Sri Lanka Squash (SLS) successfully concluded the 37^th Sri Lanka Junior National Squash Championship 2026, reaffirming the country’s growing strength in junior squash and the bright future of the sport. The championship brought together the nation’s finest young talent, who competed across multiple age categories in an exciting display of skill, determination, and sportsmanship.

The tournament once again highlighted the effectiveness of Sri Lanka Squash’s grassroots development programme, providing young players with an invaluable platform to compete at the highest national level while preparing them for future international competition.

The prestigious Under-19 titles were claimed by two outstanding young athletes. Manuth Sandira Dassanayake of Gateway College emerged as the Junior National Boys’ Champion 2026, while Ifra Shasmin Booso of St. Paul’s Girls’ School, Milagiriya, secured the Junior National Girls’ Champion 2026, capping off an impressive tournament with commanding performances.

Manuth Sandira Dassanayake enjoyed a remarkable championship, capturing both the Boys’ Under-17 and Boys’ Under-19 titles to establish himself as one of Sri Lanka’s most promising junior players. Similarly, Ifra Shasmin Booso demonstrated exceptional consistency by winning both the Girls’ Under-17 and Girls’ Under-19 championships, further cementing her status among the country’s elite junior athletes.

The championship also witnessed several outstanding performances across the age groups, with emerging players making their mark in the Under-9, Under-11, Under-13, Under-15, Under-17, and Under-19 categories, as well as the Novice Divisions.

In recognition of their exceptional performances and future potential, Sithumli Ruhansa Mendis of Gateway College was awarded the Most Promising Junior Girls’ Player of the Year 2026 – Wing Commander Noel Fernando Challenge Shield, while Nevan Rubasinghe of Royal College received the Most Promising Junior Boys’ Player of the Year 2026 – Air Marshal VB Zoysa Challenge Shield for his outstanding performances throughout the championship.

The successful completion of the 37^th Junior National Squash Championship marks another important milestone for Sri Lanka Squash as it continues to strengthen its junior development pathway. With a new generation of talented players emerging through the national championship system, Sri Lankan squash is well positioned to build on its recent international successes and produce future champions capable of competing on the Asian and world stages.

The closing ceremony was graced by Mr. Asanka Galbadarachchi, Head of Finance, UB Finance PLC, as the Chief Guest, while Mr. Dammika Wijesundara, former President of Sri Lanka Squash, attended as the Guest of Honour. Mr. Chinthaka Gamage, Head of Marketing, UB Finance PLC, attended the event as the Special Guest. The ceremony was also attended by the President of Sri Lanka Squash, Group Captain Eranda Geeganage, Secretary Eranga Alwis, and members of the Executive Committee, who joined in congratulating the winners and commending the efforts of all participants, coaches, parents, match officials, and organizers for making the championship a resounding success. Sri Lanka Squash extends its sincere appreciation to all players, coaches, parents, schools, officials, sponsors, and volunteers whose continued dedication and support have played a vital role in the successful conduct of the championship and the ongoing development of squash in Sri Lanka.