Colombo – In a significant boost for school-level rugby in Sri Lanka, two internationally renowned referees from Hong Kong have been appointed to officiate key Dialog Schools A Division Rugby League matches this weekend.

Sunny Lee to Referee Pathana–Thomian Clash

Sunny Lee, a celebrated female international rugby referee from Hong Kong, will take charge of the much-anticipated encounter between S. Thomas’ College, Mount Lavinia and Isipathana College, Colombo. The prestigious Rizvy Suhayb Memorial Trophy match is set for July 5 at S. Thomas’ College Grounds, Mount Lavinia.

Lee’s presence is expected to bring elite-level officiating standards to this traditional rivalry, enhancing the competitive environment and offering student-athletes a platform to perform under world-class match management.

Francisco Cammisa to Oversee Trinity vs Royal Clash

On the same day in Kandy, another experienced Hong Kong referee, Francisco Cammisa, will officiate the top-tier fixture between Trinity College, Kandy and Royal College, Colombo at the Pallekele Rugby Stadium.

International Support for Local Rugby

The arrival of these elite foreign referees is made possible through the efforts of Dilroy Fernando, former international referee and referee educator. With backing from Asian Rugby (covering airfares) and the host schools (providing accommodation and hospitality), this initiative aims to uplift officiating standards and offer young Sri Lankan players the opportunity to compete at a globally recognized level.

Long-Term Impact on School Rugby

This strategic move is expected to:

• Enhance the quality and fairness of officiating in the Dialog Schools Rugby League
• Give emerging players exposure to world-class rugby conditions
• Strengthen partnerships between Sri Lankan rugby institutions and international bodies

The involvement of international referees like Sunny Lee and Francisco Cammisa also sends a strong message about gender inclusivity and professional standards in the sport

Colombo, July 1 – The Sri Lanka Women’s Football Team is set to face a high-flying Nepal side on Wednesday, July 2 at 6:00 PM, in their second Group F fixture of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers. Both teams come into the match from very different ends of the performance spectrum, with Sri Lanka suffering a humiliating 10-0 defeat to Uzbekistan, while Nepal cruised past Laos with a dominant 9-0 victory.

This upcoming clash is not just a test of skill and strategy, but a reflection of each country’s football system, preparation, and investment in women’s football.

Nepal W 9-0 Laos W – Tactical Brilliance & Ruthless Execution

Nepal’s win over Laos was a showcase of tactical superiority, creative attacking play, and technical dominance.

Key Match Statistics:

• Possession: 65% (Nepal) vs 35% (Laos)
• Shots on Target: 15 (Nepal)
• Total Shots: 24 (Nepal)
• Shots Off Target: 9
• xG (Expected Goals): 3.04 (Nepal)
• Corners: 2
• Fouls Committed: 8
• Cards: 0

Nepal’s forward line was relentless, converting 15 of their 24 shots into direct goal-scoring opportunities. Despite having only two corners, they dominated through quick transitions, direct play, and high pressing. The clean disciplinary record and offside count of 3 reflect a well-coached and tactically aware squad.

Uzbekistan W 10-0 Sri Lanka W – Tactical Collapse & Lack of Structure

Sri Lanka’s opening match was a disaster from start to finish, exposing major gaps in fitness, coordination, and defensive strategy.

Key Match Statistics:

• Possession: 30% (Sri Lanka)
• Shots on Target: 0
• Total Shots: 2 (0 on target)
• Dangerous Attacks: 28 (Sri Lanka) vs 137 (Uzbekistan)
• Yellow Cards: 1
• Shots Faced: 14 on target (Uzbekistan)

The team failed to create a single meaningful chance throughout the match. With a dangerous attack rate nearly 5 times lower than Uzbekistan, Sri Lanka’s midfield was bypassed repeatedly. The defense looked overwhelmed, and the few offensive moves attempted were easily neutralized.

Sri Lanka vs Nepal – A Mismatch on Paper?

Comparing the two sides:

Possession 65% 30%

Shots 24 2

Shots on Target 15 0

xG 3.04 Not Recorded

Fouls 8 1

Cards 0 1 Yellow

Nepal has shown they can control the game, create chances, and finish clinically. Sri Lanka, on the other hand, is still searching for basic team chemistry, structure, and rhythm. Unless major tactical changes are made, Sri Lanka could be heading into another one-sided contest.

Off-Field Crisis Continues: FFSL and Sports Ministry Silent

Behind these results lies a bigger concern—institutional failure. The Football Federation of Sri Lanka (FFSL) has not conducted a single women’s tournament for years, and this national team was selected through a rushed trial process. With no league structure, development program, or competitive exposure, the players were thrown into an elite qualifier underprepared.

Even after the Sri Lanka U20 team faced a heavy defeat in the SAFF Championship, no structural reforms were announced. The Ministry of Sports continues to turn a blind eye to the collapse of football development, while officials use these international appearances to tick boxes rather than foster real progress.

Final Word

As Sri Lanka takes on Nepal, fans will be hoping for a response—not just on the scoreboard but in effort, organization, and pride. However, unless deep-rooted problems are addressed, these defeats will continue to expose the broken foundations of Sri Lankan women’s football

Colombo, June 29 – The Sri Lanka Women’s National Football Team suffered a crushing 10-0 defeat at the hands of Uzbekistan in their opening fixture of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers, exposing not only the performance gap on the field but also the deep-rooted structural failures off it.

From kickoff, Uzbekistan showcased their superiority with relentless attacking football, scoring five goals in each half. The match statistics tell a story of complete dominance:

• Shots on Target: 14 (Uzbekistan) vs 0 (Sri Lanka)
• Possession: 70% (Uzbekistan) vs 30% (Sri Lanka)
• Dangerous Attacks: 137 (Uzbekistan) vs 28 (Sri Lanka)

Sri Lanka managed only two shots in the entire match—none of which tested the opposition goalkeeper—while spending most of the game pinned back in defense.

However, beyond the scoreboard, this defeat highlights a more alarming truth: the lack of commitment to women’s football by local authorities. The Football Federation of Sri Lanka (FFSL) has failed to organize a single women’s tournament domestically in recent years, and the squad selected for this major continental qualifier was chosen solely through a limited trial. There was no competitive platform or league for players to develop or prove themselves ahead of international duty.

This performance is not just a reflection of the players’ inexperience—it’s a direct consequence of administrative negligence. FFSL must take full responsibility for this embarrassing result, as it continues to send underprepared teams to international tournaments merely to safeguard its position, rather than genuinely investing in the development of Sri Lankan football.

Even more concerning is the silence from the Ministry of Sports. Despite the humiliating performances of the Under-20 team in the recent SAFF Championship and now the senior women’s team in the AFC qualifiers, no action has been taken, and no accountability has been demanded. The ministry’s indifference to these repeated failures raises serious questions about its role in ensuring sports governance and development in Sri Lanka.

As Sri Lankan football continues to struggle, it is clear that without structural change, genuine investment, and accountability, results like these will only continue.