Softlogic Holdings capture Shakespeare Shield 2019

Niloo Jayathilaka (L) and Dihan Dedigama (R) receiving their awards

Niloo Jayathilake and Dihan Dedigama of Softlogic Holdings, two well-known figures in Sri Lanka’s capital markets, displayed their skill on the golf course representing Softlogic Holdings PLC combining well together and holding their nerve to win the title in a thrilling finish this year against stiff competition at the Royal Colombo golf club recently.

The Shakespeare Shield, the single most prestigious golfing tournament for corporate organisations in the Royal Colombo Gold Club, has been a board event for over 100 years. The tournament is so named after W. Shakespeare, a former Chairman of Carson Cumberbatch PLC, who was elected to the RCGC Committee in 1908. It was he who initiated the first ‘Foursomes Competition’ exclusively for private companies, banks and State institutions. The tournament was initiated in his honour in 1911 and has been on the annual calendar since. 

Carson Cumberbatch PLC continues its commitment towards golf and its rich history with the RCGC, upholding the former Chairman’s tradition of promoting inter-corporate goodwill through sports. Last year, Shamal Perera and Ranshan Gomez of Access Group took home the honours when they edged out SriLankan Airlines.

The tournament, played in the Foursome Stable-ford format, created much competition this year with 18 teams in the fray, carrying the flags of leading corporate institutions. Softlogic Holdings PLC finally captured the title in a thrilling count-back of the score defeating Senok Air Cargo, tied on 34 points.

Niloo Jayathilke (9) and Dihan Dedigama (16) of Softlogic Holdings pipped the partnership of Andy Anderson (15) and Gerard Fernando (13) of Senok on a better back nine count, having been locked together on 34 stableford points. 

Niloo Jayatilaka remains the only female to have won this 108-year-old corporate board event of the Royal Colombo Golf Club, an event which until recently was dominated by males. SriLankan Airlines represented by two Senior Captains Milinda Ratnayake and Navin De Silva was placed 3rd with 33 points edging out Roshan Silva and K.D. Seelanatha Kuruppu of You Cabs Ltd. on a count-back tied on 33 points.

Hangover Hostels, Access Group, Tad Lanka Holdings Ltd., HSBC, Nations Trust Bank, Metropolitan Office, Dynawash Ltd., Acpices Ltd., Turf Equipment Ltd., HVA Foods PLC, Heritage Teas, The Wheel Work Ltd., Tuk Tuk Hostels Ltd. and a second team from Softlogic Holdings PLC participated in the highly-competitive Shakespeare Shield 2019.

Results at a glance – Shakespeare Shield 2019 – at the Royal Colombo Golf Club

Winners:

Niloo Jayathilaka and Dihan D. Dedigama (Softlogic Holdings PLC) – 34 points (count-back bb9)

Runners-Up

Andy Anderson and Gerard Fernando (Senok Air Cargo Ltd.) – 34 points

3rd Place:

Milinda Ratnayake and Navin De Silva (SriLankan Airlines) – 33 points (count-back bb9)