Aaron Gerald, the captain of the St. Joseph’s College Under-17 team, has been appointed as the skipper of the Sri Lanka Under-16 side for the upcoming South Asia Basketball Association (SABA) Under-16 Qualifiers. The tournament will be held in the Maldives from the 12th to the 15th of June 2025 at the Youth Center Indoor Stadium in Malé City. The Sri Lanka Basketball Federation has meticulously selected a 15-member squad from the national selection trials, comprising the finest youth basketball talents in the country.
This will be a quadrangular tournament, featuring Under-16 teams from Sri Lanka, India, Bangladesh, and the host nation, the Maldives. It is a crucial fixture for all participants, as the champions of this regional tournament will secure a coveted spot in the prestigious FIBA Under-16 Asia Cup.
Fifteen-year-old prodigy Aaron Gerald, a towering forward standing at 184 cm, has been entrusted with the captaincy. His appointment comes as no surprise given his exceptional youth career. Under his leadership, St. Joseph’s College has enjoyed significant success in all-island junior tournaments. Aaron is a seasoned campaigner who has already earned national colours, having represented Sri Lanka at the previous FIBA Under-16 Asia Championship and the SABA Qualifiers held in Qatar.
Supporting him in the leadership group is Dulain James Theverapperuma of Gateway College, Colombo, who has been appointed vice-captain. Playing as the team’s point guard, Dulain will be a key figure in leading the defensive unit, while Aaron steers the attacking front.
The remainder of the squad consists of highly talented and versatile players who are hungry for success against any formidable opponent. With the right chemistry and team cohesion, this spirited side has every potential to bring home the silverware.
Sri Lanka Under-16 Boys Squad
Aaron Gerald (Captain – St. Joseph’s College – Forward)
Dulain James Theverapperuma (Gateway College, Colombo – Point Guard)
Rashin Prabashwara Wijeweera (St. Peter’s College, Bambalapitiya – Point Guard)
Himaru Tissera (St. Peter’s College, Negombo – Forward)
Kavinda Angelo Ramanayake (St. Thomas’ College, Mt. Lavinia – Point Guard)
Rasindu Nimsara (Prince of Wales College, Moratuwa – Forward)
Vijan Nethmika Ferdinando (Prince of Wales College, Moratuwa – Forward)
Ashain George Theverapperuma (Gateway College, Colombo – Forward)
Navindu Damsiha Waduwavala (Gateway College, Colombo – Center)
Methun Chethaka Wijendra (Asian International College, Colombo – Power Forward)
Chelan Weerasinghe (St. Thomas’ College, Mt. Lavinia – Center)
Samuel Tsung (Gateway College, Colombo – Forward)
Thinura Randika (Richmond College, Galle – Forward)
Maneesha Devinka (Maris Stella College, Negombo – Shooting Guard)
Ryan Liyanage (Maris Stella College, Negombo – Power Forward)
Team Officials
Susil Udukumbura (Head Coach)
Hiran Wijesuriya (Assistant Coach)
Dilka Sirimanna (Manager)
S. G. K. D. L. C. Prasad (School Delegate)
Hashendra Fernando (Chef-de-Mission)
Fixtures
June 12
India vs Bangladesh
Sri Lanka vs Maldives
June 13
Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh
India vs Maldives
June 14
Sri Lanka vs India
Maldives vs Bangladesh
June 15
Third Place Match
The Final
 Under-16 Qualifiers. The tournament will be held in the Maldives from the 12th to the 15th of June 2025 at the Youth Center Indoor Stadium in Malé City. The Sri Lanka Basketball Federation has meticulously selected a 15-member squad from the national selection trials, comprising the finest youth basketball talents in the country.){kind=link}