In an inspiring journey from the courts of Sri Lanka to the basketball arenas of Australia, former national team captain Premila Fernando has become a standout figure in both refereeing and coaching, marking her presence in the world of basketball Down Under.
Fernando, who earned the distinction of being Sri Lanka’s first FIBA Women Referee in 2011, currently holds a Level 2 Referee qualification from Basketball Victoria while residing in Australia. Her referee career took flight during a domestic tournament in Sri Lanka in 2010, leading to the acquisition of the FIBA Referee License the following year.
Gaining international recognition, Fernando officiated in significant events like the 21st FIBA Asia Under-18 Girls Championship in Malaysia in 2012 and the 2nd FIBA Asia 3X3 Youth Games in China in 2013. Her refereeing prowess also extended to the Pan Pacific Masters Games held in Brisbane, Australia, in 2016, 2018, and 2022.
Upon her relocation to Australia in 2021, Fernando joined the Dandenong Basketball Association and obtained the Level 1 Referee License from Basketball Victoria. She quickly became a panel referee in the Victorian Junior Basketball League (VJBL), a major league for young Victorians, and officiated in the Kumon National Junior Classic tournament, a prestigious Australian event in which teams across Australia were taking part.
In April 2023, 42-year-old Fernando achieved another milestone, being promoted to a Level 2 Referee in Basketball Victoria, allowing her to contribute to the BigV Basketball League, a significant platform for professional players in Victoria.
Apart from her refereeing achievements, Fernando’s coaching journey is equally remarkable. Premila obtained her FIBA Level 1 coaching accreditation in 2013 and FIBA Level 2 coaching accreditation in 2015.
Starting as a volunteer coach in Sri Lanka in 2009, she went on to coach the Sri Lanka Navy Basketball team from 2010 to 2011. Her coaching stints at Colombo University and St Lawrence Convent Wellawatte, St. Joseph’s Boys College – Colombo 10 laid the foundation for the establishment of the True Basketball Academy in Sri Lanka in 2018.
In Australia, Fernando continued her coaching endeavors as the Assistant Coach of the Hampton Park Pioneers Under 12 team in 2020. She later founded the BE BALLERS BASKETBALL ACADEMY in Melbourne, along with her husband Jagath and another coach, imparting her knowledge to around 40 young players across two locations.
Breaking barriers, Fernando made history by becoming the first Sri Lankan female player to participate in a major Australian league, playing in the BIGV Basketball League. Her commitment to personal development is evident in her formal qualification, obtaining a Diploma in Leadership and Management from an Australian education institute.
Reflecting on her playing days, Fernando captained the Sri Lanka national Basketball Women’s Team, receiving accolades such as Asia’s second-best player in the 22nd FIBA Asia Championship in Korea in 2007. Her numerous awards include being named the Best Player in various tournaments, showcasing her skill and leadership on the court.
As Fernando continues to make an impact in Australian basketball, her story stands as a confirmation to perseverance, skill, and a passion for the game. Her role as a referee, player and coach paints a promising picture of a great career ahead in the vibrant landscape of Australian basketball.
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