Colombo, Nov. 27 – The historic Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC) Ground is undergoing significant redevelopment as Sri Lanka prepares to co-host the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 alongside India. One of the most notable upgrades is the long-awaited installation of floodlights, marking a new chapter for one of the country’s most prestigious cricket venues.

SSC has traditionally been a venue for day matches, regularly hosting domestic cricket and women’s internationals. For years, Colombo’s day-night fixtures were primarily steered towards the R. Premadasa Stadium, the city’s largest ground equipped for evening play.

With the World Cup approaching — scheduled from 7 February to 8 March 2026 — SSC is set to take on a more prominent role. The venue will host five group-stage matches, including its first-ever World Cup night game. The opening fixture at SSC will be on 7 February, featuring Pakistan vs Netherlands, followed by the ground’s first floodlit World Cup encounter on 9 February, when Zimbabwe meet Oman at 3:00 PM local time.
The only full night match scheduled at SSC is the high-profile clash between Pakistan and the USA on 10 February at 7:00 PM.

Cricket authorities noted that the addition of floodlights will not only support Sri Lanka’s World Cup commitments but also expand SSC’s long-term hosting capabilities. Once completed, the upgrades could pave the way for future day-night Test matches and domestic tournament games under lights — potentially elevating SSC’s status as a top-tier international venue.

With construction and installations now in progress, the SSC Ground is gearing up to reassert its place among Sri Lanka’s elite cricket stadiums — this time with the glow of modern stadium lighting.

T20 World Cup 2026 – Fixtures at SSC Ground, Colombo

• Feb 7: Pakistan vs Netherlands – 11:00 AM (IST)
• Feb 9: Zimbabwe vs Oman – 3:00 PM (IST)
• Feb 10: Pakistan vs USA – 7:00 PM (IST)
• Feb 14: Ireland vs Oman – 11:00 AM (IST)
• Feb 18: Pakistan vs Namibia – 3:00 PM (IST)

Sri Lanka’s U-17 national football team continues its AFC U-17 Asian Cup Qualifiers campaign in Group A, delivering a mix of promising moments and clear tactical challenges. After three matches, Sri Lanka sits on three points with one win and two defeats, and the remaining fixtures against China PR and Timor-Leste will determine their final group standings.

Strong Start: Sri Lanka Defeat Brunei 4–0

Sri Lanka opened the qualifiers with an impressive 4–0 victory over Brunei Darussalam. The team showcased fast transitional play, effective pressing in the attacking third, and confident finishing. Their use of wide areas and quick movement off the ball allowed Sri Lanka to control the pace of the match. The defensive unit had limited pressure but remained well-organised. This result highlighted Sri Lanka’s ability to dominate against opponents of similar ranking.

Competitive but Costly Defeat: Bahrain 2–1 Sri Lanka

Against Bahrain, Sri Lanka produced a competitive performance but were undone by defensive inconsistencies. Bahrain repeatedly exploited the spaces between fullbacks and centre-backs, taking advantage of gaps during transitions. Sri Lanka struggled to track midfield runners, allowing Bahrain to create sustained pressure. Despite these issues, Sri Lanka produced quality attacking sequences, including a well-worked equaliser. Goalkeeper Mohamed Kathafi delivered several key saves to keep Sri Lanka in the contest. This match illustrated both the team’s potential and the areas requiring structural improvement.

Bangladesh Expose Sri Lanka’s Structural Weaknesses

Bangladesh outplayed Sri Lanka in a 5–0 defeat, using a high-pressing system that Sri Lanka struggled to manage. The defensive line dropped too deep, creating large spaces in midfield that Bangladesh exploited. Sri Lanka were unable to build out from the back or maintain possession under pressure. Fatigue and gaps between lines contributed to the widening scoreline in the second half. This performance underscored the need for stronger defensive compactness, improved press resistance, physical conditioning, and better management of transitions.

Overall Assessment

Sri Lanka’s strengths lie in quick counter-attacks, energetic wing play, and reliable goalkeeping. However, weaknesses remain evident in defensive organisation, ball retention under pressure, central creativity, and physical match endurance. The campaign continues to provide critical experience for long-term youth development.

