TTASL launches its High Performance Development Programme

The 9th of July 2021 will with no doubt be carved as a milestone date in the history of Table Tennis in Sri Lanka. Table Tennis is one of the sports in Sri Lanka, picked by the National Sports Council in their drive to improve its players’ performance. The National Sports Council and the High Talent Committee, chaired by Mr. Mahela Jayawardene, are currently in the process of concluding agreements with National associations for sports, recommending that national and international achievements are made a priority.

Eight players consisting of four (4) men and four (4) women are selected recipients of the High Performance Development Program, which concludes in December 2022. The aim, to win medals in international events, specifically with a target of achieving competition success at the commonwealth games to be held next year. On the instructions of Minister Namal Rajapaksa, a sum of Rs. 35.0 million was allocated under this program with the intention of enhancing and encouraging the talents of table tennis players. The allocated amount will meet the cost associated with training and coaching, equipment, competing in other international events and upkeep of players, till its conclusion.

The ground breaking agreement was signed on behalf of the Ministry of Youth and Sports by the Director General of the Department of Sports Development Mr. Amal Edirisuriya and the Minister of State, Kanaka Herath, President of the Sri Lanka Table Tennis Association -- minister Namal Rajapaksa graced the occasion to witness this historic event and had a chat with all the players once the formalities concluded. The signing Ceremony was restricted to a few Officials of the Ministry, the sports council, the TTASL and the eight HPD players, due to Covid prevention regulations.

In another development towards a better future for Table Tennis, the Association will be getting its own indoor stadium in Bandaragama alongside with a pool and other facilities. The complex is to be leased to the TTASL and this matter was made possible by the successful discussion between Kanaka Herath and Namal Rajapaksa. Once the renovation works are completed, the High Performance players will train in this premises which will also be the new headquarters of the TTASL. Arrangements to start the construction of a hostel facility is also finalized and the signing ceremony will be held soon.

Herath, the president of the TTASL stated that, with the High Performance grant and with the Indoor facility aimed at turning out the High Performance players, there is only one direction that the sport can take from this day on and that is to reach the top. Whilst he thanked the Minister for Sports, Namal Rajapaksa, the Sports Council Members, Director of Sports and the officials of the TTASL, told the players that now it is up to them to prove themselves and bring honour to Sri Lanka.

For this specific purpose, a separate High Performance Development Committee has been appointed within the TTASL and is headed by one of its Vice Presidents, Ms. Sadisi Peiris. The Committee members comprise mostly of former National Players.