SriLankan Airlines win netball title

SriLankan Airlines overcame all opposition to emerge champions at the Travel Trade Netball Championships at the St. Joseph’s College grounds, Darly Road sponsored by SriLankan Airlines themselves together with the 28th Travel Trade Soccer 7’s.

SriLankan Airlines beat Hemas Travels 21-7 in the netball final. There were nine teams playing for honours and SriLankan Airlines has won this title almost every year. They earlier beat Trans Asia 21-3, Galadari 23-1 and Colombo Hilton 24-4 in the semi-final.

SriLankan Airlines were led by Melanie Nichelas (adjudged the player of the tournament) and also included Lakshani Gunatilleke, Aeshini Perera, Manori Hettiarachchi (best defence), Nadeesha Bastians, Neelika de Silva, Mihirini Perera (best centre court player),Jayani Dissanayake, Nilanka Fernandopulle, Tamara Senanayake and Hansa Hewawasam.

In the soccer 7’s, 25 teams participated with Travel Global ‘A’ winners in the Cup category and SriLankan Airlines the runners-up (2-1). SriLankan Airlines ‘A’ won the Bowl category beating Galadari in the final, while D. C. G. Jayasinghe captain of the SriLankan ‘B’ side adjudged as the Most Valuable Player of the Tournament.

Mr. Ian Dunning (Senior Manager of Engineering Maintenance of SriLankan Airlines) and Mrs. Dunning were the chief guests, while Sunil Dissanayake (Chairman of SriLankan Airlines Sports Council) and Mrs. Dissanayake were the guests of honour.

(L.G.)