Saunders new President vows to bring back past glory
Dacshitha Sumathipala
Saunders Sports Club, Sri Lanka’s oldest football club, marked its 106th anniversary with a significant milestone by electing a new set of office-bearers during the Annual General Meeting in Colombo last weekend. Thilanga Dacshitha Sumathipala, the President of the Anuradhapura Football League, was chosen as the new President of Saunders, with Sumith Walpola as the General Secretary and Isuru Perera as the Treasurer.
Saunders SC, renowned for producing many national football stars and winning numerous titles, has been a cornerstone of Sri Lankan football for over a century. However, the club recently faced a minor setback, prompting its members to seek a fresh approach and new leadership.
“Saunders needed to appoint a new board of officials, including a new president,” the members stated. “The decision was made to entrust a young leader with the responsibility—someone committed to social service and football development.”
Sumathipala, recognized for his vision and leadership in the Anuradhapura District Football League, was unanimously elected to lead the club. In his inaugural address, he emphasised the importance of preserving Saunders’ rich history while also looking to the future with determination and a clear vision.
“It is a great honour to stand before you today as the new President of Saunders SC,” Sumathipala said. “Saunders has a long history of 106 years and is a pillar of excellence in Sri Lankan football. As we celebrate this past, it is our responsibility to look to the future with determination and a clear vision.” Sumathipala outlined his commitment to revitalizing Saunders SC, focusing on areas such as youth development, community involvement, competitive excellence, and unity. He emphasised the need for a collective effort to restore the club to its former glory.
“My team and I will prioritise youth development, providing young players with the resources, training, and opportunities they need to succeed on and off the field,” Sumathipala said. “We will also work to strengthen our relationship with the community and maintain our competitive edge. Success in football, as in life, cannot be achieved alone. I call on all players, coaches, members, and supporters to join me on this journey. I’m willing to listen to ideas, work diligently and ensure that every decision made is in the best interest of the club. We can assure you that Saunders will continue to be the leader in the Sri Lankan football industry”.
