Sri Lanka Universities Sports Association
SLUSAWhat really is The Sri Lanka Universities Sports Association, commonly referred as SLUSA, is the sport governing body of the Sri Lankan university system. With its inception in 1980, the SLUSA has been doing a pioneering role to develop sports in State Universities. Since then, the SLUSA caters to all the national universities that fall under the Universities Act No.16 of 1978 and undergraduates Admission Selection by the University Grants Commission of Sri Lanka. Currently, 14 universities of the country are have obtained the membership of the SLUSA. How was SLUSA established What does SLUSA really do? in the first place? The overall objective of SLUSA is to promote The idea to initiate a series of Inter- and develop physical education, competitive and University sporting events was first recreational sports in the National Universities brought forward by the two time Olympian administered by the UGC. Over the years, and Sri Lankan boxing champion Mr. sports activities in Sri Lankan Universities have Leslie Handunge with an aim of fostering increased and SLUSA has contributed positively a closer relationship among the students, towards this development. in the then established three universities in Ceylon, improving the performance of The Vision of SLUSA universities in various. In 1965 the very first trial Inter-University event was held To promote and expand access to sports and between the three existing universities at physical education enabling everyone to have that time and it was a great success. the opportunity to participate in quality sports and physical literacy experiences For the first time in 1969, the Ceylon University Sports Association was The Mission of SLUSA formed under the presidency of Dr. K.W.Gunawardene, which later went on To promote and encourage students to to be known as the Sri Lanka University participate in competitive and recreational Association in 1980. The first Sri Lanka sports by providing correct guidance, quality University Games, commonly known as facilities and a conducive environment the “SLUG”, was held in 1980 from March 16 to 24 at the University of Peradeniya. From 1980, this distinguished sports festival is held once in a three years in one of the universities in Sri Lanka. 4 | Sri Lanka Universities Sports Association
a message from “Chairman University Grants Commission (Sri Lanka) It gives me great pleasure to congratulate the Sri Lanka Universities Sports Association (SLUSA) on the launch of the first-ever “SLUSA Magazine.” I am confident that a magazine like this will be extremely beneficial to Sri Lanka’s university sports fraternity. When university students are unable to participate in their normal sports activities due to Covid 19’, I believe that this Magazine will serve as a motivational guide for students to engage in physical activities even while at home and to strive to achieve success in sports. I would like to thank the President of SLUSA Dr. Chandrakantha Mahendranathan and the entire Executive Committee of SLUSA for taking this initiative to empower university sports and to showcase the best of our university students’ talents to the rest of the world. Launching a Magazine for the first time is not an easy task and SLUSA has achieved that in such a short time with great pride and dedication. For the first time in the history of UGC a Standing Committee on Sports has been appointed by the Commission to facilitate all the sports activities in universities. At the CVCD the importance of the momentum in sports activities were highlighted and decided to strengthen sports in the entire system. Further, I sincerely wish all students engaged in sports all the success even during pandemic. Senior Prof. Sampath Amaratunge Chairman, UGC
Member Universities of SLUSA University of University of University of University of Peradeniya Colombo Kelaniya Sri Jayewardenepura University of University of Jaffna University of Eastern University Moratuwa Ruhuna of Sri Lanka Sabaragamuva University Rajarata University South Eastern University of Sri Lanka of Sri Lanka of Sri Lanka Wayamba University Uva Wellassa University University of of Sri Lanka of Sri Lanka Visual & Performing Arts 6 | Sri Lanka Universities Sports Association
a message from “Vice-Chairman University Grants Commission (Sri Lanka) It is with great pleasure that I would like to convey my thoughts on this occasion of publishing very first sports-based magazine by Sri Lanka University Sports Association (SLUSA). We have considered the immense contribution made by SLUSA to enhance sports activities in universities at both local and international level and is highly commendable. The 1st edition of the magazine highlighted the best of the 2019 and 2020 university sports related achievements and activities and will be the starting point of many more editions as this is to be published annually in the future. I hope that the magazine will highlight the major university sports events in the country. At this juncture, I would like to mention that inorder to encourage university students more into sports, the University Grants Commission (UGC) has taken an initiative to form a Standing Committee on Sports and Physical Education for the first