1. www.catswebnews.lk, Sports 2026

DIMO Marks the Successful Conclusion of the 32nd MercedesTrophy Sri Lanka 2026, Celebrating 140 Years of Mercedes-Benz Excellence and Enduring Customer Relationships

Dr. Praveena Dunuvila, Ms. Ruwani Desinghe, Ms. Fransica De Mel, Mr. Nalin Jayathilaka, Mr. Manjula Lanerolle, Ms. Usha De Silva,  Mr. Sriyantha Rajapaksha, Mr. Srinath Rajapaksha, Mr. Lanka Amarapala, Mr. Kushal Johnpillai, Mr. Chaminda Prabhath, Mr. Sameera Ganegoda, Mr. Roshan Silva, Mr. Nirthaj Seelanatha, Mr. Kapila Dandeniya

DIMO, the only authorised agent for Mercedes-Benz in Sri Lanka with 85+ years of Authority in Automotive Excellence, successfully concluded the 32nd MercedesTrophy Sri Lanka 2026, held from 5th to 7th June in Nuwara Eliya. Bringing together Mercedes-Benz customers from across the country, the prestigious tournament once again reinforced its position as the most exclusive and anticipated event in Sri Lanka's golfing calendar.       
With Mercedes-Benz celebrating 140 years of innovation and engineering excellence globally and MercedesTrophy marking its 32nd anniversary in Sri Lanka, this year's event carried particular significance. The three-day event, which took place in the picturesque setting of Nuwara Eliya, skillfully blended competitive golf, luxury hospitality, exclusive customer engagement, and unforgettable lifestyle experiences that embodied the enduring values of the Mercedes-Benz brand.
Commenting on the success of the event, Ranjith Pandithage, Chairman of DIMO, said, “Through a shared appreciation of performance, prestige, and camaraderie, MercedesTrophy continues to bring together our cherished Mercedes-Benz customers. As we celebrate Mercedes-Benz's 140-year legacy and the 32nd MercedesTrophy in Sri Lanka, we are proud to keep creating exceptional experiences that strengthen the long-lasting relationship between our customers, DIMO, and the Mercedes-Benz brand.” 
The event commenced with the Chairman's Cocktail hosted by DIMO at the Nuwara Eliya Golf Club, providing participants with an opportunity to connect and celebrate their shared passion for the Mercedes-Benz lifestyle. Golfers competed at the historic Nuwara Eliya Golf Club on tournament day, and guests enjoyed the carefully curated Central Highlands Driving Experience to Piduruthalagala, which highlighted Mercedes-Benz's reputation for performance, comfort, and engineering excellence. The tournament's top performers were recognized at the "Class of Its Own" MercedesTrophy 2026 Awards Night and Gala Dinner, which took place at the Grand Hotel's Governor's Lawn.
Fran de Mel, one of the tournament's top performers, won the Senior Division Women's title, while Sriyantha Rajapaksha won the Senior Division Men's category. Usha de Silva won Handicap D (Women), Lanka Amarapala secured Handicap C, Sameera Ganegoda won Handicap B, and Srinath Rajapakse claimed top honours in Handicap A in the main competition categories. Additionally, Nirthaj Seelanatha for Nearest to the Pin and Pravina Dunuwille for Closest to the Line received special awards.
The most exclusive awards of the night – The Mercedes-Benz Perfection Driving Experience in the Arctic Circle, Sweden - were clinched by Usha de Silva (Handicap D), Lanka Amarapala (Handicap C), Manjula Lanerolle (Handicap B), and Srinath Rajapakse (Handicap A). . Through a specifically designed international driving programme, participants will have the chance to interact directly with the Mercedes-Benz brand and witness the AMG driving performance, first-hand. The winners of the previous year took part in a special G-Class Driving Experience in Graz, Austria.    
MercedesTrophy continues to be a testament to DIMO's dedication to developing meaningful customer experiences that go beyond mobility. DIMO continues to provide Sri Lankan customers with exceptional opportunities to engage with the Mercedes-Benz world in memorable and engaging ways through globally renowned initiatives like MercedesTrophy, all the while fostering a community united by a shared passion for excellence.
The successful conclusion of MercedesTrophy Sri Lanka 2026 once again highlighted the enduring bond between Mercedes-Benz, DIMO, and their valued customers through a shared commitment to distinction, performance, and world-class experiences.

23.06.2026

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CDB Powers MCA T10 Cricket Tournament 2026

By Vipula Amarasinghe

Reaffirming its continued commitment to sports, Citizens Development Business Finance PLC (CDB), in partnership with the Mercantile Cricket Association (MCA), launched the CDB MCA T10 Cricket Tournament 2026 at a media conference held at the Association on 17 June 2026, marking the commencement of the third edition of the tournament.

