Sri Lanka has unveiled its 22-man squad for the AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers Final Round, with experienced goalkeeper Sujan Perera leading the team as captain. However, the squad selection has sparked discussions, as 13 out of the 22 players are origin players, leaving fewer opportunities for Sri Lankan-born footballers striving to build their careers locally.

Adding to the concerns, Dillon De Silva will miss the qualifiers due to injury, further impacting the squad’s depth.

Sri Lanka National Team Squad for AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers

Goalkeepers:

• Sujan Perera (C)
• Kaveesh Lakpriya
• Mohamed Mursith

Players:

• Chalana Chameera
• Mohamed Aman
• Mohamed Hasmeer
• RIfkhan Mohamed
• Mohamed Thilham
• Anujan Rajendram
• Oliver Kelaart
• Barath Suresh
• Adhavan Rajamohan
• Leon Perera
• Jack Hingert
• Jason Thayaparan
• Claudio Kammerknecht
• Wade Dekker
• Sam Durrant
• William Thomason
• Waseem Razeek
• Geremi Perera
• Harsha Fernando
• Garrett Kelly

Head Coach: Abdullah Almutairi

Challenges for Sri Lankan-Born Players

In previous international matches, Sri Lanka has often started with 10 or even 9 origin players, limiting exposure for locally developed talent. The lack of high-quality domestic competitions, such as the Super League and Champions League, has made it difficult to scout and nurture homegrown footballers.

While relying on origin players offers an immediate competitive edge, the long-term consequences could hinder the growth of Sri Lankan football. Without structured domestic tournaments, young local players struggle to gain top-level experience, making it challenging to replace experienced origin players in the future.

Balancing Immediate Success and Future Development

With the qualifiers being a crucial test for Sri Lanka, the team management has prioritized experience and international exposure over an experimental squad featuring more local players. While this decision may help in the short term, Sri Lanka Football must focus on reviving domestic leagues to create a sustainable pathway for local talent.

As Sri Lanka prepares for the qualifiers, the debate continues: Should the national team prioritize short-term results or long-term football development?

Stay tuned for more updates on Sri Lanka’s journey in the AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers.

Raipur – Sri Lanka Masters were edged out by West Indies Masters in a nail-biting semi-final, losing by just 6 runs in the Legends Cricket Tournament 2024 at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium. Despite a valiant chase, Sri Lanka Masters could not overhaul the 179-run target, finishing at 173/9 in 20 overs.

West Indies Masters Innings Recap

West Indies Masters posted a competitive total of 179/5 in their 20 overs, thanks largely to a late blitz by Denesh Ramdin, who smashed an unbeaten 50 off 22 balls at a strike rate of 227.27. Dwayne Smith (30 off 22) and Walton (31 off 23) gave them a solid start, while Brian Lara contributed a composed 18 off 13 before retiring hurt. Sri Lanka’s bowling was steady, with Nuwan Pradeep (2/34) and Jeevan Mendis (1/26) being the pick of the bowlers.

Sri Lanka Masters’ Fightback Falls Short

In response, Asela Gunaratne stood out for Sri Lanka Masters, scoring a fighting 66 off 42 balls (7 fours, 1 six) at a strike rate of 157.14. However, he lacked substantial support from the middle order. Upul Tharanga (30 off 22) provided a brisk start, but regular wickets slowed the momentum. Ramdin and Dwayne Smith were influential in the field, taking key catches at crucial moments.

The West Indies bowling unit, led by Ben Laughlin (3/28) and Sulieman Benn (2/17), applied consistent pressure during the middle overs, ultimately defending their total in a tense finish.

Looking Ahead

With this win, West Indies Masters advance to the final to face India Masters on March 16, setting up a thrilling contest for the championship. Despite the loss, Sri Lanka Masters can take pride in their impressive tournament run, having finished top of the group stage.

Colombo: In a historic achievement for Sri Lankan athletics, three national athletes have officially qualified for the World Athletics Indoor Championships 2025, set to take place from May 21 to 23 in Nanjing, China. This marks Sri Lanka’s largest representation at the prestigious event in over two decades.

Sri Lankan Athletes Heading to Nanjing 2025

The three Sri Lankan athletes who secured their spots based on performances and world rankings are:

• Chamod Yodasinghe – 60m Sprint
• Kalinga Kumarage – 400m
• Kaveesha Bandara – 60m Hurdles

Their qualification comes after impressive performances at the inaugural National Short Course Championship, highlighting Sri Lanka’s growing potential in indoor athletics.

A Historic Moment for Sri Lanka

The last time Sri Lanka sent a team to the World Athletics Indoor Championships was in 2001 (Lisbon), where four athletes represented the nation. This latest qualification marks the largest contingent in over 20 years, showcasing significant progress despite limited indoor competition opportunities in Sri Lanka.

With preparations underway, these athletes will aim to make an impact on the global stage and elevate Sri Lanka’s presence in international athletics.

Stay tuned for more updates on Sri Lanka’s journey to Nanjing 2025!