New-look SL U16 basketball teams ready for SABA challenge in Maldives Youth CAGERS Aim for Glory

By Susil Premalal

Sri Lanka’s fresh-faced Under-16 basketball squads – both boys and girls – are all set to fly the nation’s flag high as they head to the Maldives to compete in the FIBA Under-16 Asia Cup SABA Qualifiers 2025.

The regional tournament, which serves as the gateway to the prestigious FIBA Under-16 Asia Cup and FIBA Under-16 Women’s Asia Cup, will take place from June 12 to 15 at the Youth Centre Indoor Stadium in Male City.

The Sri Lanka basketball teams will leave for the Maldives today, Secretary, Sri Lanka Basketball Federation (SLBF) Dr. Chula Senaratne told the Daily Mirror.

The Sri Lanka men’s team will face the Maldives on June 12, Bangladesh on June 13 and India on June 14. The Sri Lanka women’s team will take on India on June12, Maldives on June 13 and Bangladesh on June 14.    

Aaron Gerald will be the Sri Lanka men’s team captain while Binuthi Sasena Ransadhi will be the Sri Lanka women’s team captain. Four South Asian nations – Sri Lanka, India, Bangladesh and host Maldives – will battle for regional supremacy and the golden ticket to the continental stage.

The SLBF has pulled out all stops in preparing these rising stars for their biggest international test yet. Backed by dedicated coaches, selectors, officials, parents and a dynamic executive committee, the teams are primed to showcase their talent on South Asia’s biggest youth basketball platform.

“We’ve invested time and care into identifying and grooming the best Under-16 talent from across the island,” said SLBF officials, expressing confidence in their charges’ ability to challenge the region’s best.

The SLBF extended appreciation to all sponsors and partners whose generous support has made this international participation possible.

Their backing has ensured that these young athletes get the exposure, training and international experience necessary for long-term development.

With Asia’s biggest youth basketball platform in sight, the SABA Qualifiers serve as the ultimate proving ground. A win here would not only earn Sri Lanka a spot in the FIBA Under-16 Asia Cup 2025 but also help fast-track the country’s development in youth basketball.

As the teams depart for the Maldives, the entire nation will be watching with hope and pride, cheering for the stars of tomorrow.

SQUADS

Sri Lanka Under-16 Men: Aaron Gerald (captain), Rashin Prabashwara Wijeweera, Himaru Tissera, Kavinda Angelo, Rasindu Nimsara, Vijan Nethmika Ferdinando, Ashain George Theverapperuma, Dulain James Theverapperuma, Navindu Damsiha, Methun Chethaka, Chelan Imeth Danell and Samuel Gerard Li Ming
Thinura Randika, Dhanesh Jedd Lockie (1st); Maneesha Devinka, Travis Kathuluwa (2nd)

Officials: Susil Udukumbura (Head Coach), Hiran Wijesuriya (Coach), Dilka Sirimanna (Manager), S. G. K. D. L. C. Prasad (School Delegate), Hashendra Fernando (Chef-de-Mission)
Sri Lanka Under-16 Women: Binuthi Sasena Ransadhi (captain) Sithuki Sihansa, Siheli Anujana de Mel, Safiya Maria Sethwalla, Tinara Shanali Perera, Maris Enaya, Dehansa Anuki, Minadie Nathania Fernando, Pramuditha Bhupali Kumarihamy, Yeheni Dinujana Ballalle, Sanuki Ronaya Nanayakkara and Fathima Taharah Arzoon

Shavinya Minulie Dabarera, Tiyan Aheesha Nathaliya Perera (1st); Tarisha Natharie de Silva, Chenuthi Yashasvie Senadeera (2nd)

Officials: Shane Daniel (Head Coach), Tharindu Naveen Fernando (Coach), Manori Wijayanayake (Manager), Hashendra Fernando (Chef-de-Mission).