Supporting the tournament as title sponsor for a second consecutive year, CDB continues to champion corporate sport as a platform for fostering teamwork, discipline, and performance excellence. The much-anticipated 2026 edition brings together 26 teams across 2 divisions. Tier A comprises 6 teams competing in 10 matches, while Tier B features 20 teams contesting 44 matches, delivering a total of 54 matches of T10 cricket.

The semi-finals are scheduled to be played on 26 June 2026, followed by the final on 28 June 2026 at the CCC Grounds under lights.

Sasindra Munasinghe, Executive Director – Sales and Business Development at CDB, remarked, “The CDB MCA T10 Tournament reflects values that are central to how we operate – discipline, teamwork, and performance under pressure. Our partnership with MCA enables us to contribute to a platform that brings the corporate community together through sport while encouraging excellence on and off the field.”

MCA President Sirosha Gunatilake expressed his appreciation for the continued partnership between CDB and the Mercantile Cricket Association. “We highly value our partnership with CDB, which has continued to strengthen mercantile cricket and support the development of cricket in Sri Lanka. Through partnerships such as the CDB MCA T10 Tournament, corporate organisations play a vital role in nurturing sporting talent and creating opportunities for cricketers to excel and represent the country. I firmly believe that this strong partnership between CDB and MCA will continue for many years to come, contributing significantly to the growth of mercantile cricket and Sri Lanka's cricketing landscape.”

Through the CDB MCA T10 Tournament, CDB continues to support initiatives that strengthen corporate engagement and contribute to broader community development, using sport as a unifying force that extends beyond the workplace. The third edition is expected to further elevate the standard of corporate cricket in Sri Lanka, reinforcing its position as a key fixture on the corporate sporting calendar.

22.06.2025

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CARNAGE Launches the Carnage Athlete Foundation with a Commitment to Building the Next Generation of Champion Athletes

As Sri Lanka's leading active wear brand, CARNAGE is taking its commitment to sport beyond apparel by investing in the next generation of athletes. Through the Carnage Athlete Foundation, the brand aims to nurture and support talent capable of representing Sri Lanka on the global stage.
The Foundation has formally announced its athlete development initiative under the banner, “Building the Next Generation of Champion Athletes,” reinforcing its commitment to identifying, nurturing and elevating extraordinary sporting talent across Sri Lanka.
Dedicated to supporting athletes who embody not only physical excellence but also character, resilience and the drive to inspire others, the Foundation aims to create opportunities for sporting talent to grow and excel both nationally and internationally.
As part of its launch, the Carnage Athlete Foundation has introduced three featured athletes whose journeys reflect the initiative's values and aspirations.
Among them is Sujan Perera, Captain of the Sri Lanka National Football Team. Recognised as a leader on and off the field, he brings technical quality, competitive spirit and the ability to inspire those around him. His captaincy reflects excellence, accountability and a relentless will to compete.
The Foundation also features Khalid Osman, Triathlete, Ironman 70.3 competitor, and Resilience Ambassador. Having lost his eyesight at the age of 26, Khalid rebuilt his life through determination and perseverance. Today, he is recognised as the first visually impaired individual from Sri Lanka to compete in five Ironman 70.3 events. His achievements span competitions and marathon participation across Paris, Singapore, Japan, Jordan and Sri Lanka.
Speaking about his journey, Khalid says, “I don't compete despite my challenges. I compete because of them.”
Also featured is Darren Sonal Tranchell, a high-performance junior rower from Sri Lanka. Competing across multiple age categories and open events both locally and internationally, Sonal has distinguished himself through discipline, commitment to continuous improvement and competitive consistency. The Foundation is proud to support him at this important stage of his sporting development.
“We’re not interested in short-term inspiration or one-off success stories. What matters to us is what happens over time. The early mornings, the setbacks, the discipline when no one is watching. We’re building long-term systems that take raw talent in Sri Lanka and turn it into world-class performance that can stand on any stage.” Joel Tillekeratne, Founder and CEO of CARNAGE, envisioned.
Through its athlete-focused approach, the Carnage Athlete Foundation seeks to create meaningful opportunities for talented sportsmen and sportswomen while contributing to the growth of Sri Lanka's sporting future.
For interviews, features and media enquiries, please contact the Carnage Athlete Foundation media representative, Kelum Weththasinghe, on kelum.weththasinghe@incarnage.com.

