Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has announced its list of national player contracts for the 2026–2027 season, with 46 cricketers receiving contracts as the governing body continues its efforts to strengthen the national talent pool and maintain competitiveness across all formats of the game.

The contracts, which will be effective from April 1, 2026, to March 31, 2027, have been awarded based on a range of criteria including player performance, consistency, fitness levels, potential, and the strategic requirements of the national teams.

SLC stated that players have been categorized under A1, A2, B1, B2, C1 and Central Contract categories, with the system designed to provide athletes with the necessary support, structure and resources to perform at the highest level.

A notable feature of this year’s contracts is the inclusion of seven players receiving national contracts for the first time. Kamil Mishara, Lasith Croospulle, Vijayakanth Viyaskanth, Isitha Wijesundara, Wanuja Sahan, Dilum Sudeera and Tharindu Ratnayake have all earned places in the national contract list following their performances and potential shown in domestic and representative cricket.

The full list of contracted players also includes Asitha Fernando, Dasun Shanaka, Dunith Wellalage, Niroshan Dickwella, Jeffrey Vandersay, Prabath Jayasuriya, Vishwa Fernando, Matheesha Pathirana, Dilshan Madushanka, Pavan Rathnayake, Eshan Malinga, Milan Rathnayake, Lahiru Kumara, Kasun Rajitha, Avishka Fernando, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Ramesh Mendis, Binura Fernando, Nuwan Thushara, Sonal Dinusha, Sahan Arachchige, Pramod Madushan, Lahiru Udara, Nuwanidu Fernando, Nishan Madushka, Akila Dananjaya, Chamika Karunaratne, Pasindu Sooriyabandara and Mohammed Shiraz.

Sri Lanka Cricket extended its congratulations to all contracted players while offering a special welcome to the newcomers. The board emphasized that the contracts reflect its commitment to rewarding performance, nurturing emerging talent and maintaining a strong squad capable of representing the country at the international level.

SLC also expressed confidence that the contracted players will continue to uphold high standards of professionalism, discipline and excellence as they prepare for the upcoming international season and seek to bring success to Sri Lankan cricket.

The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has temporarily suspended the registration of three national sports associations and placed their administration under the authority of the Secretary to the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, according to an Extraordinary Gazette notification issued by Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Sunil Kumara Gamage.

The decision affects the national governing bodies for Handball, Carrom, and Hockey in Sri Lanka. The move has been implemented under the powers vested in the Minister by Sections 32 and 33 of the amended Sports Act No. 25 of 1973.

The relevant Extraordinary Gazette Notification (No. 2489/48) has been officially published, outlining the suspension of the following organizations:
•⁠ ⁠Sri Lanka Handball Association
•⁠ ⁠Sri Lanka Carrom Federation
•⁠ ⁠Sri Lanka Hockey Association

According to the gazette, the Secretary to the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has been appointed as the Competent Authority responsible for overseeing the administration, management, and essential functions of the affected associations. The appointment is effective from May 19, 2026.

The Ministry stated that the decision was taken to facilitate the completion of constitutional amendments within the respective associations and to ensure that future elections for office-bearers are conducted in a transparent and accountable manner.

Under the new arrangement, the Competent Authority will exercise full powers to manage the affairs of the associations until revised constitutions are adopted, annual general meetings are convened, and new office-bearers are elected through a formal electoral process.
The Gazette notification was signed by Minister Sunil Kumara Gamage and issued on May 19, 2026.

The Organizing Committee of the Ceylon Masters International Badminton Championships 2026 has announced an extension of the tournament entry deadline, giving players additional time to register for one of the region’s premier masters badminton events.

According to the organizers, the revised closing date for entries is June 3, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. The extension is expected to provide greater flexibility for players who have yet to complete their registration process.

The championship is set to attract a large number of masters badminton players from around the world, who will converge in Colombo, Sri Lanka, for a highly competitive international tournament. The event has steadily grown in stature and is now regarded as a key fixture on the global masters badminton calendar.

Tournament officials have encouraged interested players to take advantage of the extended deadline and secure their participation before entries officially close. They emphasized that the championship offers competitors a valuable opportunity to test their skills against international opponents while experiencing Sri Lanka’s renowned hospitality and sporting culture.

With strong local and overseas interest already evident, organizers expect another successful edition of the tournament and have urged players not to miss the opportunity to be part of this exciting international badminton championship.