Kulathunga crowned HSBC Premier Golf Champ

HSBC Sri Lanka CEO, Mark Surgenor, presenting the HSBC Premier Challenge trophy to the Overall winner Deanath Kulathunga (right)

By Shamseer Jaleel

The 12th edition of the HSBC Premier Golf Tournament concluded at the picturesque Nuwara Eliya Golf Club, attracting a record participation of over 140 golfers that culminated in Deanath Kulathunga winning the top prize.
The annual event, which celebrates HSBC’s strong relationship with its Premier customers, offered a perfect blend of spirited competition, camaraderie and fine hospitality.
Kulathunga emerged as the overall champion, showing consistency and composure to card 41 points, clinching the coveted HSBC Premier Challenge Trophy. His top class performance also secured him a once-in-a-lifetime hospitality package to witness the 154th Open Championship at Royal Birkdale, England, scheduled for July 2026.
In the divisional categories, Chanaka Perera topped the A Division with 32 points while Thushara Rupasinghe claimed the B Division title with an impressive 40 points. Reyhan Morris took home the C Division title with 35 points and in the women’s category, Dinoo de Mel triumphed with 39 points.
The title for seniors also went to Kulathunga, completing a remarkable double victory. Among the special awards, Priyanga Hapugalle won the Putting-under –the-Stars contest, while Sathis Balasubramanium bagged both the Longest Drive and Nearest to the Pin accolades, underlining his all-round skill on the course.
The runner-up in each divisions were Sanjiv Vairavanathan (A), Romesh Abhayaratne (B), Mohamed Reva (C), Asiata Wijesekera (senior) and Anouk Chitty (women).
An elegant awards ceremony followed at the NEGC Club House where the winners and runners-up were recognised for their achievements and the tournament reaffirmed HSBC’s commitment to promoting golf among its valued clientele, blending sport and lifestyle in perfect harmony.