19.06.2025

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Black Knight Powers Ella Archers in Sri Lanka's Fastest-Growing Sport

By Vipula Amarasinghe

Black Knight and the Ella Archers unveil the team's official jersey. From left: Ayendree Seneviratne – Player, Ella Archers; Dhilvan Herath – Captain, Ella Archers and Dulith Kulathunga, Brand Manager – Male Grooming Category, Black Knight.

Black Knight, a leading personal care brand within the ICL Brands (Pvt) Ltd. portfolio, has officially announced its partnership as Title Sponsor of the Ella Archers franchise ahead of the Sri Lanka Padel League (SLPL) 2026, marking the occasion with the unveiling of the team's official jersey at ICL Brands Headquarters in Colombo.
The partnership brings together one of Sri Lanka’s most recognised personal care brands and a franchise preparing to compete among the country’s leading padel talent when SLPL Season 2 takes centre stage from 18th to 21st June 2026 at Padel House, CR&FC, Colombo 7. The tournament is expected to showcase the continued rise of padel, one of the world’s fastest-growing sports, while strengthening its growing presence in Sri Lanka.
Black Knight’s association with the Ella Archers reflects a shared spirit built on confidence, energy and performance. Confidence, self-expression and performance have long been central to the brands identity. Those qualities align naturally with padel, a sport that combines athleticism, strategy and intensity, while attracting a growing community of players and supporters across the country.
Commenting on the partnership, Chethika Rajapakshe, Marketing Director, ICL Brands (Pvt) Ltd., said, “Black Knight has always stood for confidence, individuality and the drive to perform at your best. Padel reflects many of those same qualities. Its rapid growth, youthful energy and competitive spirit make it an exciting platform for us to engage with a new generation of sports fans and athletes. Ella Archers is a team that has demonstrated ambition, character and a strong competitive mindset, making them an ideal partner for Black Knight. We look forward to supporting the team throughout the tournament and celebrating the continued growth of padel in Sri Lanka.”
The jersey unveiling offered supporters and stakeholders a first look at the colours the Ella Archers will carry into competition, signalling the beginning of an exciting campaign as the team prepares to take on some of the nation's finest talent.
As anticipation builds ahead of the opening serve, Black Knight's partnership with the Ella Archers adds further momentum to a tournament that continues to attract growing interest from players, brands and fans alike. The collaboration reflects Black Knight's commitment to championing emerging sporting platforms while standing behind individuals who compete with confidence, determination and purpose.

18.06.2025

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Maliban Biscuits Crowned Champions of Stafford Motors MCA G Division T20 Tournament

By Vipula Amarasinhe

Maliban Biscuits has once again demonstrated its winning spirit both on and off the field, emerging undefeated champions of the Stafford Motors MCA G Division T20 Cricket Tournament 2026, following a commanding seven-wicket victory over Brandix Apparel in the tournament final held at the MCA Grounds.
The Maliban team delivered an outstanding all-round performance throughout the tournament, remaining unbeaten on their way to lifting the prestigious Honda Trophy. In the final, Maliban's bowlers restricted Brandix Apparel to 103 runs before the batting unit comfortably chased down the target with more than three overs to spare.
The victory reflects the dedication, teamwork, discipline, and determination that have become hallmarks of the Maliban team, both in the workplace and on the sporting field.
Leading the championship-winning side was Captain Tharindu Siriwardhana, supported by Coach Anjula Perera and a talented squad comprising Chamara Rathnayaka, Dilan Alwis, Dilip Sandaruwan, Gihan Ranasinghe, Dilantha Sanjeewa, Tharindu Fernando, Sameera Lakmal, Manchuka Nadun, Mohamed Shilmi, Chathuranga Dewapriya, Aruna Nuwan, Kelum Madushanka, and Asiri Samarasinghe.
Several Maliban players also received individual honours for their exceptional performances throughout the tournament. Mohamed Shilmi was named Best Batsman of the Tournament, recognizing his consistency and contribution with the bat. In the final, Tharindu Siriwardhana was awarded Player of the Final, while Chamara Rathnayaka secured the Best Bowler of the Final award and Gihan Ranasinghe was named Best Batsman of the Final.
Congratulating the team on their achievement, Thilanka Salpitikorala, Group Chief Financial Officer at Maliban Group of Companies stated, "We are immensely proud of our cricket team for this remarkable accomplishment. Their success reflects the values that define Maliban: commitment, teamwork, perseverance, and excellence. Winning this championship while remaining undefeated throughout the tournament is a testament to the dedication shown by every member of the squad. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the players, coaching staff, and everyone who contributed to this memorable victory."
As one of Sri Lanka's most trusted and enduring brands, Maliban continues to encourage employee engagement through sports and wellness initiatives that foster teamwork, leadership, and personal development. The latest championship victory stands as another proud milestone in the company's commitment to nurturing sporting excellence while building a culture of achievement both within and beyond the workplace.

