The finals of the 30th Sri Lanka Schools Netball Championship will see an increase in the number of school teams taking part at the National Sports Complex, in Polonnaruwa from September 2 to 4.
Organized by the Sri Lanka Schools Netball Association under the guidance of the Ministry of Education, this much-awaited fixture in the school netball arena is sponsored by Nestlé Lanka Limited under the brand name MILO for the 30th consecutive year.
Some 4320 players representing about 360 teams in the A and B divisions and in the age categories of under-13, 15, 17 and 19 are expected to make use of this opportunity to display their talents.
“The first round saw more than 1400 teams participate which is an increase from the 700 teams last year. This is an encouraging boost for the organizers,” said the president of the Sri Lanka Schools Netball Association Nirodha Abeywickrema who is also the principal of Maliyadeva Balika Kurunegala, at a media briefing held at the CR&FC pavilion on Tuesday (22).
She also said that they will select talented players and train them for future national duty.
The under-13 age group sees the highest number of 90 teams participating while there are only 60 teams in the remaining age groups. The winners and runners-up of each group will receive the Milo Champions and runners-up trophies. The best shooter, best defensive player and best centre court player in each age group will be rewarded by Milo according to the organizers.
The first round saw schools from Galle, Matara, Kurunegala, Kandy, Ratnapura, Ampara, Anuradhapura, Matale, Gampaha, Kalutara, Homagama and Colombo taking part.
Bandula Egodage, Vice President of Nestle Lanka (Corporate and Regulatory Affairs) said they are very keen to support this tournament that gives the players an opportunity to showcase their talent and be earmarked for future national selection. The best examples are national captain Gayanjali Amarawansa and Dulangi Wannitilleka who were discovered at the Schools tournament.