UAE-based Sri Lions have launched an ambitious venture to develop several sports in Sri Lanka around the island.
Initially formed as a rugby club in 2019 by a former international rugby referee based in Dubai, Kelum Sujith Perera, Sri Lions made an instant impact when they emerged champions at the Harfa tournament that year.
Roping in stars such as South Africa’s Cecil Afrika and Sri Lanka captain Srinath Sooriyabandara, Sri Lions put Sri Lanka on the international map when they won the Gulf Men’s Open Trophy at the Dubai Sevens twice in succession in 2019 and 2020. Now the team competes in the International segment of the Dubai tournament.
Sri Lions which caters to the nearly 300,000-strong Sri Lankan community in the UAE is recognised as a functioning body by the Dubai and Abu Dhabi Consulates. They also have plans to build a club house.
Kelum Sujith, a Dubai-based insurance professional, expanded its participation to other sports such as badminton, netball and cricket in the UAE. Sri Lions made huge strides in 2022 playing in the prestigious Bukhatir League 2022.
They became the first Sri Lankan side in over a decade to play a semi-final match in the biggest cricket league in the UAE and their top class performances saw their very own Waruna Perera sealing a spot in the UAE team following some strong performances. Sri Lions will compete in the T20 as well as T10 tournaments of the Bukhatir League having brought former Sri Lanka fast bowler Vikum Sanjaya.
Sri Lions’ badminton team has been a dominant force in Dubai having clinched the Dubai All Sports and All Summer as well as Dubai Air Badminton Tournament.
Meanwhile, its cricket team has been in splendid form having secured the Sri Lions Under 25 Asia Championship 2021.
Sri Lions will be providing a platform for several sports personalities in Sri Lanka to showcase their talent as well as improve their skills.
With a world-class supporting staff which includes both local and foreign coaches, Sri Lions will initially begin their journey in Sri Lanka in eight different sports namely athletics, badminton, cricket, football, golf, hockey, netball, rugby and volleyball.
In addition to the senior teams in various sports, Sri Lions Sri Lanka will also have its academy paving room for the younger generation of Sri Lankans to experience top-class coaching methods and have the opportunity to be mentored by globally recognised players, such as the 17-time best Sevens player in the world, Cecil Afrika and Sri Lanka netball coach Thilaka Jinadasa.
President of Sri Lions Sri Lanka Kelum Sujith Perera believes that establishment of this institute in Sri Lanka will exponentially boost the standard of sports in the country, especially during these challenging times.
“Sri Lanka may have had their struggles in the recent past financially, but we are a country that has produced thousands of top-class sports personalities. We observed that sports in this nation are deteriorating due to what’s happening around the country, which is why we felt that it’s our responsibility to contribute in a way that sports will be uplifted,” Perera said at a press conference held at the Sinhalese Sports Club on Tuesday.
The President also promised that Sri Lions Sri Lanka will reach the success levels of its branch in Dubai.
“Initially, we established Sri Lions in the United Arab Emirates several years ago to provide opportunities for Sri Lankan men and women living in the UAE to engage in sports. Now, Sri Lions has become the sports hub for all Sri Lankans in the UAE. We hope that Sri Lions Sri Lanka will be equally as successful and hopefully we will be able to provide some scholarships for the Sri Lankans,” added Perera.
Sri Lanka rugby and athletics stars Sooriyabandara, Mithun Hapugoda, Medhani Jayamanne and Lakshmi Victoria, president of the Sri Lanka Netball Federation were present on the occasion.
Sri Lanka’s motor racing ace Dilantha Malagamuwa has also joined Sri Lions Sri Lanka as one of its directors. The director board comprises Kelum Sujith Perera (Founder), Dilantha Malagamuwa, Kemith Lindula, Kasun Madushanka, Mahesh Jayarathna, Nelusha Shemith, Ranga Kudakon and Sanjeewa Perera.