Credit: Sri Lanka Volleyball Federation Facebook
Bangkok, Thailand, November 20, 2021 – The “Volleyball Legends Ceylon to Sri Lanka,” authored by Mr Susil Ranasinghe on the history of volleyball in Sri Lanka from 1954 to 2021, was launched on November 16 at Galle Muwadora Hotel Colombo, with many distinguished guests and former national players in attendance.
Inside the book appears the congratulations message from AVC President Mrs Rita Subowo.
“It is my pleasure and honor to share my message to the 3rd Journal in relationship to volleyball in Sri Lanka. It is not easy for any federation to develop volleyball in the country. Many tasks have been operated, such as making popularity among people, developing volleyball teams from grass root to national level, etc. Recognising national team players, from the past to present, will be one key factor to make former and current players proud.
“I am glad that Sri Lanka Volleyball Federation has recognised the importance of their players. I do hope that the activities will stimulate more young generation to be interested, and to participate in volleyball in the near future. I wish all success to Sri Lanka Volleyball Federation.”
Cuban Ambassador of Sri Lanka Andrew Marcelo Gonzalez, President of Sri Lanka Volleyball Federation Kanchana Jayaratne and Secretary of Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports Namal Rajapaksa jointly presided over the book launch event at the Sri Lanka Volleyball Convention.
SLVF Secretary General A. S Nalaka and the author/editor of the book Susil Ranasinghe, former SLVF general secretary, participated in the prestigious event.
In the event, the Sri Lanka Volleyball Federation also paid tribute to Mr Piyarathna Weerasinghe, the senior volleyball player alive in Sri Lanka. The 98-year-old born in 1924 represented the first national volleyball team in 1954. The honour was also went to Mrs Beatrice Chandralatha, who wore national colours including the first national women’s team in 1955.
Attending the launch event were many special guests involved in the volleyball game including former volleyball federation presidents Dilan Perera, Sunil Jayantha Navaratne, Eranga Weliangge.
Following the book launch, there was also a ceremony where the national veteran volleyball players were presented with “the Volleyball Legends” book to commemorate their service to the country.
“Volleyball is our national sport as well as a sport spread across many parts of the island. Volleyball history in the country is very rich with many talented players, who have been awarded over the years. I thank Mr Susil Ranasinghe and the Volleyball Convention for writing the book ‘Volleyball Legends – Ceylon to Sri Lanka’ for immortalizing those hidden legends,” Secretary of Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports Mr Namal Rajapaksa said in his speech.
“Volleyball is our national sport and is played in every corner of the island! It has rich history in Sri Lanka volleyball with many talented players who have won numerous accolades over the years! Grateful for the efforts of Mr Susil Ranasinghe and the Volleyball Federation for immortalizing them!”
Related links of AVC
AVC Website: click www.asianvolleyball.net
AVC Facebook: click www.Facebook.com/AsianVolleyballConfederation
AVC Twitter: click: www.twitter.com/AsianVolleyball
AVC Instagram: click: https://www.instagram.com/avcvolley/?hl=en
AVC Youtube: click: Asian Volleyball Confederation
AVC WeChat: Asian Volleyball Confederation