In an exciting final at the Youth Services Centre in Maharagama on Sunday, the Sri Lanka Army Men’s Volleyball Team and the Sri Lanka Air Force Women’s Volleyball Team emerged victorious at the 18th MUNCHEE National Super League Volleyball Championships organized by the Sri Lanka Volleyball Federation.
The Army Men’s Team sealed their victory by overcoming the Sri Lanka Electricity Board (CEB) Team with a 3-1 scoreline (25-22, 25-13, 18-25, 25-19). Despite facing a setback in the group stages against the tough CEB team, the Army rallied back in the finals. Key national players Nalin Sajeewa Karunaratne, Wasantha Lakmal, Isuru Madushana, and Manoj Seneviratne played crucial roles in securing the title.
Sajith Kelumratne, a talent from Moneragala who recently joined the Sri Lanka Army, received the Best Player accolade. The team, managed by Captain Thenuka Malinda and coached by Sumith Jayalal, received support from top officials including Army Commander Lt Gen. Vikum Liyanage, Army Volleyball Chairman Maj Gen Manjula Kariyawasam, Sports Director Brigadier Godewatte, and Vice Chairman Brig Rohan.
In a historic achievement for the Sri Lanka Air Force Women’s Team, they claimed a 3-0 victory (25-21, 25-18, 25-17) against the Sri Lanka Army Women’s Team. Just four months ago, the Air Women had faced defeat in the Defence Service Volleyball Championship against the Army, which comprised six players from the national team.
Led by the sole national player Iresha Umayangani, the Air Force Women’s Team celebrated a special moment as JWP Thushari was named the Best Setter and Most Valuable Player. Thushari’s outstanding all-around performance, covering passing, setting, and attacking, played a pivotal role in the team’s success.
Coach Samansiri Seneviratne, credited with innovative training methods, including extensive beach training, expressed satisfaction at the team’s success. The victory marked a turnaround for the Air Force Women, who had previously lost to the Army in the Defence Services Tournament held a few months ago. Reflecting on the team’s remarkable journey, Coach Samansiri stated, “It was the turning point of the match.”
Front Row (from left): Amandi Balasuriya, team captain Chathurika Ranasinghe, Thilini Sewwandi, K Lasinia, Amani Kaushalya, Shanika Priyadarshani, Naduni Himansala, Malsha Priyamali, JW Thusharni, Sachini Charuka, Iresha Umayangani.
Second Row (From left): Assistant Coach Fernando, Ruwani Thakshila, Piyumi Bhashini, Assistant Secretary KKJ Vimukthi, Air Force Volleyball Chairman Air Commodore Padman de Costa, Manager Dissanayake, Coach Samansiri Seneviratne, Assistant Coach Nilanga Rukshan, Dinesha Prasadini, Masesuear DM Nuwani, Managress Ms Wickramage.
