(UTV | COLOMBO) – Former National women’s cricketer Sripali Weerakkody has become the first Sri Lankan woman cricketer to qualify as Master and Fitness Trainer in Australia. She has been certified by the Australian Institute of Fitness.
“This had been my dream as a female cricketer in the Sri Lankan National pool after 16 years of international cricket. Most people used to ask me why I was not to been seen on the field last year and this was the result of my absence,” the 34-year-old lower-order left-hand batswoman and right-arm medium-pacer Sripali Weerakkody said.
She further added “After years of intense study I have finally qualified internationally as a Master and Fitness Trainer by the Australian Institute of Fitness.” Weerakkody who rendered yeoman service as all rounder played 89 ODI’s taking 58 wickets while she has taken 31 wickets in her 53 T-20’s career She was also very useful low order batter with having 722 runs at ODI’s. At one stage she was the opening bowler with Chamani Seneviratne who also later captained the side.
Earlier she was a member of Kandyan Ladies Club , Slimline SC and later jointed Colts CC .She also completed a level two coaching course Sripali Weerakkody also said “Now I can train any international team and travel to any country for training with these qualifications”.
“I would love to join T20 teams, especially the IPL and BBL (Big Bash Leagues) because I love challenges and love to go with new strategies,” she added.
Sripali had dedicated her certificate and new journey to fitness trainer and famous Yoga Instructor Dr. Miuru Jayaweera, her business partner at Myrus Fitness company and Norman Kochannek, a tax specialist and her Australian friend and mentor.
Actually I want to thank Norman for being a father figure for me and throughout my academic journery.
Especially Dr Miuru Jayaweera if she was not there for me I wouldn’t have achieved it she was like my sister and best friend to me. Finally I would like to thank Dr Michael and Sri Lanka women’s team physiotherapist Tasneem for being there for her throughout her Academy journey added Weerakkody (Courtesy – DN)