News
SAFF U19 Women’s Championship 2021 Analysis
The SAFF U-19 Women’s Championship is back! Founded in 2018, this year’s edition is only the second of the competition to date. A total of five teams are taking part this time, including India. Last edition’s champions Bangladesh are the hosts this time.
The SAFF U-19 Women’s Championship 2021 kicked off on December 11, 2021. Each team will face every other team in the group stage and the best two teams will advance to the final, which is set to take place on December 22, 2021. The competition was originally supposed to be held between July 13 and July 22 this year, but the COVID-19 pandemic and its related issues resulted in a five-month delay.
Hosts and Venues
On October 14, 2021, the SAFF members board meeting took place in Male, Maldives. Following the meeting, Bangladesh was announced to be the host of the tournament.
All the games at the SAFF U-19 Women’s Championship 2021 are being held at the BSSS Mostafa Kamal Stadium in Dhaka, the capital city of Bangladesh.
Participating Teams
All the four teams that took part in the SAFF U-19 Women’s Championship 2018 are back for this edition as well. There is also a new addition in Sri Lanka.
The following are the teams participating in the SAFF U-19 Women’s Championship 2021, along with their respective final positions on the standings in 2018:
- Bangladesh (Champions)
- Nepal (Runners-up)
- India (Third place)
- Bhutan (Fourth place)
- Sri Lanka (did not take part)
Fixtures and Results
Group Stage
Teams | Date | Results | Winner |
Bhutan vs Sri Lanka | Saturday, December 1 | 5 – 0 | Bhutan |
Bangladesh vs Nepal | Saturday, December 11: | 0 – 0 | Draw |
Bangladesh vs Bhutan | Monday, December 13 | 6 – 0 | Bangladesh |
India vs Sri Lanka | Monday, December 13 | 5 – 0 | India |
Nepal vs Sri Lanka | Wednesday, December 15 | 6 – 0 | Nepal |
India vs Bhutan | Wednesday, December 15 | 3 – 0 | India |
Bangladesh vs India | Friday, December 17 | 1 – 0 | Bangladesh |
Nepal vs Bhutan | Friday, December 17 | 4 – 0 | Nepal |
Nepal vs India | Sunday, December 19 | 0 – 1 | India |
Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka | Sunday, December 19 | 12 – 0 | Bangladesh |
Points table
Team | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | PTS |
Bangladesh | 4 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 19 | 0 | 19 | 10 |
India | 4 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 9 | 1 | 8 | 9 |
Nepal | 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 10 | 1 | 9 | 7 |
Bhutan | 4 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 5 | 13 | -8 | 3 |
Sri Lanka | 4 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 28 | -28 | 0 |
Sri Lanka conceded 28 goals in the tournament and did not scored a goal and Bangladesh is leading the points table followed by the Indian U19 Women’s team
Sri Lankan team consist of 23 players and 9 officials

No | Name | School |
1. | W.M.K.Imesha | Visakha BMV Colombo |
2. | E.M.P.M.Ekanayake | Maliyadeva BMV Kurunegala |
3. | J.S.S.Subashi Madushani | Maliyadeva BMV Kurunegala |
4. | W.M.O.S.Bandara | Maliyadeva BMV Kurunegala |
5. | J.M.H.B.Hunukumbura | Maliyadeva BMV Kurunegala |
6. | A.M.C.Vishmika Bandara | Maliyadeva BMV Kurunegala |
7. | J.A.U.K.Jayakody | Kavisigamuwa C.C Kurunegala |
8. | N.B.Tharindi Janithya | Viharamahadevi BMV Gampaha |
9. | T.Hashini Kawshalya | St.John MV Kalutara |
10. | W.A.L.Tharindi Ranshani | Jayakody MV Gampaha |
11. | U.Jokitha | Mahajana College Jaffna |
12. | R.Kirushanthini | Mahajana College Jaffna |
13. | M.Valanteena | Mahajana College Jaffna |
14. | S.Tharmika | Mahajana College Jaffna |
15. | P.Iroshini Sewmali | Sri Siddhartha NS Ambalangoda |
16. | Senuri Kavinya Gallage | Sri Siddhartha NS Ambalangoda |
17. | Maleeka Amith | Gateway International Colombo |
18. | S.Nimesha Sandaruwani | Bandiwewa MV Polonnaruwa |
19. | Rashmi Kaveesha | Bandiwewa MV Polonnaruwa |
20. | M.A.Dulani Sandeepani | Bandiwewa MV Polonnaruwa |
21. | Sanduni Nisansala | St.Joseph College Gampola |
22. | W.M.G.S.Bandara | SWRD Bandaranayake MV Kandy |
23. | K.P.Amavi Anuththra Kahatapitiya | Bandaranayake MV – Veyangoda |
Officials
- Mr.Manjula C. Sirisena Head Coach
- Ms.T.G.D.K.Samarasinghe Asst.Coach
- Ms.D.M.Menaka Dissanayake Asst.Coach
- Mr.Ranjith Hettiarachchi Goal Keeper Coach
- Ms.J.M.Ganga S.Jayasundara Masseur
- Ms.P.Selliah School Official
- Dr.M.R.C.F. Jayasuriya Manager/Team Doctor
- Mr.Marcus V.Mota Perreira Trainer
- Hassimdeen Mohamed Farook Official
Sri Lankan Matches
Bhutan vs Sri Lanka
India vs Sri Lanka
Nepal vs Sri Lanka
Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka
Football Sri Lanka President Mr Jaswar Umar stated that “Don’t underestimate Women football and women talents in Sri Lanka. These little girls were given an opportunity to experience international competitive football. This is just the start of their era and they will now get into club competition from January. These girls never had an opportunity to play football for last so many years. We are now beginning with a new bold step to start women football in Sri Lanka with strong strategies. We are happy to take part in this competition as a beginning. Sri Lanka women football will come to a strong level soon”
Football
Uzbekistan Dominate Sri Lanka 10-0 in AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers
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.