time in UGC history. The UGC, empowered by Section 4(2) of the Universities Act No. 16 of 1978, as and when required appoints Standing Committees for specific purposes, consisting of such members and with such powers, duties and functions as may be determined by the Commission. The main role of the Standing Committee on Sports and Physical Education would be to function as the advisory body to UGC and vigorously pursue/promote sports and physical education in universities. We have understood the difficulties faced by students and personnel involved in sports activities in Universities and the efforts taken by SLUSA to represent Sri Lankan University students in Inter University Games. In this regard we are planning to work with SLUSA in the near future. I hope that this magazine will be a very good platform especially for national sportsmen and sportswomen to share their thoughts, ideas and experiences etc. Senior Professor Chandana P. Udawatte Vice-Chairman, UGC Chairman, Standing Committee on Sports and Physical Education-UGC
www.fisu.net www.ausf.org 8 | Sri Lanka Universities Sports Association
a message from President Sri Lanka Universities Sports Association “It is with a heart of gratitude and joy that I pen down the following words as I am proud to say that the Sri Lanka Universities Sports Association (SLUSA) is for the first time ever, launching a sports-based magazine called “SLUSA Magazine” which will showcase best of our university sports, here in Sri Lanka. This year, the magazine will include highlights of major events that took place in 2019 and 2020 and will feature the major international and national achievements during this period. The magazine will also include contributions from the University Students that will cover trending topics in sport. This year’s International Day of University Sports (IDUS) celebrations are filled with an array of events and competitions for students to participate in. I am glad that the SLUSA Magazine and the rest of all these events will motivate our students to maintain a healthy lifestyle and to ensure their engagement in physical activities during this pandemic period. Undoubtedly, in addition to physical activities, such innovative steps with regard to sports, would certainly enhance their skill development and thus make their future still brighter. I would like to thank the SLUSA Executive Committee Members for putting a lot of effort into this project and specially I would like to thank the newly appointed FISU Student Ambassadors for taking the initiative and making sure this magazine is a success. Lastly, I would like to mention the team members from various university media units who have put a lot ofeffort into designing and creating the content of this magazine. I am confident that this magazine will be a big motivation for our university students and will serve as an educational guide for everyone reading. I hope you enjoy reading! Dr. (Mrs.) Chandrakantha Mahendranathan President, SLUSA ”
a message from Secretary General Sri Lanka Universities Sports Association “It is my privilege to welcome you to this inaugural edition of the SLUSA Magazine, which has featured the best of university sports, at both local and international level. This year’s edition will include the best of the 2019 and 2020 university sports related achievements and activities, highlights of the major university events in the country including the Sri Lanka University Games held in 2019, interviews with rising national sportsmen and sportswomen who are studying at state universities, and the best articles submitted by university students covering trending topics and themes. I hope this will be the starting point of many more editions that will be published annually in the future. We all agree that the intellectual capacity and functionality of undergraduates are mainly based on knowledge acquired in lecture theaters, laboratories and libraries. However physical well being and personality which are equally important in the grooming of successful individuals are engendered by sports and other extracurricular activities. Sports and Physical Education activities build character, personality and team spirit of undergraduates and it enhances the competencies in leadership. The outbreak of the COVID 19 pandemic since 2020 has been so disruptive to the local and international sports movement. We are also experiencing one of the most critical periods of all time with the temporary closure of Universities and suspension of onsite sports activities. Nevertheless, SLUSA has taken all possible steps to engage undergraduates in sports and Physical Education activities. This magazine is also one positive step towards serving as a motivational guide for students to engage in physical activities even while at home and to strive for greatness in sports. On behalf of the SLUSA, I would like to extend my sincere thanks to the Chairman of UGC, Vice Chairman of UGC, Vice Chancellors of SLUSA member Universities, International University Sports Federation (FISU), Asian University Sports Federation (AUSF), Executive Committee and all the members of SLUSA, FISU Student Ambassadors and the group of students who have partnered with SLUSA to launch a successful Magazine, University Media Units, Sports Councils and Amalgamated Clubs of Universities, all article writers and the others who have contributedin many ways to make this magazine a reality. Rohini Antony Puvanasingam, Secretary General - SLUSA
