Largest prize pool on offer at 110th Colombo Championship
One of Sri Lanka’s important tennis events, the Colombo Championships, will celebrate its 110th edition this year with remarkable milestones and a renewed dedication to nurturing local tennis talent. Held on the iconic clay courts of the Sri Lanka Tennis Association (SLTA), the 2025 edition is set to witness a record number of entries with the largest prize pool in its history—2.5 million rupees, a leap from last year’s 1.7 million. The ‘A’ grade tournament will draw players from across the country.
“This is one of the oldest ‘A’ grade tournaments in Sri Lanka. We are honoured to host it once again on our six clay courts, especially with a record number of entries this year,” Sria Minasinghe, the President of the SLTA Playing Section, stated at the launch of the tournament, reflecting on the competition’s enduring legacy.
Prasantha Dissankayake (R) of Vision Care handing over the sponsorship - Pic by M.A. Pushpa Kumara
Minasinghe emphasised the tournament’s core mission of inspiring the next generation of local tennis players to rise through the ranks and eventually compete on a regional stage. The three-week tournament will comprehensively cover all aspects from player logistics to extending opportunities for participants from regions such as Ampara and Matara.
Speaking at the event, Prashanth Dissanayake, Captain of SLTA Playing Section, revealed the local governing body’s vision for the future.
“Last year, we gave out Rs. 1.7 million, and this year the prize pool is much bigger. In five years, we aim at hitting Rs. 10 million,” Dissanayake said, underlining the belief that greater investment will elevate the standard of competition and strengthen the local tennis scene.
“We dream of this becoming the ‘Colombo Open’—a true flagship event that draws South Asian talent. This isn’t just about tennis. It’s about building a sporting identity for Sri Lanka,” he added.
The Open categories include Men’s Singles and Doubles, Women’s Singles and Doubles, and Mixed Doubles. Junior competitions will cover Boys’ Singles in the Under-12 to Under-18 age groups, along with Boys’ Doubles in the Under-14, Under-16, and Under-18 categories. Similarly, Girls’ Singles will be contested similarly, with Girls’ Doubles also held for Under-14, Under-16, and Under-18 categories.
The Senior categories include Men’s Singles for Over-35, Over-45, Over-55, and Over-65 age groups, as well as Men’s Doubles across the same age brackets. Women’s Senior events include Singles and Doubles for the Over-35 and Over-45 segments.
Vision Care continues its commitment as the title sponsor for the 11th consecutive year. Managing Director of Vision Care Optical Services, Janaka Fonseka stated, “We believe sport is vital for the health of the nation and are strongly committed to supporting the Colombo Championships. The objective of the tournament is in line with our corporate objectives. And as such, we want to be part of the wonderful event.”
With the first serve set for April 25, the tournament is scheduled to complete within three weeks, with the finals falling on May 17.