Sri Lanka’s match official and tournament referee Dharaka Ellawala was officially accredited the ‘Silver Badge’ for refereeing last week, by the International Tennis Federation (ITF) which is the official body for tennis.
One of Sri Lanka’s most experienced referees, Dharaka has been involved in the match officiating arena for over a decade and played many roles from line umpiring to the extent of holding the position of tournament referee.
The Silver Badge accreditation is a rare feat achieved by few and is the second Sri Lankan to achieve the status after Asitha Attygalle who is currently working for Tennis Australia. The ITF referees are usually a silver badge or gold badge referee. In order to qualify to become an ITF qualified referee, initially one has to sit for an exam for a white badge.
Thereon, based on one’s performance in the local and international circuit, the silver and gold badges are awarded.
Ellawala will be an ITF representative referee in Sri Lanka, directly enlisted under the international refereeing body.
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