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Shirantha Peries Enters Race for NOC Presidency with Reform Focus on Unity, Transparency and Delivery
Shirantha Peries, a respected businessman, sports administrator, and current Vice President of the National Olympic Committee of Sri Lanka, has officially announced his candidacy for President of the National Olympic Commitee,, presenting a clear and practical mandate to strengthen governance, unify federations, and elevate Sri Lanka’s sporting performance on the international stage.
With over four decades of professional experience, Shirantha Peries is the owner of the Mega Pharma Group of Companies, a leading pharmaceutical enterprise with an annual turnover exceeding Rs. 6 billion. His career reflects strong operational discipline, financial stewardship, and the ability to build and lead institutions at scale. He holds two MBAs from the United Kingdom and the United States, further reinforcing his strategic and leadership foundation.
“Leadership, to me, is about building systems that work, not just making promises. It is about creating structures that deliver consistently and fairly,” Peries said.
Beyond business, Shirantha has made a lasting impact on Sri Lanka’s sporting ecosystem through both infrastructure development and sports administration. He has personally invested in developing and upgrading shooting ranges in Nuwara Eliya, Katukurunda, and Payagala at the Clay Target Shooting Club of Colombo, bringing facilities up to international standards and expanding access to the sport.
In 2015, he became the first civilian President of the National Shooting Sport Federation of Sri Lanka. Over the course of his tenure until 2025, the federation experienced significant growth, with participation increasing from approximately 200 athletes to over 7,500 young participants. Under his leadership, there was a clear focus on youth development, resulting in athletes under 16 achieving national success and securing medals at Asian level competitions.
“We proved that when you invest in structure, access, and youth, results will follow. That same approach can be applied across all sports in Sri Lanka,” he added.
Shirantha currently serves as Vice President of the National Olympic Committee of Sri Lanka and holds positions within international sporting bodies, including as an Executive Member of the Asian Shooting Confederation and as a Board Member supporting development initiatives within the International Shooting Sport Federation. He also serves as Chairman of the Lotus Tower in Colombo, reflecting his ability to operate within large scale national projects and work closely with Government stakeholders.
His journey in sport began at the age of 12, when he took up air rifle shooting under the guidance of his father. He later represented Sri Lanka at the SAF Shooting Games in 2000, winning a team silver and an individual bronze medal, giving him first hand insight into the demands of international competition.
Announcing his candidacy, Peries highlighted that Sri Lankan sport is at a defining moment, requiring stronger systems, greater unity, and transparent governance.
His mandate focuses on building a National Olympic Committee that is united in purpose, transparent in operation, and fair in opportunity. Key priorities include quarterly visibility of decisions, an open book system for funding and sponsorship opportunities, merit based eligibility frameworks, stronger athlete protection mechanisms, and structured capability development for athletes and coaches.
He also proposes the introduction of a formal feedback mechanism at Olympic House, improved accountability through defined roles and responsibilities, and closer collaboration with the Ministry of Sports and the Government of Sri Lanka.
“Sri Lankan sport does not lack talent. It lacks a system that brings that talent together, supports it consistently, and gives it a fair path to succeed,” Peries stated. “This is about building an institution that unites, operates with integrity, and delivers results that the entire country can stand behind.”
The sixth edition of the Lanka Premier League (LPL) is set to take place from July 10 to August 5, 2026, promising another exciting season of top-quality Twenty20 cricket. As Sri Lanka’s premier domestic T20 competition with a strong international presence, the tournament continues to attract both local and overseas talent.
This year’s matches will be held across four venues: Sinhalese Sports Club Ground (SSC), R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium (RPICS), Pallekele International Cricket Stadium (PICS), and Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium (RDICS). These iconic grounds are expected to provide a vibrant atmosphere and excellent playing conditions throughout the competition.
The online registration portal for foreign players will officially open on May 4, 2026, allowing international cricketers to sign up and participate in the league. This step ensures the continuation of LPL’s global appeal, as overseas players add competitiveness and diversity to the tournament.
The event will be organized by Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), the official owner of the league, in partnership with The IPG Group, which holds the event rights. Their collaboration has been instrumental in maintaining the league’s high standards since its inception.
Launched in 2020, the LPL has rapidly grown in popularity among cricket fans. Mr. Samantha Dodanwela, an Executive Committee Member of SLC, will continue in his role as Tournament Director, ensuring smooth organization and execution.
With thrilling matches and star players expected, LPL 2026 is set to deliver another unforgettable cricketing spectacle.
Sri Lanka is set to host an exciting bilateral cricket series as the New Zealand Women’s A Team tours the island in May 2026. The series, featuring both One Day and T20 matches, will see the visitors compete against the Sri Lanka Women’s A Team in what promises to be a competitive showcase of emerging talent.
All matches will be held at the Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium (RDICS), with play scheduled to begin at 10:00 a.m. each day. The New Zealand side is expected to arrive in Sri Lanka on 7 May 2026, giving them several days to acclimatize before the series begins.
The tour will consist of three One Day matches followed by three T20 encounters. The One Day fixtures are scheduled for 12th, 15th, and 18th May, while the T20 series will take place on 21st, 23rd, and 25th May.
This series is seen as an important opportunity for both teams to develop their next generation of international players. With a mix of promising players and those on the cusp of senior national selection, the matches are expected to be closely contested.
Bangladesh Women edged out Sri Lanka Women in a tense finish during the first ODI of the Sri Lanka Women’s tour of Bangladesh 2026, chasing down 206 with just nine balls to spare in a match that swung dramatically in the final overs.
Put into bat, Sri Lanka Team posted a competitive 205/9 from their 50 overs, built on steady contributions rather than a single dominant innings. Imesha Dulani (52 off 77) and Hansima Karunaratne (54 off 71) anchored the innings with a crucial middle-order stand after early setbacks. Captain Hasini Perera made a brisk 27, but Sri Lanka struggled to accelerate in the final 10 overs, losing wickets at regular intervals.
Bangladesh’s bowling attack kept things tight throughout. Ritu Moni was the standout performer, claiming 3 for 36 and breaking key partnerships, while Nahida Akter and Marufa Akter maintained pressure with disciplined spells.
In reply, Bangladesh got off to a disastrous start, losing two wickets within the first two overs. However, Sharmin Akhter produced a match-defining innings, scoring a composed 86 off 127 balls to anchor the chase. She found support from Sobhana Mostary, who made 41 before retiring hurt, and later Shorna Akter, whose 35 added momentum in the middle overs.
Despite being in control for much of the chase, Bangladesh nearly stumbled at the finish. A late burst from Sri Lanka’s bowlers saw Dewmi Vihanga pick up three crucial wickets, triggering a collapse that left Bangladesh at 200/7 after being comfortably placed at 199/3.
The match briefly tilted back in Sri Lanka’s favor, but Bangladesh held their nerve. Extras proved decisive, with 21 wides significantly easing the chase. Eventually, Bangladesh crossed the target in 48.3 overs, sealing a hard-fought three-wicket victory.
Sri Lanka will rue their inability to capitalize on key moments, particularly in the death overs with both bat and ball. The absence of star player Chamari Athapaththu was evident, as they lacked the firepower to push their total beyond reach.
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