Reshan and Kaya claim Rukmini Kodagoda Trophy in style
View(s):Reshan Algama and Kaya Daluwatte emerged as the biggest winners at the 2025 Sri Lanka Junior Match Play Championship for the Rukmini Kodagoda Trophy, organised by Sri Lanka Golf (SLG) and sponsored by Perera & Sons, which concluded on Friday at the Royal Colombo Golf Club. Their victories not only brought them top honours but also earned them valuable World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) points, after the SLG secured world ranking status for the tournament.
In the Boys’ Gold Division final, Algama was tested by surprise finalist Thangadorai Deshan, who had knocked out higher-ranked players earlier in the week. Deshan fought back to level the match halfway, but Algama’s calm and skilful play helped him close out the contest 3 & 2 to claim the trophy.
Reshan Algama receives the Trophy from Srima Seneviratne (sister of Rukmani Kodagoda) while Avishka Perera(l), Director Business Development, Perera & Sons and Suresh Subrabaniam(r), President Sri Lanka Golf Union look on.
In the Girls’ Gold Division final, Daluwatte was in total control against Aaraadhi Samararatne. She dominated from the outset and sealed an emphatic 7 & 6 win, underlining why she is already making an impact in international golf.
The Silver Division brought more closely fought finishes. In the Boys’ final, Thejas Rathiskanth beat Lavidu Premarathna 2 & 1, sinking a vital putt on the 17th hole. In the Girls’ final, Genuli Weerakoon edged out Sithara Lorance 2 up after a tense battle.
The Bronze Division finals saw Revaan Amarasinghe defeat Yuvan Rathiskanth 3 & 2 to take the Boys’ title, while Vihara Herat overcame Mihnelli Herat 2 & 1 in the Girls’ title match.
The youngest champions came from the Copper Division. Abhiman Abeywardhana edged India’s Ryan Advik 1 up in a tense Boys’ final that went to the last hole. In the Girls’ final, Dulkini Kangara claimed a commanding 4 & 3 victory over Ananya Kishanthan.
Kaya Daluwatte rreceives the Trophy from Srima Seneviratne (sister of Rukmani Kodagoda) while Avishka Perera(l), Director Business Development, Perera & Sons and Suresh Subrabaniam(r), President Sri Lanka Golf Union look on.
The skills challenges also provided plenty of excitement: Chip, Pitch and Putt Competition – Winner: Aniruth Bawneethen; Runner-up: Senumi Sahansa
Closest to the Pin (5th August) – Girls: Anumi Karunathilaka (6ft 5in); Boys: Thejas Rathis (5ft 6in)
Longest Drive on the 8th Hole – Boys: Gold Division: Varun Fernando; Silver Division: Thejas Rathiskanth; Bronze Division: Revaan Amarasinghe; Copper Division: Abhiman Abeywardhana. Girls: Gold Division: Kaya Daluwatte; Silver Division: Kaitlyn Norton; Bronze Division: Sanjalee Dhanodya; Copper Division: Ananya Kishanthan.
At the awards ceremony, Sri Lanka Golf President and National Olympic Committee Chairman Suresh Subramaniam praised the players for their skill, focus and sportsmanship. He thanked parents, coaches, sponsors, officials and the junior committee led by Sri Lanka Golf Secretary Anouk Chitty, with special appreciation to Perera & Sons for their sponsorship.
“This event celebrates our local talent and puts Sri Lankan junior golf on the world map,” Subramaniam said. “The quality of play this year will surely attract more international players in the future.”