The launch of the Colombo District Junior Pool, consisting of 62 young shuttlers with medal potential was held last week at the Sri Lanka Badminton (SLB) Indoor Courts in Colombo. The initiative, spearheaded by the national programme of the Regional Development Committee (RDC) of SLB, was the first in 2025, where 62 young and talented Under-13 badminton players were included into three (3) training programmes conducted by the RDC.
Young shuttlers, who were among the Under-11 National Ranking as at December 31st, 2024, were also included into the three training programmes. In addition young players who reached the final stages of the National Championships from the Under-13 age category, as well as those who were among the top finishers at Ranking Tournaments sanctioned by SLB were picked into the training programmes. The final list consisted of 72 young badminton players, covering the four zones of Colombo district.
The formation of the Colombo District Pool was held last week after a rigorous process where 62 aspiring shuttlers were included. The selected shuttlers will be provided with playing kits, training facilities, shuttles, court facilities and coaching guidance through the development programme of the RDC, who will keenly look into the development of these youngsters. The main intention of this programme, according to Mr. Roshan Gunawardene, the Chairman of the RDC and Vice President of SLB, is to elevate the overall standards of deserving young shuttlers, who could bring glory to Sri Lanka by winning international medals in time to come.
Mr. Gunawardene, who was present at the launch of the Colombo District Pool of RDC, explained SLB’s intention through the programme to the selected 62 young players and their parents present at the event. Mr. Rohana de Silva of RDC elaborated the benefit of following accepted technical aspects for the development as medal-winning shuttlers. Mr. Palitha Hettiarachchi of the RDC explained the core intention of the development programme, while introducing Player Contracts to the selected shuttlers.
>>Asalanka, Theekshana steer Sri Lanka to 1-0 lead<<
The event concluded with a fun-filled interactive programme conducted by Coach Mr. Bimal and former national champion and Coach Ms. Nadeesha and the formation of the Colombo District Pool Parents’ Committee. Coaches for the intended training programme will be selected by SLB through interviews of their SLB Coaches’ Development Committee. The event was sponsored by McLarens.
 Indoor Courts in Colombo. The initiative, spearheaded by the national programme of the Regional Development Committee (RDC) of SLB, was the first in 2025, where 62 young and talented Under-13 badminton players were included into three (3) training programmes conducted by the RDC.){kind=link}