15.06.2026

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Colombo Athletic Football Academy becomes the first Sri Lankan team to be invited to the prestigious IBER cup in Portugal

By Vipula Amarasinghe

The team for IBER Cup- Akein Ekanayake (captain), Adnaan Ali, Shatein Saheed, Aamish Wasim,  Nathan  Samuel, Arian Singh, Senal Arsecularatne, Yasiru Dissanayake, Nicolas Stefan, Myron Fernando, Thashwin Sudharshanan, Amaan Morris, Deigo Mudiyanselage, Umar Mashood, Ethan Fonseca, Aaron Fernando

Academy makes history as one of the first Sri Lankan team selected for one of the most prestigious youth football tournaments in the world

Colombo Athletic Football  academy has made history by becoming the first Sri Lankan football academy to receive an invitation to the Iber Cup, held annually in Portugal and widely regarded as one of the most important youth football tournaments in the world.
The invitation is a landmark moment for Sri Lankan football, with Colombo Athletic joining an elite group of academies from across the globe that compete in this prestigious tournament each year.
The Iber Cup has served as a launchpad for some of the biggest names in world football today. Among its distinguished alumni are Bernardo Silva and Rúben Dias of Manchester City, Rafael Leão of AC Milan, Vitinha, Gonçalo Ramos, and João Neves of Paris Saint-Germain — players who now compete at the very highest levels of the game.
What makes this achievement even more remarkable is that Colombo Athletic’s academy is just fifteen months old. In under two years, the club has established itself on the international stage, earning recognition from tournament organisers who invite only the best youth academies in the world.
Central to Colombo Athletic’s rapid rise is its long-term collaboration with the AC Milan Academy Junior Camp. The club has adopted the renowned AC Milan development methodology, instilling world-class training systems, technical discipline, and footballing philosophy in its young players from the ground up. It is this commitment to the Milan system that is widely credited with earning the academy its coveted invitation to the Iber Cup. The Colombo Athletic team trains as Thurstan grounds as its home base.
” We are so excited, that in just 15 months since our start we have taken this giant step of being invited to one of the most prestigious youth tournaments. Whatever the outcome we are so grateful for this opportunity. This exposure will mean a lot for your Sri Lankan players. We are first academy in Sri Lanka which has a collaboration with AC Milan. This provides us with a base to teach a successful system which is called the ‘Milan Method’. We tarin on this system and it is bearing fruit. Insert quote from Academy Director / Founder / Head Coach],” says Ajai Vir Singh, President, Colombo Athletic Football Club / AC Milan Junior academy camp Sri Lanka.
The club’s participation in the Iber Cup represents not only a milestone for Colombo Athletic, but a defining moment for youth football development in Sri Lanka — signalling that the island nation is ready to compete with the world’s best.
The Colombo Athletic also offers annual scholarships to under privileged but talented players from across the island.
The academy is sponsored are Prima Kothumi, Mastercard, Cinnamon Grand, Sorrell, Health Scan and patronage of three important individuals.

11.06.2025

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වලෝක පාපන්දු කුසලාන වේක්ෂක කලාපය (FIFA Fan Zone 2026) විවෘත කිරීවේ උත්සවය අමාතය විජිත ව ේරත්වේ ප්‍රධ්‍ානත්වවයන්ද.

