Reshan and Sithara win at Kandy Regional Golf

Reshan Algama receiving his award from  Ceylon Agro Industries  Marketing Manager Himpa Gunawardena

Sithara Lorance (left) with Ceylon Agro Industries Marketing Manager Himpa Gunawardena  

By Shamseer Jaleel

The 2024 Prima Sunrise Regional Junior Open Golf Championships 2024 concluded in spectacular fashion with junior golfing sensation Reshan Algama once again proving his dominance in the greens. 

Algama, the defending champion, delivered an astounding performance in the Gold Division (Boys), securing the title with a total score of 219. He also played level par in tandem on all three days of the tournament. His remarkable 24-shot victory margin over second-placed Yannik Kumara (243) and Jacob Norton (253) was a treat to watch with his exceptional talent and skills. Algama still has two more years to compete in the same division.

Meanwhile in the Girls’ Gold/Silver Division, Sithara Lorance emerged victorious, with a total score of 290 showcasing some excellent golf in the greens of the Central region’s leading golf course. She was closely followed by Keya Abeyratne (295) and Thiumi Gunasekera (315). Gunasekera, returning to golf after being away from the game for some time, fought back on the last day after an uneven start. She ended well at number three in the end.

The Silver Division (Boys) saw Thejas Rathis Kanth claim the title with a score of 227 ahead of another star from Anuradapura, Adithya Weerasinghe (238), and Senal Nimsith (250).

In the Bronze Division (Boys), Lavindu Premarathne outplayed his competitors, finishing with a score of 181, with Revaan Amarasinghe (186) and Divyeshz Silva (207) rounding out the top three.

The Girls’ Bronze Division was equally competitive, with Genuli Weerakoon winning the title with a score of 202, ahead of Vihara Herath (206) and Nimasha Iddamalgoda (219).

In the Copper Division, Jaeden Sathasivam topped the Boys’ leaderboard with a score of 111, followed by Yuvan Rathis Kanth (115) and Abiman Abeywardhana (127). This was Jaeden’s fourth win in tandem in this segment, showing that he is a golfer to be watched out for in the future with his promising display.

Ananya Krishanthan claimed the Girls’ Copper title with a score of 137, while Dulkini Kangara (158) and Thangarajah Sithumli (174) finished second and third, respectively.

With such remarkable young talent on display, the future of Sri Lankan golf looks promising. The dedication of sponsors like Prima, and initiatives like the HSBC ‘Future Lions’ program, continue to play a vital role in nurturing and supporting the next generation of golfing champions.

The tournament also highlighted the commendable performances from the Anuradhapura boys and girls, whose participation was made possible by the HSBC ‘Future Lions’ initiative.

Prima Sunrise, the long-standing sponsor of the Junior Open for over 16 years, deserves praise for their unwavering support for the development of junior golf in Sri Lanka. Their commitment, along with the tremendous efforts of the Sri Lanka Golf (SLG) subcommittee, have been pivotal in ensuring the success and growth of this annual event.