Born on May 11, 1991, in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Solange Kristina Gunawijeya has led a life marked by remarkable achievements in sports, particularly basketball and netball. Her journey is a testament to dedication, resilience, and a deep love for athletics.
Early Life and Education
From a young age, Solange displayed an extraordinary talent and passion for sports. By the age of 13, she had already represented the national basketball team in an international competition, marking the beginning of her illustrious journey. By 15, she was a member of both the national basketball and netball teams, representing Sri Lanka on the global stage.
Balancing sports and education was a significant challenge for Solange, especially during her school years at St. Joseph’s Girls School, Nugegoda. The year 2007 was particularly tough as she prepared for her Ordinary Level (O/L) examinations while traveling to various countries for competitions. Despite the demanding schedule, Solange managed to excel in both areas, studying on the ground, in courts, and even on airplanes.
Career Milestones
After completing her Advanced Level (A/L) examinations, Solange received an exciting contract offer from the Sri Lankan Navy basketball team. This opportunity marked the beginning of her professional athletic career. Over the next eight years, she proudly served the Sri Lankan Navy, contributing significantly to both basketball and netball.
Following her tenure with the Navy, Solange transitioned to a new professional chapter by joining Commercial Credit & Finance, a reputable financial institution in Sri Lanka. She continued to pursue her passion for sports by actively contributing to the institution’s sports club as a basketball player.
From 2005 to 2024, Solange dedicated 18 years to representing Sri Lanka in numerous international tournaments, including FIBA Asia Championships, FIBA South Asian Championships, FIBA Asia Under 18 and Under 20 Championships, FIBA Asia 3X3 Championships, and the Olympic Qualifiers in Austria. Her participation in these prestigious competitions earned her several international medals, including gold, silver, and bronze, and she was repeatedly recognized as the Most Valuable Player.
One of her most significant accomplishments was being named the Best Player four times at Sri Lanka’s National Sports Festival. However, the pinnacle of her career came in 2021 when she represented Sri Lanka at the Olympic Qualifiers, an incredibly prestigious achievement, especially following the COVID-19 pandemic.
Personal Life and Legacy
Solange credits her success to the unwavering support of her family and mentors. Her parents, Mother Nirosha and her late father Hiran, were her biggest motivators. Her sister Mishika and her beloved husband, Kavishka, whom she married in 2019, have also been constant sources of strength and encouragement.
Her coaches, Ajith Kuruppu for basketball, Desima Fernando for netball, and Tricy Nanayakkara for netball, played pivotal roles in shaping her athletic skills and career. Her school sports in-charge, Mrs. Chandani Gunawardhana, was instrumental in her early development as an athlete.
Solange’s legacy is not just in the medals and accolades but in the resilience and determination she has shown throughout her career. She has faced numerous challenges, including injuries, performance fluctuations, emotional breakdowns, and personal losses. The passing of her father was particularly difficult, yet she used these challenges as motivation, finding strength in adversity and overcoming every obstacle that came her way.
Anecdotes and Personal Stories
One of the most golden years of Solange’s life was 2013 when she achieved the distinction of being named the number one basketball player in Sri Lanka. It was also the year she was crowned Miss Sri Lanka for Miss Earth 2013, an honor bestowed upon her on the anniversary of her parents’ wedding. Representing Sri Lanka at the Miss Earth pageant in the Philippines and the Top Model of the World pageant in Egypt, where she won the title of Miss Sports Queen of the Year, were milestones in her diverse portfolio of achievements.
After relocating to the UAE with her family, Solange continued her sports career by joining a prestigious European club in Dubai. Balancing sports, education, and family responsibilities, she completed her MBA, a lifelong achievement that she is immensely proud of. Currently, she serves as a Senior Administrator at a leading airline company in the UAE.
Looking Ahead
Solange’s passion for basketball remains undiminished. She aspires to establish a small academy for aspiring young basketball players, sharing her experiences and nurturing future talents. Spending time with children, imparting her knowledge, and witnessing their growth brings her immense joy and satisfaction.
Reflecting on her journey, Solange is grateful for the life experiences that basketball has afforded her. She has no regrets and is forever thankful for the opportunities and lessons learned along the way. Solange Kristina Gunawijeya’s story is an inspiration to future generations, showcasing the power of passion, perseverance, and unwavering dedication to one’s dreams.