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SLUSA.OFFICE.BEARERS President Dr. Chandrakantha Mahendranathan Eastern University, Sri Lanka Vice President Mr. K.R.D.C. Rathnamudali University of Moratuwa Vice President Mr. R.J. Wellassa Wayamba University of Sri Lanka Vice President Mr. S.U. Wijesinghe Rajarata University of Sri Lanka Secretary General Mrs. Rohini Puvanasingam Eastern University, Sri Lanka Treasurer Mrs. Ramani Kulathilake University of Jayewardenepura Recorder Mr. G.G.U. Saman Kumara University of Kelaniya Tournament Secretary Mr. Sanjeewa Jayasinghe University of Colombo Assistant Secretary Mr. J.P. Anusha De Silva University of Colombo Assistant Treasurer Mr. Dilshan Priyadarshana University of Jayewardenepura Assistant Tournament Secretary Mr. S. Thibakaran Eastern University, Sri Lanka
a message from Vice President Dear SLUSA Friends, I take great pride and honor in learning that you will be celebrating the International Day of University Sport (IDUS) for the second consecutive year on the 20th of September, 2021. It is even more thrilling that this year’s celebration of the International Day of University Sports will unveil a great initiative; launching the first ever SLUSA Magazine. This is a big step taking University Sports in Sri Lanka to a higher level documenting the achievements both national and international. While I am personally honored to be part of this history in the making, in Uganda we were very privileged in 2018 during the 3rd World University Netball Championship to have been joined by SLUSA in the IDUS celebrations. SLUSA left a footprint and the legacy leaves on. Working with the FISU Student Ambassadors for Sri Lanka to commemorate the International Day of University Sport (IDUS 2021 is in line with the FISU mission to host events around the globe and contribute to the development of leaders. Its about training today’s star becoming tomorrow’s leaders. Among others, the day aims at confirming the importance of sport in universities and the role of universities in the community as responsible actors for consolidating and developing quality physical and sport education at the service of citizens. IDUS falls within the framework of a multidisciplinary educational project insisting on the need for physical and sport education programs, sports facilities and scientific studies in universities, with the purpose of fostering social inclusion, minorities integration and anti-doping, combating non-communicable diseases and the ongoing development of scientific research in the field of physical education and sport. Congratulations SLUSA and all the best as we celebrate the Internal Day of University Sports. Peninnah Kabenge Aligawesa Vice President – FISU Secretary General – FASU President- Association of Uganda University Sports SLUSA Magazine 2021 | 35
What ? is Fédération Internationale du Sport Universitaire or FISU Vision International University Sports Federation A world where the leaders of society are (FISU) is the highest-level organization positively influenced by their university that drives the role and reach of university sport experience. sports around the world. FISU offers opportunity and inspiration to students FISU Mission around the world to play sport. The health, wellbeing, and experiences that students To provide opportunity for all students gain from sport help them become to participate in physical activity, while exemplary leading members of society. acting for their health and wellbeing Hence, FISU’s motto of Excellence in Mind and thereby helping them become and Body. tomorrow’s leaders. In keeping with this adage, FISU organizes world-class sports and educational events, all with the mission of providing university students with the opportunities to pursue excellence in mind and body. At the heart of the university sports movement lies FISU’s sports events – summer edition of the FISU World University Games, winter edition of the FISU World University Games, FISU World University Championships, and the FISU University World Cups. Across the totality of its events, the FISU sports program covers more than 60 sports. In addition to the sports competitions, FISU stages educational events and programs that offer students opportunities for individual development, networking, exchange of ideas and collaborative learning. 36 | Sri Lanka Universities Sports Association