ශ්‍රී ලංකාවේ ක්‍රීඩා සංචාරක කවෂේත්‍රය නව මානයකට ඔසවා තබමින්, 2026 FIFA වලෝක පාපන්ු කුසලාන තරඟාවලිය සජීවීව විකාශය වකවරන නිල පාපන්ු වේකෂක කලාපය (FIFA World Cup Fan Zone 2026) වකාළඹ, වකාටුව ග්‍රෑන්් ඔරියන්ටල් ව ෝටලය ඉදිරිපිට වයෝර්කක වීදිවේදී ඊවේ (11) නිල වශවයන් ආරම්භ විය. විවේශ කටයුතු අමාතයතුමාවේ ප්‍රධානත්වවයන් පැවැත්ුණු වමම සමාරම්භක උත්සවවේදී, වමරට පාපන්ු ක්‍රීඩාවේ අනාගතය, යටිතල ප සුකම් සංවර්කධනය ස සංචාරක කවෂේත්‍රවේ නව පිබිදීම පිළිබඳව සුවිවශේෂී කරුණු රැසක අමාතයවරයා විසින් වමහිදී අනාවරණය වකරිණි. වමහිදී විවශේෂ ප්‍රකාශයක සිුකරමින් අමාතයවරයා සඳ න් කවළේ, ශ්‍රී ලංකාව තුළ ජාතයන්තර මට්ටවම් පාපන්ු ක්‍රීඩාංගනයක ඉදිකිරීම සඳ ා ප්‍රතිපාදන ස ාය ලබාදීමට ජාතයන්තර පාපන්ු සම්වම්ලනය එකඟ වී ඇති බවයි. පසුගිය වසවර්ක FIFA උප සභාපතිවරයා වමරට කළ සංචාරවේදී ඇති කරගත් එකඟතාවයකට අනුව, ශ්‍රී ලංකා ආවයෝජන මණ්ඩලයට අයත් මීගමුව කවඩාල්කැවල් ක්‍රීඩාංගන භූමිය වම් සඳ ා වතෝරාවගන ඇති අතර, එහි මූලික නනතික කටයුතු වම් වන විටත් ආරම්භ කර තිවේ. වමමඟින් අනාගතවේදී ජාතයන්තර පාපන්ු තරඟාවලි ශ්‍රී ලංකාව තුළ සත්කාරකත්වය දැරීමට මඟ පෑවදන අතර, එය මීගමුව ආශ්‍රිත සංචාරක කවෂේත්‍රවේ දියුණුවටද විශාල පිටුව ලක වනු ඇත. ක්‍රිකට් ක්‍රීඩාව වමන්ම පාපන්ු ක්‍රීඩාවද ජාතයන්තර මට්ටමට ඔසවා තැබීම තුළින් වමරට තවමත් උපරිම ප්‍රවයෝජන වගන වනාමැති ක්‍රීඩා සංචාරක කවෂේත්‍රය සීඝ්‍රවයන් දියුණු කළ ැකි බව විවේශ කටයුතු අමාතයවරයා වමහිදී අවධාරණය කවළේය. වගෝලීය වශවයන් පවතින විවිධ අර්කුදකාරී තත්ත්වයන් මධයවේ ුවද, ශ්‍රී ලංකාවේ ඇති සුවිවශේෂී ආගන්තුක සත්කාරය ස ජාතික උරුමයන් ව ේතුවවන් සංචාරකයින් විශාල වශවයන් වමරටට ඇදී එන බවත්, පසුගිය මැයි 31 වන විට වමරටට පැමිණි සංචාරකයින් සංඛ්‍යාව මිලියනය ඉකමවා වගාසේ ඇති බවත් ව වතම වපන්වා ුන්වන්ය. එවමන්ම, වමම උත්සවය පැවැත්වවන 1837 තරම් ඈත ඉති ාසයකට උරුමකම් කියන ග්‍රෑන්් ඔරියන්ටල් ව ෝටලය හුවදක වේශීය ව ෝටලයක වනාව, විවේශීය රාජය නායකයින් පවා අගය කරන ජාතයන්තර උරුමයක බව අමාතයවරයා පැවසීය. ලංකා බැංකුව සතු වමම ඓති ාසික ව ෝටලය නවීන තත්ත්වයට ගැලවපන වසේ වැඩිදියුණු කිරීම සඳ ා දැනටමත් අමාතය මණ්ඩල තීරණයක වගන ඇති බව ද ව වතම සඳ න් කවළේය. වලෝක කුසලාන පාපන්ු තරඟ සජීවීව නරඹමින්, ග්‍රෑන්් ඔරියන්ටල් ව ෝටලවේ ඓති ාසික වැදගත්කම අත්විඳීමටත්, කාර්කයබහුල ජීවිතවයන් මිදී මානසික සැ ැල්ුවක ලබාගැනීමටත් වකාළඹ ස තදාසන්න ප්‍රවේශවල ජීවත් වන සියුම පාපන්ු වලෝලීන්ට ඉදිරි දිනවලදී වමම Fan Zone පරිශ්‍රය වවත පැමිවණන වලස අමාතයවරයා විවෘත ආරාධනයක කවළේය. වමම සුවිවශේෂී කටයුත්ත සංවිධානය කිරීම පිළිබඳව ග්‍රෑන්් ඔරියන්ටල් ව ෝටලවේ කළමනාකාරීත්වයට ස "York Street Live" කණ්ඩායමට අමාතයවරයා සිය විවශේෂ සේූතිය පිරිනමමින් කතාව නිමා කවළේය.

11.06.2026

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CDB PPL 2026 Concludes Successfully with Exciting Two-Day Tournament at Playdium

By Vipula Amarasinghe

The CDB Playdium Pin League (CDB PPL 2026), Sri Lanka’s premier corporate bowling tournament, concluded successfully after two exciting days of competition held on 16th May and 23rd May 2026 at Playdium One Galle Face, Colombo.

