Vajira Netthikumara elected new Netball President

By Susil Premalal

Newly elected SLNF President Vajira Netthikumara (left) and Secretary Damayanthi Jayathilaka (right) addressing the media

Vajira Netthikumara, a long-serving netball administrator from the Kalutara District Netball Association, was elected as the new president of the Sri Lanka Netball Federation (SLNF) yesterday with a clear majority of votes. Damayanthi Jayathilaka of the Gampaha District Netball Association was elected as the new secretary.

The election, conducted under the supervision of a four-member election committee led by retired Supreme Court Judge Ayrangani Perera, was held at the Duncan White Memorial Auditorium of the Ministry of Sports. This move comes as part of the ministry’s efforts to restore the SLNF administration after a prolonged period of inactivity.

Netthikumara, who has served as president of the Kalutara District Netball Association for many years, secured 16 votes to win the SLNF presidential post. Her opponent, Deshika Vitarana, representing the Public Services Netball Association, received only four votes.

Netthikumara’s daughter, Rukshi Netthikumara, had also been nominated for the presidential position representing the Kandy District Netball Association. However, she withdrew her candidacy to allow her mother the opportunity to serve, a gesture that received widespread appreciation.

In the election for Secretary, Damayanthi Jayathilaka received 17 votes, defeating Shiromi Kuruppu of the Ratnapura District Netball Association, who obtained seven votes. Jayathilaka is a former national netball player who represented Sri Lanka at the international level and captained the national team that won the Asian Netball Championship. She has also previously served as Secretary of the SLNF.

The positions of Treasurer and Assistant Treasurer were uncontested. B.D. Sumithra (Public Services) was appointed Treasurer, while D.R.C.S. Tennekoon (Public Services) was appointed Assistant Treasurer.

The new administration now faces two major challenges this year:

winning the 14th Asian Senior Netball Championship in Hong Kong and securing qualification for the 2027 Netball World Cup in Sydney.

SLNF New Office Bearers:
President: Vajira Netthikumara (Kalutara)
Vice Presidents Two: Kumarihami Tennkoon (Kandy) and Thamara Paragoda Liyanage (Galle)
Secretary: Damayanthi Jayathilaka (Gampaha)
Assistant Secretary: Nishanthi Liyanage (Kurunegala)
Treasurer: B.D. Sumithra (Public Services)
Assistant Treasurer: D.R.C.S. Tennekoon (Public Services)
Tournament Secretary: Kanchana Wilarachchi (Torrington SC)