a message from AUSF President Asian University Sports Federation Dear Dr. Chandrakantha Mahendranathan, SLUSA President, Dear student athletes, Dear friends, On behalf of Asian University Sports Federation (AUSF), I would like to extend our warmest congratulation to Sri Lanka University Sports Association (SLUSA) on the publishing of a dedicated edition of magazine as one of the series of activities to mark the International Day of University Sports celebration to be held in Sri Lanka in 2021. Sri Lanka University Sports Association has been playing an active role in promoting the development of physical and culture education through sports among universities students in Sri Lanka and Asia. Especially under the leadership of Dr. Chandrakantha Mahendranathan, SLUSA has taken flexible and creative measures to organize and participate in the national and international sports events in response to the COVID-19 pandemic crisis. In 2020, we were delighted to see SLUSA took active part in the Asian University Chess Championship, AUSF Run Challenge and organized individual activities in celebration of IDUS, providing opportunities for university students to engage with each other through sports activities and build up confidence for students to conquer the health crisis. SLUSA set a good model for the other member federations. In 2021, AUSF will organize Chess and Cheerleading Championships, Run Challenge for IDUS celebration in September and October; 11th General Assembly in November and 3rd FISU-NUSF seminar in December, all by virtue of online manner. I expect to see more Sri Lanka student athletes and friends in those events. Hope to share your achievements and experiences to manage sport events under the challenging situation. By coping with the pandemic situation, we are more aware of the importance of physical activities to create a better world for not only for our youth, but also for the ones around them and we are more aware of our duty and responsibility as a sport organization than ever. I firmly believe that being together, hand in hand, we can reach the other shore. AUSF will be always fully supportive to your federation. Last but not least, I wish your IDUS celebration activities a big success. I wish all your sport events a big success. I wish you all the best, stay safe and sound. Dr. XUE Yanqing AUSF President
history of The Asian University Sports Federation Japan, Mongolia, Hong Kong, Indonesia, (AUSF) established in 1992 aims at Malaysia, Chinese Taipei and Thailand providing a platform for all university happened to meet and discuss on the students in Asia to exchange and interact development of university sports in their through sports. The national university country/region. They all felt the importance sports federation in each country/region of mutual support in the development of may apply for membership of AUSF and university sports and the initial idea of join all programs and events organized by forming a regional/continental federation the Federation. As of Nov. 2016, AUSF has a came out naturally. There were two total of 38 members. When the Federation subsequent meetings held in Hong Kong was established in 1992, there was only 10 in February 1990 and in Kuala Lumpur in founding members; membership of AUSF August 1991 respectively to prepare for has grown significantly in the last twenty the establishment of the Asian University years. Sports Federation as an umbrella society in development of the university sports in At the World University Games held in Asia. Organizational structure, purpose, Duisberg, Germany in August 1989, leaders and the constitutions were drafted and of the delegations from Korea, China, agreed at these two meetings.
FISU Student Chathuri Hashani Mevan Induruwa Ambassadors University of Kelaniya University of Ruhuna 2021/22 Former FISU Student 2018-2020Ambassadors Mahela Bandara Akhila Nilaweera Ranoj Norbert Themiya Damruwan University of Ruhuna University of Colombo University of Ruhuna University of Colombo NUSF Student FVLA 2020/2021 Representatives Harini Jayamaha Tilan Neelaruwan Kaveendra Pathirage Keashan Wijayasinghe University of Colombo South Eastern University University of Kelaniya University of of Sri Lanka Sri Jayewardenepura SLUSA Magazine 2021 | 39
a message from the Ambassadors We are absolutely delighted to be a part of such an amazing project. We are excited to say that our initial vision has become a reality and all the hard work that we put into it has finally paid off. The ‘SLUSA Magazine’ is a tribute to the entire University Sports Movement around the world especially during these times, in the light of the current pandemic, where we have succeeded in giving everyone a taste of what university sports was, is and will always be, here in Sri Lanka. No hurdle can stop us from achieving our full potential and the ‘SLUSA Magazine’ is a living testament of that. The magazine will feature so many different aspects of Sri Lanka’s major achievements and milestones within the years 2019 and 2020 and will feature many different forms of contributions from the students themselves. We would like to thank SLUSA for giving us this unique opportunity to do something that had never been done before. We are also grateful to the Presidents of the University Media Units for trusting us and nominating their own Designers and Editors to support our project. We are so thankful to the set of students who put so much effort and work into this project throughout the course of six weeks. We would also like to thank our fellow FISU Student Ambassadors who are still supporting us in so many ways. It has been a privilege working with all of you and we hope this magazine will continue to shine brightly in the years to come. Mevan Induruwa and Chathuri Hashani FISU Student Ambassadors (2021/22) 40 | Sri Lanka Universities Sports Association
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