Savinaka, Ranithma clinch singles crowns

Young sensations Savinaka Weerasekara and Ranithma Liyanage clinched Open Men’s and Women’s single titles at the Summer Season All-Island Badminton Championship at the Municipal Indoor Stadium Nuwara Eliya over the weekend.

The D.S. Senanayake College student, Savinaka Weerasekara overcame 16-year-old Royalist Aashinsa Herath, the top seed, in a thrilling three-setter (21-13, 17-21, 21-13) to win the title in the seven-day event.

On the other hand, the reigning national champion – 16-year-old student of Christ Church College Baddegama – Ranithma outclassed Hasara Wijerathnein in another three setter (21-12, 18-21, 21-12) to clinch the Open Women’s crown of this year’s edition of the popular tournament conducted by the Central Province Badminton Association in collaboration with Sri Lanka Badminton.

The Women’s Doubles final was won by Buthmi Galagamage partnered with Nadeesha Gayanthi to overpower Rashmi Mudalige and Thiyaana Widanarachchi (21-19,20-22,21-17).

Lochana de Silva and Rashintha de Silva won the Men’s Doubles final when they defeated Oshamika Karunaratne and Thulith Palliyaguru (21-17, 22-200). 

The Mixed Doubles final was won by Thulith Palliyaguru and Buthmi Galagamage who overcame Chamath Dias and Nathasha Gunasekara (21-14, 21-15).

Sri Lanka Badminton President Rohan De Silva, Central province Badminton Association President Mahinda Dodampagamage, Central Province Badminton Secretary Chamara Aluthge and Nuwara Eliya Mayor Chandana Lal Karunaratne were the special guests at the awards ceremony.

Men’s Doubles Winners Lochana De Silva and Resintha De Silva

Mixed Doubles Winners Thulith Palliyaguru and Buthmi Galagamage

Women’s Single Winner Ranithma Liyanage

Women’s Doubles Winners Buthmi Galagamage and Nadeesha Gayanthi