Dialog Sri Lanka Golf Open 2023 to tee off on 30 May

Dialog Axiata PLC - Dialog Enterprise Group Chief Officer Navin Pieris (second from left) handover the Symbolic Sponsor cheque to the Sri Lanka Golf President Michael Magala. Dialog Axiata PLC Brand and Media Vice President Harsha Samaranayake and Sri Lanka Golf Vice President Ranil Peiris looks on 

– Pix by Upul Abayasekara

By Shamseer Jaleel

Dialog Sri Lanka Golf Open 2023 will tee off on 30 May, a special invitational tournament will take place at the Royal Colombo Golf Club (RCGC).

Sri Lanka’s premier connectivity provider, Dialog Axiata PLC will continue with the sponsorship for the event once more.

Sri Lanka Open first played in 1972 is the feature Golf Championship introduced by Sri Lanka Golf as an Open event unearthing immense talent since its inception producing two Asian Games Silver medallists’ in 1990 and 2002. Currently, five Sri Lankans participate in the Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI) and the current top-ranked Chouhan Om-Prakash along with past Sri Lanka Open winner Rashid Khan now playing in the Asian Tour, will add value to the strong field led by Anura Rohana, a seven time Open Champion attempting to hold the record of highest number of wins on his own, which is presently shared with the Late Nandasena Perera a seven-time champion as well.  

Prabagaran three time champ and N. Thangarajah, another former champ will be challenged by Udayan Mane, a prominent Asian Tour top golfer, Jamal Hossain the leading Bangladesh professional in the PGTI, a top golfer from Pakistan and many others from India, Korea, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, United Arab Emirates will decorate the Sri Lanka Open 2023.

There are also single entries from Australia and a Sri Lankan born golfer residing in America. Mithun Perera, a star performer ranked in the top 50 currently in the PGTI is yet to win the Sri Lanka Open and is sure to make a bold bid this year. Vijitha Bandara, Lalith Kumara, Tissa Chandradasa experienced professionals at the RCGC and among the top Sri Lankan amateurs such as past Amateur National Champion Chanaka Perera, Chalitha Pushpika and young rising star Reshan Algama enrich the already strong field.

Sri Lanka Golf President Michael Magala said: “After a dearth of three years due to the COVID-19 pandemic, pro and novice golfers can pull out their irons and swing into action and join us at the beautiful RCGC course for a day of golf. I take this opportunity to thank our valued partner and title sponsor Dialog Axiata PLC for the support not only in helping us host a successful tournament but also make a positive impact on the sport which is a wonderful package for the whole golfing community.”

Dialog Enterprise Group Chief Executive Officer Navin Pieiris said: “We are happy to be on board propelling the national golf open championship of the country. We are also excited to launch the special ‘Dialog invitational tournament’ bringing together keen golf enthusiasts for a friendly round of golf.”

The Sri Lanka Open 2023 will be preceded by a high-profile PRO-AM Tournament sponsored by, Courtyard by Marriott Colombo, graced by the Golf Ambassador of the Marriott Hotel chain worldwide, European Tour Golfer, Shiv Kapoor. Shiv Kapoor will participate in the Pro-Am event and all other professionals participating in the Sri Lanka Open are also expected to play with the amateur member golfers of RCGC and other member Clubs in Sri Lanka.

The Dialog Sri Lanka Open Golf Championship 2023 will be an excellent platform for Sri Lanka Golf to generate greater interest in Golf in Sri Lanka as a golfing destination. The Dialog Sri Lanka Open played over four rounds from 30 May to 2 June 2023 has also attracted many other sponsors such as Sri Lankan Airlines, Courtyard by Marriott Colombo, Transcend Drive, OLU, Lanka IOC, GFlock and Prima among other ‘goodwill’ sponsors organised by Sri Lanka Golf under the auspices of R&A. 

Dialog Axiata is the proud sponsor of the Sri Lanka National Cricket, Volleyball, Netball and Esports teams. The Company also has a close association with the President’s Gold Cup Volleyball, National Junior and Senior Netball tourneys, Schools Rugby, Premier Football and Paralympic sports by powering the Army Para Games, Nats, National Para Games and the Sri Lankan contingent to the World Paralympic Games.