Golf enters Ananda College Colombo
Anandians giving a crack at golf
In a bid to promote golf amongst its students the Old Anandians’ Professional Forum ‘GOLF DAY’ was organized by the Junior Golf Development Committee of Sri Lanka Golf at Ananda College conducting an “Open Golf Day” on Saturday the 12th March 2022.
The initiative was the brainchild of the Old Anandians’ Professional Forum (OAPF) along with the Sri Lanka Golf Junior Development Committee. The OAPF President and Defense Secretary, Gen. Kamal Gunarathne graced the occasion with Secretary of Education Prof. Kapila Perera as the Chief Guest. Joint Secretaries Air Vice Marshall Udeni Rajapksha and Mr. Ravi Masakorale along with Coordinator Ananda College Golf, Lt. Commander Hrasha Udawatte were responsible for the elaborate arrangements made for the historic event.
The Principal Lal Dissanayake welcomed the distinguished gathering and thanked the President of the Old Anandians Professional Forum and Secretary, Ministry of Defence Gen. Kamal Gunarathne for the guidance and initiation of introducing Golf to Ananda and also thanked the Junior Development Committee Chairperson for all the support.
The Chief Guest Prof. Kapila Perera in an inspiring speech recalled his association with Golf during his youthful student days, in the United States and in Japan. Professor Kapila emphasized the relevance and importance of the sport of Golf to a student, especially in terms of discipline, the combination of the mind and physical effort building the character of a rounded individual in an excellent sport popular internationally.
Gen. Kamal Gunarathne in his speech confirmed that Golf may appear an easy and slow game but he reiterated that he has started playing the game an year ago and he finds that the game provides a great challenge but it also provides a sweet moment each day. The Secretary Ministry of Defence also requested the young students to take this opportunity and become future champions in Golf and to maintain the record of Ananda College in Sports and achievements.
The President Sri Lanka Golf Michael Magala Perera, thanked the OAPF and the Principal of Ananda for the excellent arrangements made to introduce Golf to Ananda.
There were over 60 enthusiastic students at the college grounds who participated in the Open Golf Day where they were given an opportunity to hit golf balls in the school cricket ground. The program facilitates 30 kids selected from the ‘Open Day’ to start further training at Welisara Aqua Golf range with the coaching provided and facilities sponsored by Sri Lanka Golf.