Colombo, Sri Lanka, October 9, 2022: The President of the Sri Lanka National Olympic Committee, Suresh Subramaniam, took part in a series of sporting events in Batticaloa, including inaugurating beach tennis in the east of the country.
The Sri Lanka NOC chief visited the eastern city of Batticaloa, 315 km from the capital Colombo, earlier this month and met the Under 17 Girls football team from Vaharai Kattumurivu Mixed School as well as the Under 20 Girls football team from Ambalandurai Kalimahal Vidyalayam.
Both teams had emerged as provincial champions in their respective age groups and qualified for the national championship to be held in Colombo next month. On hearing of this achievement, Mr. Subramaniam wanted to visit the two schools and meet the teams and learn about their experiences.
“It was wonderful meeting the girls and listening to them,” said Mr. Subramaniam. “I spoke to the players and promised them that they would be given facilities in Colombo to train prior to the national competition.”
He also said steps would be taken to help the teams with equipment, especially football boots, which were a request made from the players. While at the school, he observed students talented in swimming training in the famous Batticaloa lagoon and presented a timing watch to the swim coach.
The Sri Lanka NOC President then participated in the opening of a new beach tennis court and basketball court in a small town just outside Batticaloa. Both facilities have been funded by UNICEF.
He also visited the Batticaloa Karate Academy and watched students training in the sport.
