The reciprocal biennial event has been hosted for over three decades in Sri Lanka
The sports festival aims to foster the relationship between the Indian and Sri Lankan
plantation sector
Players competed in Cricket, Golf, Tennis, Badminton and Billiards/Snooker
10 th April 2023: The Planters Association of Ceylon (PA) and United Planters of Southern India
Sports Club (UPASI SC) successfully concluded their Biennial sports festival held from 23rd to
28th March 2023. The reciprocal biennial event, which has been in existence for over three
decades, covers five disciplines, namely, Cricket, Golf, Tennis, Badminton, and
Billiards/Snooker.
The team from the apex body of UPASI Sports Club was scheduled to visit in 2019, but due to
travel restrictions brought about by the pandemic, the event was postponed to 2023.
Nevertheless, both Associations were thrilled to come together once again for the much-
anticipated sports festival.
RPCs showed their colours this year by winning the annual Golf Tournament after a lapse of 20
years, with Tharindu Wickramasinghe excelling and winning the overall team winner award and
clinching the title of ‘Stable Ford’. In addition, the PA team also won the Cricket and Badminton
tournaments at the annual event.
One of the highlights of the event was the outstanding performance by batsman Chathura
Bandara, who scored a fantastic century and took home the awards for ‘best batsman’ and ‘man
of the match’.
The PA Badminton Team emerged victorious with an outstanding performance by Chamith
Arthur in the Singles event while Rohan Weerakoone and Lalindra Abeywardena won in the
Veteran Doubles. Furthermore, Chamith Arthur and Bandara Vitharana defeated their
opponents in the doubles.
The Planters’ Association of Ceylon were declared the overall champion of the biennial sports
festival and was awarded the Malin Goonetileke Trophy for winning three out of the five sporting
events.
“This sporting event symbolizes the camaraderie between The Planters’ Association of Ceylon
and The UPASI Sports Team. It not only promotes healthy competition but also strengthens the
relationship between the two Associations. We look forward to the next Biennial sports festival
and continuing our partnership with UPASI,” said Chairman of PA, Senaka Alwattegama.
Radella Cricket Grounds, Royal Colombo Golf Club and Darawella Club, hosted the five-day
event.