News
Dialog Schools Rugby League Week 4: Powerhouses Dominate as Rivalries Intensify
The fourth week of the 2025 Dialog Schools Rugby League brought high-octane action across Colombo and Kandy, as traditional rugby giants asserted dominance while title ambitions sharpened. Here’s a round-up of the top matches that defined the week:
Trinity Outmuscles St. Joseph’s at CR & FC
Trinity College, Kandy, continued their unbeaten streak with a commanding 29-07 win over St. Joseph’s College, Maradana at the CR & FC grounds in Colombo. Trinity crossed the whitewash five times with 5 tries and 2 conversions, displaying explosive forward play and well-structured phases.
St. Joseph’s struggled to match Trinity’s physicality but managed a consolation try and conversion. At halftime, Trinity led 22-0, setting the tone early and maintaining control throughout.
Wesley Tames St. Peter’s in Tight Clash
At Havelock Park, Wesley College recorded a gritty 23-05 victory over St. Peter’s College. The Wesleyites scored 3 tries, 1 conversion, and added 2 penalties, proving their clinical edge under pressure.
St. Peter’s could only respond with a single try and failed to find rhythm. Wesley led 8-0 at the break and controlled territory effectively in the second half.
Isipathana Outguns Zahira in a High-Scoring Thriller
In one of the most entertaining matches of the weekend, Isipathana College edged out Zahira College 38-27 at Zahira Grounds. Isipathana scored 6 tries and 4 conversions, showcasing pace and creativity in attack.
Zahira fought back gallantly with 4 tries, 2 conversions, and a penalty, pushing the defending champions to the limit. At halftime, Isipathana led 26-8, and though Zahira launched a strong second-half rally, the Green Machine held on.
Royal Routs Vidyartha in Dominant Display
Royal College, Colombo, was at their clinical best as they overcame Vidyartha College, Kandy, 29-07 at the Royal Complex. The home side dotted down 5 tries and 2 conversions, demonstrating power rugby and slick handling.
Vidyartha managed a single converted try but struggled to contain Royal’s powerful forwards and rolling mauls. Royal led 12-7 at halftime before pulling away in the second half.
Looking Ahead
With teams like Trinity, Isipathana, and Royal continuing to impress, the Dialog Schools Rugby League 2025 is shaping up for a thrilling finish. Fans can expect tighter games and fierce battles as title dreams grow stronger.
Stay tuned with Sri Lankan Sports TV for full match reports, results, and exclusive school rugby coverage!
Athletics
Sri Lanka Shines at Thailand Open 2025 with 11-Medal Haul
The Sri Lankan athletics team wrapped up a remarkable campaign at the Thailand Open Athletics Championship 2025, securing an impressive 11 medals, including 6 golds, during the competition held from June 21 to 25 in Bangkok.
The Sri Lankan squad, made up of eight athletes—four men and four women—delivered standout performances across track and field events, making the nation proud on the international stage.
Leading the charge was Rusiru Chathuranga, who clinched double gold in the Men’s 800m and 1500m events. Vicknaraj Vakshan added to the tally with a gold in the 5000m and a silver in the 1500m, while W.K.L.A. Nimali matched that feat by claiming gold in the Women’s 800m and silver in the 1500m.
Madushani Herath showed her dominance in the field events, capturing gold in both the long jump and triple jump. Ayomal Akalanka earned silver in the Men’s 400m hurdles, and Wathsala Hapuarachchi took silver in the Women’s 100m hurdles. Safreen Ahmed contributed a bronze medal in the Men’s triple jump.
While seven out of eight athletes reached the podium, Amasha de Silva narrowly missed out, finishing fourth in the Women’s 100m final, showcasing a commendable performance.
The full team is expected to return to Sri Lanka today after a tour that highlights the depth of talent in local athletics and signals strong potential ahead of upcoming regional events
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