World Rugby has extended Sri Lanka Rugby’s (SLR) deadline until June 15, 2025, to address its governance issues, warning that failure to comply will result in immediate sanctions, including a possible ban from international competitions.

Acknowledging the persistent efforts of Sri Lanka’s Competent Authority and Director General of Sports, Professor (Rear Admiral) Shemal Fernando, World Rugby remains firm on its conditions. SLR must implement a revised constitution and conduct elections within the next four months to meet international standards.

To oversee these reforms, a Working Taskforce has been formed, featuring representatives from World Rugby, Asia Rugby, the National Olympic Committee of Sri Lanka, and the Sri Lankan government. Led by Asia Rugby, this task force is responsible for guiding SLR through the required changes.

The reform process consists of two key phases. The initial phase focuses on reviewing voting eligibility, finalizing constitutional amendments, and organizing a Special General Meeting (SGM). The next phase involves adopting the new constitution at the SGM, followed by elections monitored by World Rugby, Asia Rugby, and local sports authorities.

SLR has faced repeated scrutiny over governance failures, prompting multiple interventions from international rugby bodies. With this deadline set, Sri Lanka Rugby has one final opportunity to align with global governance standards and secure its future in international rugby.

Sky Market Travels, a leading travel agency, has partnered with Sri Lanka Schools’ Football to contribute to the development of school football in the country.

As a first step, Sky Market Travels (Pvt) Ltd has joined as a sponsor for the Sri Lanka Schools’ National Championship 2024 Under-20 Division One tournament, organized by the Sri Lanka Schools’ Football Association.

This prestigious tournament, featuring 20 of Sri Lanka’s top school teams, has long been a vital platform for young players to showcase their talent at the national level. By stepping in as a sponsor, Sky Market Travels is playing a key role in supporting the future of Sri Lankan school football.

The event was attended by the President of the Football Federation of Sri Lanka, Jaswar Umar, the Head of the Coach Education Department and former National Team Captain, Sampath Perera, Elite Youth Manager Dudley Steinwal, Members of Schools’ Football Association, and the Managing Director of Sky Market Travels (Pvt) ltd Mohamed Faroos, the President of the Negombo Poruthota Soccer Fans Rizwan, and its Manager Nufri.

With this partnership, Sky Market Travels has taken a significant step in uplifting school football and providing aspiring young footballers with better opportunities to excel at the national level.

The Super Eight Round of the Sri Lanka Schools National Championship 2024 – Under 20 Division 1 Boys Football Tournament has been intense, with teams battling for a spot in the next stage.

Current Standings (After 8 Matches)

Group A

1. St. Joseph’s College – 4 points (1W, 1D, 0L) | Goals: 5-1

2. Alighar National School – 4 points (1W, 1D, 0L) | Goals: 4-1

3. Darussalam College – 3 points (1W, 0D, 1L) | Goals: 7-4

4. Kalutara Muslim Central College – 0 points (0W, 0D, 2L) | Goals: 0-10

Group B

1. Zahira College Colombo – 6 points (2W, 0D, 0L) | Goals: 7-0

2. Hameed Al Husseine College – 6 points (2W, 0D, 0L) | Goals: 5-0

3. Al Falah College Negombo – 0 points (0W, 0D, 2L) | Goals: 0-4

4. St. Patrick’s College Jaffna – 0 points (0W, 0D, 2L) | Goals: 0-8

Key Highlights So Far

• Zahira College Colombo and Hameed Al Husseine College remain unbeaten in Group B.

• St. Joseph’s College and Alighar National School are leading Group A but are closely followed by Darussalam College, making the race for the semifinals highly competitive.

• Kalutara Muslim Central College and St. Patrick’s College Jaffna are yet to score points and are struggling in their respective groups.

Upcoming Matches & Their Impact

• St. Joseph’s College vs. Alighar National School (MD-5): A potential group-decider as both teams are tied on points.

• Darussalam College vs. Kalutara Muslim Central College (MD-5): Darussalam has a chance to secure a semifinal spot with a win.

• Zahira College vs. Hameed Al Husseine College (MD-6): The top two teams in Group B will clash in a high-stakes match that could determine the group winner.

• Al Falah College vs. St. Patrick’s College (MD-6): A crucial battle for survival in Group B.

With four more matches remaining, every point counts, and teams will be looking to secure their places in the knockout stage. Stay tuned for more updates!

Follow us for match reports, results, and exclusive insights on the Sri Lanka Schools Football Championship 2025.