The Mercantile Netball Association (MNA) was founded with a vision to promote netball within Sri Lanka’s corporate sector, providing professionals with a platform to showcase their athletic talent while fostering teamwork and sportsmanship.
What began as a small inter-company tournament decades ago has now grown into one of the most anticipated events in the corporate sports calendar. Over the years, MNA has witnessed unparalleled growth, bringing together teams from leading organizations across industries, including banking, telecommunications, IT, finance, and logistics.
With each passing year, MNA has not only elevated the standard of corporate netball but also strengthened its community, empowering women in sports and enhancing workplace wellness through netball.
Mrs. Thamara Dharmakirti Herath
Miss. Kumudini Gomes
Mrs. Shirani Perera
Mrs. Jayanthi Somasekaram De Silva
Each of these leaders contributed immensely, ensuring MNA continues to evolve and inspire generations of corporate athletes.
MNA was founded under the visionary leadership of Mrs. Thamara Dharmakirti Herath, a former Sri Lanka Netball Team player who competed in the 1987 Netball World Cup. Her leadership not only established MNA as a key force in corporate netball but also brought innovation and inclusivity to the sport. Mrs. Herath also served as President of the Netball Federation of Sri Lanka (NFSL) from 1996 to 2001, a defining era for Sri Lankan netball.Further. She is the first Sri Lankan Asian President and nominee for World Netball Presidency during her tenure. Mrs. Sherlene Vanzanden, the first Secretary of MNA, played a crucial role in shaping the association’s early success.
In 2001, Miss Kumudini Gomes, a national-level netballer, took over as President. With the support of Mrs. Hasanthi Gunesekara as Secretary, she steered MNA through challenges, including interruptions due to the war, until 2013.
In 2014, Mrs. Shirani Perera, a senior netball umpire, was appointed President, while Mrs. Jayanthi Somasekaram De Silva became Secretary. Under their leadership, MNA revitalized its Annual Tournaments, reinstating their prestige and vibrancy. Upon Mrs. Perera’s retirement in 2015, Mrs. De Silva, a former National Netball Captain with extensive international experience, became President. Mrs. Sanjeevani Wanasingha, another national netballer, joined as Secretary.
In 2022, following Mrs. Jayanthi De Silva’s retirement, Mrs. Sanjeevani Wanasingha assumed the presidency, bringing her wealth of experience in both playing and administration. Mrs.Lakmini Wadugodapitiya has been serving as Secretary since 2021.
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