CHINA BAY, Trincoamlee, January 12 Monday (ePRESS) – Retired Wing Commander Lakmal Gunawardena and Praveena Dunuville emerged as the standout champions as the Monsoon Cup Golf Championship 2025, organized by Sri Lanka Air Force, reached a successful climax at the scenic China Bay in Trincomalee over the weekend.
In the Men’s Open category, Lakmal Gunawardena produced a composed and technically sound performance to clinch the overall title, reading the conditions superbly and maintaining consistency throughout the round. His calm course management separated him from a strong field. Retired Wing Commander Nalin Bentaraarachchi finished as runner-up after a steady showing that kept pressure on the eventual champion until the closing stages.
The Women’s Open title was won by Praveena Dunuville, who displayed control, confidence, and excellent short-game skills to top the leaderboard. Her victory reflected patience and tactical discipline in difficult playing conditions. Nilu Jayathilake claimed the runner-up position after a consistent round that kept her firmly in contention.
The Eagles’ Monsoon Defence Challenge Trophy, open only to tri-services golfers, was won by Asantha Gunaratne of the Sri Lanka Air Force. His all-round game and strong finishes on key holes earned him the coveted title. The runner-up position in this category went to Mevan Perera, a Lieutenant Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy, who impressed with disciplined shot selection.
Several skill-based awards added further colour to the championship. Jayalath Weerakkody won the Nearest to the Pin – Men, with the award presented by Amal Perera, Commander China Bay, accompanied by Asanka Rathnayake, Group Captain and Senior Officer Protocol.
The Commander’s Island Green Award was claimed by Prabath Wijekoon, while the Longest Drive – Monsoon Cup Defence Challenge (Men) went to Mangala Munmullage, presented by Thakshila Nadeeshani, Secretary of SLAF Golf, accompanied by Thushan Fernando, Wing Commander.
In other distance awards, Sandra Cadien won the Longest Drive – Women, while Buddhika Amarasinghe claimed the Longest Drive – Men in the open category. Air Chief Marshal Jayalath Weerakkody also finished as Gents Runner-up in the Eagles’ Monsoon Defence Challenge Trophy.
Special recognitions, including the Best Loser – Wooden Spoon and Tokens of Appreciation, were also presented, reflecting the inclusive and sporting spirit of the tournament. A special acknowledgement was extended to Sirath Kasturirathne and sponsor Aviana Ceylon for their continued support.
The fourth edition of the Monsoon Cup was organised by the Sri Lanka Air Force Eagles Golf Links with the sponsorship of Aviana Ceylon, and played at the picturesque China Bay Air Force Eagles Golf Links near the Trincomalee harbour.
The awards ceremony was held on January 11, 2026, under the patronage of Dhammika Dias, Director General Air Operations, highlighting the event’s importance in the local golfing calendar.
The championship featured intense competition in both Open Men’s and Open Women’s categories, while also running parallel contests for the prestigious Eagles’ Monsoon Defence Challenge Trophy, reserved exclusively for golfers from the tri-services.
– ENDS –
