Uchitha and Chalitha to represent SLG

By Shamseer Jaleel

Uchitha Ranasinghe

Chalitha Pushpika

Two senior amateur golfers, Uchitha Ranasinghe and Chalitha Pushpika, have secured their qualifications to represent Sri Lanka Golf Union (SLG) in the upcoming Malaysian Amateur Open Championship which will take place from 7 to 10 December at the Tiara Melaka Golf and Country Club in Melaka, Malaysia. 

Uchitha Ranasinghe and Chalitha Pushpika clinched their spots during the last round of trials held at the Victoria Golf Resort (VGR) in Rajawella, showcasing their skill and determination.

 The Malaysian Amateur Open Championship, inaugurated in 1894, has evolved into a prominent Asia Pacific Amateur tournament. Notably, Sri Lankan golfing legend Nandasena Perera engraved his name on the trophy in 1998, followed by Anura Rohana in 1999.

 Uchitha Ranasinghe, one of the qualified golfers, is the son of the 1999 champion, Anura Rohana. The connection between generations further adds to the significance of Sri Lanka›s participation in this prestigious event. 

Chalitha Pushpika, currently ranked 969th in the world, and Uchitha Ranasinghe, ranked 1056th globally, have also earned the distinction of being the 3rd and 4th highest-ranked Sri Lankan golfers, respectively. Chalitha recently showcased his skills at the Asia Pacific Amateur Championships in Australia, while Uchitha participated in the 62nd Amateur Championships in Pakistan earlier this year. 

The nation eagerly anticipates the performance of its representatives in the Malaysian Amateur Open Championship, confident that they will make their mark on the international golfing stage.