The undisputed craftsman in domestic billiards
The race for the national billiards title for almost over two decades has been a one-sided affair with Khobala Hewamunage Sirisoma, popularly known as K.H. Sirisoma or ‘Sira’ who lifted the plum for a record 23rd time a few days ago, having little opposition since he first won it in 1985.
Sirisoma who has been involved with the cue game since 1979 for three and a half decades, set the new record of winning the national billiards title of 17 in 2006, eclipsing the 16-set by Sri Lanka’s maestro and World Billiard Champion M.J.M. Lafir. Since then Sri Lanka’s most
K.H. Sirisoma in action at the 62nd National Billiards Championship against S.H.M. Aslam.
experienced cueist has been dominating the game like a duck taking to water. Sirioma’s first title win was the Colombo District Billiards Tournament.
Interestingly his major national title was not in billiards but in snooker in 1984 defeating M. Sethupathy. Sirisoma won his first national billiards title one year later in 1985 when he defeated Henry Boteju, which also included wins against M. Raibin and W.A.J. Weerasinghe who were two top players during that era.
Sirisoma speaking to the Sunday Times reminiscing his past, “I began playing the game since I was 12 years and later represented a small club, Jayantha Sports Club in Kochchikade and later Cine Club in Borella.”
He said he was inspired to the game by having watched the great Lafir taking part at the World Championship in Colombo. “I was fortunate to have been able to witness a great player like Lafir. From there on I took a keen interest and learned the art of the game.”
“I never had a coach but by watching top players during that period at several tournaments, I was able to catch up the game. I practiced on my own with dedication which helped me to reach this position.”
Sirisoma represented Sri Lanka Port Authority for over three decades having joined in 1981. He has been participating in all major billiard and snooker tournaments since 1979.
His involvement with the game has seen him represent Sri Lanka at various international billiard tournaments (Asian and World) in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Singapore, Malta, Malaysia, Ireland, Macau, Australia, Iran and Qatar.
K.H. Sirisoma posing for a picture with the national billiard trophy which he won last year
Whilst appreciating his achievements, Sirisoma was disappointed when asked by the Sunday Times about the standard of the game at present. He stated that there is a lot to be done if the game is to be kept alive.
“It’s a pity to see that there are only a few youngsters who have taken to the game. The game should be promoted around the island,” he stated that the inter-club tournaments should be taken seriously as the clubs have players with talent who could be nurtured to become future champions.
Sirisoma was optimistic saying with confidence that Sri Lanka can produce another world champion and to achieve that the young players should be given the correct guidance.
Conducting ranking tournaments is one good concept to improve the standard of the game. Another aspect is that the authorities should concentrate to find long term sponsors for billiards and snooker and also offer substantial prize money for the winners.
“I am now 60 years and have retired from my working place (SLPA) and I am in the last stages of the game,” he said, when posed with the question what help he would offer to improve the game in Sri Lanka.
He said: “I am willing to give my fullest support, to share my experience of over 30 years in the game. If the governing body is having an idea of opening up an academy I will support them in whatever way I can.”
“I must also mention that the Billiards and Snooker Association is in good hands now. The president Zuraish Hashim has played the game and understands the problem of the players. I am confident that he will be in a position to take the game to a higher level.”
“The president has taken the first step by getting the services of a world class player in Mike Russell to train youngsters which is what is most needed right now.”
“As I mentioned before, this is one sport where we could reach the top and I am sure that we could produce another world champion like the billiards maestro M.J.M. Lafir. I intend to be involved with the game for a few more years and thereafter in another capacity”.
In conclusion Sirisoma said that he would like to thank those who have been with him right throughout his billiards career, the SLPA chairman Priyath Bandu Wickrama, SLPA sports secretary S.D. Weerasinghe, Patrick Oliver Fernando, P.J.M. Ameen, Zuraish Hashim and Zulski Passela, the incumbent president and vice president of the Billiard and Snooker Association who has supported him with sponsorships at various ways.