If anybody changes the National Sport we will oppose them vehemently
Volleyball is recognised as the National Sport of Sri Lanka, but the sport is yet to be gazetted since 1992
Volleyball is the only sport that can be counted upon as the National Sport in Sri Lanka. If anyone plans to change it – all men and women National players, including myself will stage an island wide protest,” said Kalika Wasanthapriya, a former National player and skipper to the Sunday Times.
Kalika Wasanthapriya has played volleyball for Sri Lanka for 20 years from 1986 to 2006. He has also captained Sri Lanka for nine years from time to time from 1992 to 2006. He is the only player to have taken part in international volleyball tournaments as well.
“No one can state that a certain sport is their national sport. In 1916 an American brought volleyball to the island. Before that whether volleyball existed in Sri Lanka or some sport similar to it existed in the island, no one knows.
“We believe that cricket originated in England. But there is a possibility that the sport may have existed in other countries as well. But it was England that introduced the game to the world. It may have existed in other parts of the world unannounced and in another format. A good example is baseball which originated in America. But a similar game exists in Sri Lanka which is Elle.
“It is my personal belief that no sport can be termed as belonging to any particular country. Any popular sport, which has taken the liking of the people of that particular country, can be selected as the country’s national sport.
“Even though Sri Lanka has not taken part in any international volleyball contests or taken part in an Olympic competition, we are doing well in the Asian region. Sports such as Angampora or Elle exist in the island and are being played only among a few in Sri Lanka. It is unimaginable that such sports could even be considered as the national sport.
“It is my humble belief that volleyball should remain as the National Sport and No Other,’ concluded Kalika Wasanthapriya.
Kalika is also a National Level coach and is the present coach of the Sri Lanka Ports Authority team, who were the 2016 National mens’ volleyball champions.