Thursday May 14, 2026
Thursday May 14, 2026
Thursday, 14 May 2026 00:04 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
Savinaka Weerasekara successfully defended his title for the second consecutive year while Thulith Palliyaguru accounted for a double crown at the MBA All-Island Open Badminton Championship 2026, which concluded at the Mercantile Badminton Association (MBA) courts in Colombo.
After conceding the first set by 18-21, Weerasekara bounced back to overcome aspiring shuttler Kenneth Aruggoda by 21-12 and 21-5 to seal the MBA Open Men’s Singles title for the third consecutive year. Varangana Jayawardana defeated Dulanya Karunarathna in similar fashion by 2-1, with set scores of 19-21, 21-12 and 21-13 to claim the MBA Open Women’s Singles title.
Thulith Palliyaguru partnered with Oshamika Karunarathna to overcome the duo of Jason Homer and Thavisha Samararatne in straight sets (24-22, 21-16) to claim the Open Men’s Doubles title, after pairing up with Panchali Adhikari to win the Open Mixed Doubles title to secure his double crown. Thulith and Panchali defeated Aashinsa Herath and Varangana Jayawardana in straight sets, with scores of 21-16 and 21-17. The Open Women’s Doubles title was claimed by Anurangi Masakorala and Praveena Wijesundara, who defeated Isuri Attanayake and Sithumi de Silva in straight sets by 22-20 and 21-16 after an absorbing battle.
In the Junior category, Dinew Wmalaratne and Nethmi Ratnayake secured the U-19 Boy’s and Girl’s Singles titles, with the former accounting for a double crown. Dinew was given a tough challenge by Senuth Perera, who squared the Boy’s Singles final after the eventual champion won the first set by 21-17 and conceded the second 16-21 to set a thrilling final set. Dinew claimed the final set 21-18 and secured the title by 2-1, after claiming the Boys’ U-19 Doubles title partnering with Keneth Aruggoda to defeat Thejana Herath and Mihila Jayaweera in straight sets, with scores of 21/13 and 21-16.
Nethmi Ratnayake defeated Dulanya Karunarathna in straight sets by 21-17 and 21-14, while the pairing of Isuri Attanayake and Sithumi de Silva went on to overcome Vinuthi Ranasinghe and Yenara Wickramasinghe by 2-1 to claim the Girls’ U-19 Doubles title. Isuri and Sithumi conceded the first set 16-21, but bounced back to claim the remaining two sets by 24-22 and 21-9 to emerge winners after a grueling battle.
The annual elite badminton competition conducted by Mercantile Badminton Association, attracted nearly 1900 shuttlers, who battled it out in 59 different events. A grand cash prize of Rs. 750,000 was on offer in addition to gifts and certificates at the event, which was held at the MBA, Sri Lanka Badminton and Otters courts from May 2nd to 10th with Elite Shutter stepping forward as the Main Sponsor. Other sponsors namely DMS, Hundred, Linning, Omrith, ATG, NST Enterprises, Mclarens Group, Mobil, Lanla Commodity Brokers, Gangani Tea Factory, Forbes & Walker Tea Factory, Green House Tea Factory, Palathota Uva Tea Factory and Sanda Hiru Productions contributed for the success of the nine-day event. Mrs Shanga Jayawicrama graced the awards ceremony as Chief Guest while Brian Gomes of Elite Shutter made his presence as the Guest of Honour.
