Sri Lanka’s first-ever national caddie tournament hosted in Hambantota
Winners and all participants with officials of Shangri-La Hambantota and sponsor B.P. de Silva Holdings
B.P. De Silva, the sponsor of the event, in partnership with Shangri-La Hambantota, successfully conducted the first-ever National Caddie Tournament in Sri Lanka, to coincide with the World Tourism Day. This historic endeavor, to uplift the caddie community and revolutionise golfing in Sri Lanka, was part of the felicitation of B.P. De Silva’s 150th anniversary in Singapore.
The alignment to this year’s theme of ‘Tourism and Green Investment’ for World Tourism Day highlighting the need for more and better targeted investments for people, planet and prosperity, aptly showcases the two entities’ commitment towards people and tourism.
This groundbreaking initiative was aimed at recognising, nurturing, and empowering caddies who play a vital role in the country’s golfing landscape. As a symbol of this commitment, 42 caddies from seven distinguished golf clubs and resorts across the nation came together to showcase their skills and compete on the renowned 18-hole golf course of Shangri-La Hambantota.
The tournament was a thrilling display of talent and camaraderie. Spectators witnessed remarkable shots, strategic plays, and moments of sportsmanship that showcased hitherto hidden golfing brilliance. The competition was fierce, but it was also a celebration of the caddie community’s dedication to the sport.
The first-ever champions crowned were, A.D.L.M. Ranasinghe of Sri Lanka Army, winner of the National Caddie Tournament 2023, and P.W.A.D. Pushpakumara, also of Sri Lanka Army, who ended up as runner-up. O.M. Niroshani from Victoria Golf Club was awarded the Ladies’ Special Prize, after showcasing her exceptional skills. This historic moment not only recognised their unseen talent, but also paved the way for an exciting and promising future for golf enthusiasts and professionals in Sri Lanka.
“Shangri-La Hambantota is deeply committed to transforming the golfing landscape in Sri Lanka, and we believe this transformation must extend to those who are the unsung heroes of the sport, the dedicated caddies. They have been an integral part of the golfing experience, and it’s time we shine a spotlight on their talent, and usher in a new era for golfing in Sri Lanka. We are proud to be the only resort-based golf course of this caliber, and we intend to use it as a catalyst for positive change within the golfing community,” the General Manager, Shangri-La Hambantota, Refhan Razeen stated, expressing his enthusiasm for this pioneering event.
The 18-hole golf course at Shangri-La Hambantota stands as a testament to the resort’s dedication to providing world-class golfing experiences. Widely recognised as the best in the country, this picturesque course offers golf enthusiasts an unparalleled blend of natural beauty and challenging play. Hosting this historic tournament on its greens showcased the resort’s commitment to the sport and its enduring impact on Sri Lanka’s golfing scene.
“While visiting Shangri-La Hambantota, I was impressed by the lush and well-kept lawns of the golf course and immediately saw an opportunity to encourage the talents of caddies around Sri Lanka. As part of our 150-year celebration in Singapore, this event took on added significance, showcasing our longstanding commitment to promoting cultural and sporting excellence,” commenting on B.P. De Silva’s underlying principle to partner this occasion, the Chairman of B.P. de Silva Holdings, Sunil Amarasuriya said.
World Tourism Day serves as a platform for Shangri-La Hambantota and B. P. De Silva to emphasize their profound commitment to enriching the golfing culture in Sri Lanka. This event was a landmark moment in the nation’s golfing history, as it not only recognised the caddies but also paved the way for an exciting and promising future for golf enthusiasts and professionals alike.