Bringing together corporate teams, bowling enthusiasts, and industry partners, the tournament created a vibrant and competitive atmosphere filled with sportsmanship, teamwork, and entertainment. Teams from leading organizations across Sri Lanka battled through intense rounds of bowling in an effort to secure their positions among the top finalists, creating an unforgettable experience for both participants and spectators alike.

The tournament featured 43 participating teams, making it one of the most competitive editions to date. The PPL is an annual event and is widely recognized as the largest bowling tournament in the country, bringing together teams from across Sri Lanka to compete at the highest level. The event once again demonstrated the growing popularity of bowling as both a competitive sport and a corporate recreational activity in Sri Lanka.

After a thrilling finale, Panther Pacers emerged as the Champions of CDB PPL 2026 with an outstanding performance throughout the tournament. Sports Nutrition Hub secured the position of 1st Runner-Up, while Globe Glass Fireball claimed the 2nd Runner-Up title following a series of highly competitive games.

Individual performances were also recognized during the event. Muhammad Azharuddin was awarded the title of Best Male Player for his exceptional consistency and scoring performance, while Virginia H. Perera was named Best Female Player for her remarkable contribution and skill displayed during the tournament.

A key highlight of this year’s event was the launch of the PPL Bowling Membership, an exclusive membership program designed for bowling enthusiasts. Participants and guests were given the opportunity to secure their membership and become part of the growing PPL bowling community. The initiative was introduced with the aim of building a stronger bowling culture while offering exclusive benefits and experiences for members throughout the year.

Speaking about the success of the tournament, the Playdium team expressed appreciation to all participating teams, sponsors, partners, and supporters who contributed towards making the event a memorable experience for everyone involved. The organizers also acknowledged the enthusiasm, sportsmanship, and positive energy displayed by every team throughout the competition.

CDB PPL 2026 was proudly powered by a strong lineup of sponsors and partners. Citizens Development Business Finance PLC (CDB) joined as the Title Sponsor, while ATOM supported the event as the Technology Partner. Oceans Talent came on board as the Official Talent Partner, and PickMe for Business partnered as the Business Platform Partner. One Galle Face joined as the Strategic Partner, while Kobra supported the tournament as the Energy Partner.

Additional support was extended by hype.Productions as the Digital Content Partner, PR Wire as the Official PR Partner, The Papare as the Live Broadcast Partner, Pearl Bay Leisure Park as the Gift Partner, and Anchor Hot Chocolate as the Hot Beverage Partner, all of whom played an important role in enhancing the overall tournament experience.

The tournament once again highlighted Playdium’s commitment towards building an engaging bowling community and promoting recreational sports experiences in Sri Lanka. With the tremendous response received for CDB PPL 2026, Playdium looks forward to organizing even bigger and more exciting bowling events in the future.

03.06.2025

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CEYLON PICKLE LEAGUE SET TO IGNITE SRI LANKA’S PICKLEBALL BOOM

By Vipula Amarasinghe

Avishka Perera - Co Owner, Weligama Sharks, Shuhail Yaseen - Co Owner, Kandy Knights, Karin Wijeratne - Director, Eventistry Sports and Co Owner, Ceylon Pickle League, Nayantara Fonseka - Owner, Bentota Nyners, Subraj Subramaniam - Co Owner of Colombo Pickle Club and Ceylon Pickle League, Hardy Jamaldeen - Co Owner, Trinco Titans, Viren Beruwalage - Co Owner, Colombo Aces, Reshwan Perera - Representative, Yaal Dinkers

