J. W. Henry Boteju, who dominated Sri-Lankan billiards throughout the 1980's, made a successful come-back to the National Billiards Championship, by adding the 2001 title to his collection. Popularly known as "King Henry", Boteju defeated W. A. J. Weerasinghe in the final of the competition which had attracted a total entry of 250 players. The pre-tournament favourite, K. H. Sirisoma, was defeated in the semi-finals by Weerasinghe. The prize money amounting to 50,000 rupees (£380) & handsome trophies were distributed by the Hon Salinda Dissanayake. The highest break in the competition was 256 by Boteju.