Lionel Gunawardena to steer Masters Basketball Association of Sri Lanka

MBSL Committee

The Masters Basketball Association of Sri Lanka (MBSL) recently held its 16th Annual General Meeting at the Mercantile Cricket Association where veteran basketball player and coach Lionel Gunawardena was appointed the President of the Association, taking over the mantle from immediate Past-President Dimitri Ramaneswara.

“Basketball is my passion, and it has always been more than a game to me and I am immensely proud to be able to steer the Masters Basketball Association to new heights this year. Basketball changed me as a person when I was growing up and it has taught me many valuable life lessons. I’m looking forward to taking this game that I love, to new heights. It is paramount that we first begin to enjoy the game to popularise it amongst the people in Sri Lanka. We must also begin to view basketball for the potential it has to enhance one’s lifestyle, making it a healthy option for this generation and future generations of Sri Lankans,” said the newly elected President, Lionel Gunawardena.

The AGM also saw the election of a 12-member committee including four Vice-Presidents, (Brawin Fernando, Melvin Pollocks, T.M. Amath, & Vajira Ramanayake), a Secretary (Asela Rathnayaka) and Assistant Secretary (Ruan Dayananda), Treasurer (Nalaka Kumarasinghe) and Assistant Treasurer (Gayath Jayasinghe) and three Executive Committee Members which includes T.H. Amath, Basil Silva & Anuja Jayasinghe. 

MBSL initially called the “Veterans” was the collective brainchild of notable basketball greats like Malsiri Perera, Cosmos Perera, Neil Perera, Nawfer Maharoof, Jayanthan Jeevaratnam, Bernard Silva and Rtd. Col. Vikum Siriwardena, The Association was formed with the aim of promoting and developing the game in the country and creating the opportunity for former Cagers to take to the court to keep fit and healthy.

A proud former Josephian, Gunawardena has also played for the Sri Lankan National Basketball team and has represented Sri Lanka in international competitions held in Malaysia and Singapore, whilst also making his presence felt in the famous club tournament in Maldives. In addition, he has played for leading clubs (Colombo Bulls, Old Peterites, and Nugegoda Basketball Club) in the country and has served as a basketball coach at several schools as well. His first appointment as a professional basketball coach was at Lyceum, Nugegoda, thereafter, Lionel has coached the basketball teams of British School in Colombo and the Sri Lankan Army. 

Furthermore, Gunawardena holds a degree in Marketing (CIM UK), an MBA (MGU India) and is currently sitting for his third degree in Supply Chain Management (ISCEA). He has occupied many Senior Management positions in renowned MNCs in the country, as Head of Sales, Head of Operations & has been successful as a Channel Head, these roles have equipped in with the will and capability to steer this committee to achieve greater heights in this coming year.  

“Basketball is so much more than a game, it’s a lifestyle. It’s about discipline, about being punctual, living up to your word, standing up for what is right and defending your team. It also builds one’s decision making and risk taking skills. During a match, a player has neither the time to make a decision nor the time to take calculated risks. Once, a decision is made and a risk is been taken, you just have to back your decision and keep playing no matter what,” said Gunawardena.

The Masters Basketball Association plans to stage two main tournaments during the year and also has the opportunity to take part at 03 main International tournaments (the Pan Pacific Games Australia, The US Masters in LA & the Malaysian Masters) under his leadership. 

While details of the tournaments and registrations and more information will be shared with all clubs and players shortly they also plan to update the database for better communication. 

“My own experiences have taught me that this game is more like a support system to one’s life. That’s the main reason why I emphasise a lot on the values, the principles and the disciplines of the game as a coach,” said Gunawardena. “As a committee we plan to give back to former players the opportunity to enjoy the sport they love. The time to network and fellowship with likeminded individuals, which will bring back many treasured memories shared on the court from yesteryear,” added Gunawardena.