Sri Lanka officially entered the franchise pickleball era with the launch of the Ceylon Pickle League (CPL), the country’s first-ever franchise-based pickleball league, unveiled at a high-profile press conference held at the Havelock City Mall Atrium.
Set to take place from 16th – 18th October 2026 at the Colombo Pickle Club, the CPL will introduce a completely new dimension to the sport locally — blending professional competition, franchise ownership, player auctions, live broadcast production and entertainment-led sporting experiences into one modern league property.
Owned and organised by Eventistry Sports in partnership with Colombo Pickle Club, the league has already generated significant momentum ahead of its inaugural season, with all eight franchise teams officially sold out before launch.
The inaugural franchises include Colombo Aces, Trinco Titans, Weligama Sharks, Ella Archers, Kandy Knights, Yaal Dinkers, Bentota Nyners and Galle Kings.
Adding major star power to the competition is Sri Lankan international cricketer Matheesha Pathirana, one of the country’s most recognizable names in global franchise cricket, who has officially purchased the Yaal Dinkers franchise. His involvement marks a major crossover moment between mainstream professional sport and the rapidly growing world of pickleball.
The league will feature competition across Men’s Doubles, Women’s Doubles, Mixed Doubles, Men’s Singles and Masters Doubles, while also welcoming international players from India as part of the inaugural season.
CPL will also introduce a professional player auction, scheduled to take place later this year, bringing a franchise-style team building element to the competition similar to some of the world’s leading sporting leagues.
Speaking at the launch, Karin Wijeratne, Founder of Eventistry Sports, said the vision behind the CPL was always to build something far bigger than a conventional tournament.
“CPL is about far more than pickleball. This is about building the future of modern sport in Sri Lanka. We wanted to create a property that brings together competition, entertainment, franchise culture, broadcast, personalities and fan energy into one experience. Pickleball is exploding globally right now, and we believe Sri Lanka has the opportunity to become part of that movement in a very real way.
At Eventistry Sports, we’ve always believed sport should feel exciting, commercially valuable and culturally relevant. From the Sri Lanka Padel League to the Ceylon Golf League and Island Invitational, our focus has always been on building sports properties that people genuinely want to follow, support and be part of. CPL is another bold step in that direction, and we believe this is only the beginning for pickleball in Sri Lanka.”
Over the past few years, Eventistry Sports has rapidly emerged as one of Sri Lanka’s leading sports entertainment and marketing companies, having worked across properties including the Lanka Premier League (LPL), Davis Cup, Asia Rugby tournaments and Olympic-related campaigns, while also developing its own portfolio of original sports properties.
Speaking on behalf of Colombo Pickle Club, Co-Founder Subraja Subramaniam said the launch represented a defining moment for the sport locally.
“Pickleball has been growing incredibly fast around the world, and we felt Sri Lanka was ready for a league that could match that energy and ambition. Partnering with Eventistry Sports allows us to present the sport on a completely different scale while creating something players, brands and fans can all be excited about.”
The inaugural edition of the Ceylon Pickle League will be broadcast on PEO TV and produced by KSN Live, with several major brands already confirmed as league partners including Sampath Bank as Title Partner, SNH as Powered By Partner, Havelock City Mall as Venue Partner, Red Bull as Official Energy Drink Partner, Wilson as Official Ball Partner, Grandbell Hotel as Official Accommodation Partner, Winfield as Branding Partner, AV1 as Audio Visual Partner and EFM as Official Radio Partner.
Further announcements surrounding franchise owners, player signings, the official player auction and additional league experiences are expected in the coming months.

28.05.2025

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Prime Group strengthens commitment to youth empowerment with Platinum Sponsorship of Thurstan College Rugby 1st XV Leadership Team

By Vipula Amarasinghe

Prime Group announced its Platinum Sponsorship of the Thurstan College Rugby 1st XV Leadership Team , Aflal Izzedeen, Vice President, Thurstan Rugby Club; Premalal Brahmanage, Chairman, Prime Group; Pramuditha Wickramasinghe, Principal, Thurstan College, Air Commodore Subash Jayathilaka, President, Thurstan Rugby Club; and Sudesh Gomez, Treasurer, Thurstan Rugby Club.

Celebrating three decades of real estate excellence in Sri Lanka, Prime Group recognises meaningful CSR extends beyond business, and sports is among the most powerful drivers of growth. With a strong focus on youth empowerment, community development, and sports infrastructure, the Group continues to invest in initiatives to shape the country’s next generation.
Deepening the commitment to community engagement and sports development Prime Group is the proud Platinum Sponsor of the Thurstan College Rugby 1st XV Leadership Team for the 2026 season.
Through the partnership, the Group supports the dedication, discipline, and teamwork rugby instils in young athletes, values outlasting the field and any season. Prime Group is honoured to support and celebrate these young athletes as they take on the challenges ahead in a game where respect and performance are equally prized.
Premalal Brahmanage, Prime Group Chairman said, “As an old boy of Thurstan College, I am proud to support the Rugby 1st XV Leadership Team. My time at Thurstan shaped my personal and professional journey, instilling values of leadership, discipline, teamwork, and resilience. These qualities, nurtured through sportsmanship, continue to guide me today. Supporting the team is a tribute to my alma mater and a commitment to empower youth to carry forward the spirit of excellence.”
As a Group having dedicated three decades to investing in Sri Lanka's growth, Prime Group's partnership with Thurstan College Rugby is a natural extension supporting the sport and the team to uphold the spirit long after the final whistle.

