Among the many roles he has embraced as a businessman, philanthropist, media pioneer, and cultural advocate Mr. Jagath Sumathipala’s dedication to sports, particularly billiards and snooker, remains one of his most impactful and often understated contributions to Sri Lanka.
His journey with cue sports began in the 1980s, during a time when billiards and snooker were considered niche sports, with limited access to international platforms. Determined to change that, Mr. Sumathipala took bold steps to bring global attention to Sri Lanka’s emerging talent and passion for the game.
A Historic Milestone: Hosting the 1988 Asian Snooker Championship
In 1988, under his leadership and personal involvement, Sri Lanka hosted the 5th Asian Snooker Championship a landmark event that brought some of Asia’s finest cueists to Colombo. This historic tournament placed Sri Lanka on the regional snooker map and inspired a new generation of players to pursue the sport professionally.
Support for National Icons: Championing Muhammad Lafir
Mr. Sumathipala was also one of the key supporters of Muhammad Lafir, Sri Lanka’s first world billiards champion. Recognizing Lafir’s talent and legacy, he sponsored international tours and events, giving Lafir the platform he deserved to showcase his skills and represent the nation proudly.
This personal and financial backing reflected not only Mr. Sumathipala’s love for the game but also his belief in empowering individuals who bring pride to the country.
Sustained Development of Cue Sports
Beyond individual contributions, Mr. Sumathipala has consistently advocated for the development of billiards and snooker at grassroots and professional levels. His efforts helped establish better training infrastructure, organized tournaments, and created awareness about the sport among youth.
His vision has always been clear: to elevate cue sports from a pastime to a respected discipline within Sri Lanka’s sporting ecosystem.
Sustained Development of Cue Sports
Today, many of Sri Lanka’s top cueists acknowledge the role Mr. Sumathipala has played in their journeys through infrastructure, exposure, and encouragement. His involvement with the sport spans over threedecades, and his influence continues to resonate in every cue strike played in local clubs and national competitions.
As Sri Lanka looks to the future of sports, Mr. Jagath Sumathipala’s legacy in billiards remains a shining example of how vision, leadership, and personal passion can transform entire sporting disciplines.