated their opponents in the doubles.
The Planters’ Association of Ceylon were declared the overall champion of the biennial sports festival and was awarded the Malin Goonetileke Trophy for winning three out of the five sporting events.
“This sporting event symbolizes the camaraderie between The Planters’ Association of Ceylon and The UPASI Sports Team. It not only promotes healthy competition but also strengthens the relationship between the two Associations. We look forward to the next Biennial sports festival and continuing our partnership with UPASI,” said Chairman of PA, Senaka Alwattegama.
Radella Cricket Grounds, Royal Colombo Golf Club and Darawella Club, hosted the five-day event.