21.05.2025

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NCHS Continues to Inspire Innovation Through INCOHST 2026

INCOHST is the brainchild of Nawaloka College of Higher Studies and stands today as one of Sri Lanka’s pioneering school-level technology competitions focused on innovation and emerging technologies.
First launched in 2018, INCOHST was introduced as the country’s first interschool IoT (Internet of Things) competition with the objective of creating awareness about IoT among Sri Lankan students while providing a platform for young innovators to design solutions that address real social needs through technology. The landmark initiative was organized by NCHS with the support of Swinburne University of Technology and quickly gained recognition for encouraging creativity, critical thinking, and practical innovation among school students.
INCOHST 2026
Building on the success of previous years, INCOHST 2026 continues its mission of inspiring the next generation of innovators and future technology leaders. Organized annually by NCHS, the competition has evolved into a nationally recognized platform where students from across the island are encouraged to explore emerging technologies and develop IoT-based solutions that can positively impact communities and industries.
The Internet of Things, commonly known as IoT, refers to a network of interconnected physical devices, vehicles, appliances, and objects embedded with sensors, software, and internet connectivity that enable them to collect and exchange data. These smart technologies are transforming the way people live and work, ranging from everyday smart home devices and wearable technology to advanced industrial systems, healthcare solutions, and smart city infrastructure. Through INCOHST, students are introduced to these future-focused technologies and are empowered to think beyond the classroom, using innovation and technology to solve real-world challenges.
Smart Future: Where AI Meets Sustainability
Although AI and IoT are different technologies, they are most powerful when combined. IoT devices continuously collect data such as temperature, movement, usage patterns, or machine performance. AI processes this data to identify trends, detect anomalies, and trigger automated responses.
In preparation for the competition, students from across the island attended an intensive workshop series in Kandy, Colombo and Trincomalee. The workshop, led by industry experts, provided participants with essential insights into IoT technologies and their applications. This interactive session set the stage for the students to develop innovative solutions for the final event. This year’s competition theme, “Smart Future: Where AI Meets Sustainability,” was emphasized, encouraging students to think critically about technological solutions for sustainable development.
The Grand Finale of the competition was successfully held on 16th May for the seventh consecutive year at Monarch Imperial, bringing together young innovators and technology enthusiasts from across the country. This year’s competition saw the participation of 58 teams representing Colombo, Galle, Trincomalee, and Kandy, reflecting the growing interest and enthusiasm for STEM and IoT innovation among school students.
The event served as a dynamic platform for participants to showcase their creativity through a range of innovative projects and presentations. The atmosphere throughout the competition was one of excitement and healthy competition as teams demonstrated solutions that addressed real-world challenges through technology and innovation.
The winners of the competition were Richmond College, Galle
The competition was evaluated by a distinguished panel of judges including Dr. Kulari Lokuge and Dr. Alan Robertson, whose expertise and industry experience added immense value to the event.
The occasion was graced by distinguished guests in attendance including Prof. Rangika Halwathura           Dr. Lalith Liyanage and Mrs. Sandamali Kodithuwakku.

19.05.2025

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Prima Sunrise Supports Young Golfing Talent at Sri Lanka Regional Junior Open 2026

Prima Sunrise reaffirmed its commitment to nurturing the next generation of golfing talent by sponsoring the Sri Lanka Regional Junior Open Golf Championship 2026, organised by the Sri Lanka Golf and held over three days at the Nuwara Eliya Golf Club from 8–10 May.

The championship brought together some of the country’s most promising junior golfers, with exceptional performances witnessed across all divisions. In the Boys’ Gold Division, Reshan Algama secured the championship title with an impressive score of 216, following consistent rounds of 72, 71, and 73. Lavidu Premarathna of Lyceum International School, Anuradhapura, finished runner-up with a close total of 218, while Adithya Weerasinghe of Ananda College claimed third place with a score of 219, recording the tournament’s best second-round score of 69.

Girls’ Gold and Silver Combined Division also delivered an exciting contest, with Sithara Lorance of Digana International School emerging victorious on her home course in Digana with a total score of 266. Demonstrating composure and consistency throughout the tournament, she held off strong competition from Anumi Karunathilake of Good Shepherd Convent, Kandy, and Genuli Weerakoon of Lyceum International School, Anuradhapura, who shared the runner-up position after both finished on 274.

Prima Sunrise remains committed to empowering young talent by supporting platforms such as the Sri Lanka Regional Junior Open Golf Championship, which encourage the holistic development of youth and the growth of junior golf in the country. Its involvement reflects the brand’s ongoing commitment to the sport and its pride in partnering with initiatives that provide opportunities for young golfers.

18.05.2025

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