Inaugural Festival of Netball Launches at Sri Lanka High Commission in the UK

The UK branches of the Old Girls’ Associations of Girls’ High School, Kandy and Mahamaya Girls’ College, Kandy launched the first-ever Festival of Netball at the Sri Lanka High Commission on 15 March, 2024 under the patronage of High Commissioner Rohitha Bogollagama. Dhammika Korakahagoda and Udeni Perera, the Honorary President and President of the Kandy Girls’ High School OGA UK, and Oshadi Karunathilake, Preisdent of the Mahamaya Girls’ College OGA UK presided over the launching ceremony. Slated for May 6, 2024, the Festival of Netball promises an exhilarating showcase of netball prowess, with six teams engaging in 15 league matches, vying for the Jenny Green Memorial Trophy.

Jenny Green, a visionary school teacher at Girls’ High School, Kandy, introduced Netball to Sri Lanka in 1921, leaving an indelible mark on the nation’s sporting heritage. It is in honour of her pioneering spirit and enduring legacy, that the Festival of Netball trophy bears her name. The significance of Netball for the two schools is exemplified by the achievements of their alumnae. Gayanjalee Amarawansha, Captain of the Sri Lanka Netball Team during the Asia Cup win of 2022, is a product of Girls’ High School, Kandy, while the Coach, Hyacinth Wijesinghe hails from Mahamaya Girls’ College, Kandy.

The Festival of Netball embodies a noble mission – to unite Sri Lankan women residing in the UK through their respective Old Girls’ Associations, promoting sisterhood and celebrating their invaluable contributions to society. Through engaging in fundraising activities, the event aims to support worthy causes in both the United Kingdom and Sri Lanka, fostering a sense of purpose and solidarity within the community.  The proceeds of the funds raised during the Festival of Netball will be donated to the ‘Simply Women’ project, spearheaded by alumna Manoji Wadugodapitiya, aimed at providing vocational training and rehabilitation facilities to female prisoners, empowering them for a brighter future.

In his address, High Commissioner Rohitha Bogollagama acknowledged the esteemed histories of Girls’ High School, Kandy, and Mahamaya Girls’ College, Kandy, and also commended the exemplary community service initiatives undertaken by the two Old Girls’ Associations, recognizing their unwavering dedication to making a positive difference in society. He stated that Netball – sport in particular – plays an ambassadorial role in bringing communities together, and that this should be harnessed.

The launch of the Festival of Netball at the Sri Lanka High Commission in the UK signifies a new chapter in celebrating empowerment and philanthropy within the Sri Lankan community.

 

Sri Lanka High Commission
London