The Sri Lanka Tennis Association (SLTA) marked a significant milestone with the grand opening of its 14th center, the Ampara Tennis Complex, last week. The inauguration ceremony, held at the Ampara District Tennis Courts in Ampara, was graced by the presence of Inspector General of Police Deshabandu Tennakoon. Spearheaded by DIG Damayantha Wijayasri and Major General Wipula Chandrasiri RSP USP psc, and with unwavering support from Senthil Thondaman, the Governor of Eastern Province, and W.D. Weerasinghe, a dedicated member of parliament, the project came to fruition under the visionary leadership of Iqbal bin Issack, President of the Sri Lanka Tennis Association.

President Issack expressed his enthusiasm, stating, "We envision hosting numerous tournaments in the upcoming years, with the ultimate goal of organizing an esteemed international event right here in Ampara." He emphasized the association's commitment to fostering tennis not only in Ampara but also in other regions beyond metropolitan centers. With Ampara joining the roster of tennis hubs alongside Negombo, Kurunegala, Galle, Kalutara, Kandy, Batticaloa, Jaffna, and more, the sport is poised for exponential growth across the country.

Governor Thondaman pledged his full support, affirming, "I am dedicated to collaborating with the Provincial Education Ministry to mandate tennis as part of the school curriculum province-wide. Every child will have the opportunity to engage in tennis for one hour daily, fostering a culture of sportsmanship and physical activity from a young age.

In conclusion, the establishment of the Ampara Tennis Complex marks a pivotal moment in the journey of tennis development in Sri Lanka. With strong leadership, collaborative efforts, and unwavering dedication from all involved parties, the SLTA has laid the foundation for a thriving tennis community not only in Ampara but across the nation. As plans for future tournaments and initiatives take shape, supported by the enthusiasm of President Iqbal bin Issack and Governor Senthil Thondaman, the vision of making tennis accessible to all, from grassroots to international stages, is well on its way to realization. Through this collective commitment, tennis emerges as not just a sport but a catalyst for unity, growth, and empowerment in communities throughout Sri Lanka.