Perera & Sons sponsors Hill Club Annual Open Ranking Tennis

The winners with officials. Seated from left: Tournament Referee Dharaka Ellawala, Perera & Sons Managing Director Gihan Perera, Hill Club Committee President and C. W. Mackie Chairman Hemaka Amarasuriya, Hill Club Committee Vice President Duminda Hulangamuwa, Hill Club Past President and Senior Member C. P. R. Perera and General Manager Michael Armstrong 

Perera & Sons Bakers (P&S) recently sponsored the Hill Club Annual Open Ranking Tennis Event for the 2nd consecutive year. 

A long-standing supporter of tennis, badminton, table tennis and other sporting events, including school-level tournaments, P&S began its association with the Hill Club Annual Open Ranking Tennis Event last year, when it was held after a multiyear hiatus as a result of the global pandemic. 

The Hill Club Annual Open Ranking Tennis Event is a category 2 tournament and one of the most highly anticipated events in Sri Lanka’s tennis calendar. As a result, the event witnessed enthusiastic participation, with over 700 individual entries across 17 events. This is the first time the event has received this many entries, attesting to its growing popularity. 

Due to the large number of entries this year, the qualifying rounds and first rounds were held in Colombo, whilst the key matches were played during April 2024, at the picturesque Hill Club Courts in Nuwara Eliya. 

P&S Managing Director Gihan Perera said: “This sponsorship reflects our dedication to supporting communities by promoting sportsmanship and excellence in Sri Lanka. That is because we believe in the power of sports to unite communities, inspire individuals, and instil valuable life lessons. Through partnerships with events like the Hill Club Annual Open Ranking Tennis Event, we strive to inspire the next generation of athletes and create lasting legacies both on and off the court.”

He congratulated the winners, and acknowledged the hard work, dedication, and diligence of the Hill Club team, under the leadership of General Manager Michael Armstrong. Their support has been instrumental in ensuring the seamless execution of this prestigious event, he added.

A number of local tennis stars and upcoming names shone at the tournament. 

Apna Perera won a Triple Crown. He beat Chathurya Nilaweera 2 sets to nil in the Men’s Open Singles, partnered with Zaidh Zihar to beat Ashen Silva and Srinath Udayachandra 2 sets to 1 in the Men’s Open Doubles, and partnered with Inuki Jayaweera to beat Dhilvan Herath and Hasali Gajaba 2 sets to 1 in the Mixed Doubles event, in order to achieve this remarkable feat. Meanwhile, Dinara De Silva, the current Sri Lanka Women’s National Champion won the Women’s Open Singles title, beating Saajida Raazick 2 sets to nil. 

Hill Club Nuwara Eliya General Manager Michael Armstrong said: “As always it was an honour to be the host of this much-anticipated tennis event. Thanks to the exceptional support rendered by P&S, and our other sponsors, the event concluded very successfully, leaving an indelible mark on Sri Lanka’s tennis scene. We are also encouraged to note record participation this year and look forward to continuing this trend into the future.”

The prizes were handed out amidst much fanfare, with a number of distinguished guests and dignitaries in attendance. Notable dignitaries included the Club’s Past President and Senior Member C. P. R. Perera, Hill Club Committee President and C. W. Mackie Chairman Hemaka Amarasuriya and Hill Club Committee Vice President Duminda Hulangamuwa, together with senior officials representing the Tournament Co-Sponsors, which included Hatton National Bank, 

C. W. Mackie, SLT Mobitel, Nestle, and Classic Travels.