In a remarkable achievement that underscores his dedication and passion for the sport, international umpire Lakpriya Edirisinghe has been elevated to the status of a semi-professional umpire for the 2024-2026 cycle by the Badminton World Federation (BWF). This significant milestone not only serves as a testament to Edirisinghe’s unwavering commitment but also shines a spotlight on the growing influence of Sri Lanka in the global badminton arena.
Edirisinghe’s journey to becoming a semi-professional umpire has been characterised by his profound knowledge of the game, unwavering fairness, and an exceptional ability to remain calm under the intense pressure of high-stakes matches. These qualities have set him apart as a distinguished figure in the world of badminton officiating.
Edirisinghe’s status as a well-recognised umpire accredited with the BWF is a testament to his dedication to perfecting his craft. He honed his umpiring skills through the Badminton Asia Confederation’s Umpiring program, setting the stage for a career that has seen him officiate in more than 100 international badminton tournaments. These include marquee events like the Commonwealth Games, Youth Olympic Games, and three World Badminton Championships, where his role as an umpire and technical official has been instrumental in ensuring fair play.
Notably, Edirisinghe also had the honor of officiating at the Tokyo Paralympic Games, further highlighting his versatility and expertise in the sport.
One of the recent standout moments in Edirisinghe’s career was his officiating role at the USA-hosted World Junior Championships in 2023, where he showcased his expertise and professionalism on the international stage. Prior to this, he had already left an indelible mark by officiating at prestigious tournaments such as the Ireland Para International 2022, Malaysia Open 2022, the India Open Badminton Championship in New Delhi, and the ElPozo BWF World Senior Championships 2021 held in Spain.
Beyond his technical prowess as an umpire, Edirisinghe has also been a source of inspiration for aspiring young players. His commitment to upholding the principles of fairness and sportsmanship has made badminton a more enjoyable and equitable sport for everyone involved.