Upcoming Match Analysis

Sri Lanka vs China PR

China PR enters the fourth match with exceptional form, scoring 30 goals and conceding none. Their physicality, structured build-up, and high press are expected to challenge Sri Lanka heavily. Based on form and tactical profiles, China are strong favourites to secure a large-margin victory.

Sri Lanka vs Timor-Leste

Sri Lanka’s final fixture against Timor-Leste offers a favourable opportunity. Timor-Leste have conceded heavily in all matches and have yet to score or collect a point. Sri Lanka will likely control transitions and attacking phases, making this a realistic chance to secure a second win in the group.

Projected Final Group A Standings Based on Current Form

A win against Timor-Leste would confirm Sri Lanka’s place in the top four and provide a positive conclusion to their AFC U-17 Asian Cup Qualifying campaign.

Negombo, November 26–27, 2025 — The Sri Lanka Schools Football Association (SLSFA) has officially commenced the Under-16 Division II National Football Championship 2025, bringing together schools from all corners of the island for two days of intense competition in Negombo.

A total of 21 schools are grouped into seven groups (A–G), with matches taking place across four venues:

• St. Mary’s College Ground
• Kurana Mejaraaj Ground
• Don Bosco Ground
• Katunayaka 18 Kanuwa Ground

The tournament will be played in a first-round group stage, followed by a 2nd round knockout stage, leading to the crowning of the Division II champions.

Group Allocations & Schools (First Round)

Group A – St. Mary’s College Ground

• Aligar National School – Batticaloa
• Abdul Majeed – Kinniya
• Stafford International School – Colombo

Group B – St. Mary’s College Ground

• Zahira College – Mawanella
• Vidyialoka College – Galle
• Gateway College – Kandy

Group C – Kurana Mejaraaj Ground

• St. Mary’s College – Chilaw
• Zahira College – Matale
• Gateway College – Colombo

Group D – Don Bosco Ground

• Maris Stella College – Negombo
• Maliyadeva Model School – Kurunegala
• Al Minhaj National School – Nuwara Eliya

Group E – Don Bosco Ground

• Jailani National School – Balangoda
• Arafa National School – Weligama
• Al-Falal College – Negombo

Group F – Kurana Mejaraaj Ground

• Uva College – Badulla
• Malhara Suliya MV – Galle
• Thopawewa National School – Polonnaruwa

Group G – Katunayake 18 Kanuwa Ground

• Jinaraja Boys’ College – Gampola
• Zahira College – Puttalam
• Al Fahiriya – Panadura

Day 1 Match Schedule – 26 November 2025

St. Mary’s College Ground (Groups A & B)

• 8.00 AM: Aligar NS vs Abdul Majeed
• 9.30 AM: Zahira Mawanella vs Vidyialoka Galle
• 10.30 AM: Abdul Majeed vs Stafford IS
• 11.30 AM: Vidyialoka Galle vs Gateway Kandy
• 1.00 PM: Aligar NS vs Stafford IS
• 2.00 PM: Zahira Mawanella vs Gateway Kandy

Kurana Mejaraaj Ground (Groups C & F)

• 8.00 AM: St. Mary’s Chilaw vs Zahira Matale
• 9.30 AM: Uva College vs Malhara Suliya MV
• 10.30 AM: Zahira Matale vs Gateway Colombo
• 11.30 AM: Malhara Suliya MV vs Thopawewa NS
• 1.00 PM: St. Mary’s Chilaw vs Gateway Colombo
• 2.00 PM: Uva College vs Thopawewa NS

Don Bosco Ground (Groups D & E)

• 8.00 AM: Jailani NS vs Arafa NS
• 9.30 AM: Maris Stella Negombo vs Maliyadeva MS
• 10.30 AM: Arafa NS vs Al-Falal College
• 11.30 AM: Maliyadeva MS vs Al Minhaj NS
• 1.00 PM: Jailani NS vs Al-Falal College
• 2.00 PM: Maris Stella vs Al Minhaj NS

Katunayake 18 Kanuwa Ground (Group G)

• 8.00 AM: Jinaraja Boys’ College vs Zahira Puttalam
• 9.30 AM: Zahira Puttalam vs Al Fahiriya Panadura
• 10.30 AM: Jinaraja Boys’ College vs Al Fahiriya

Knockout Stage – Second Round

The winners of Groups A, B, C, D, E, F, and G will advance to the Knockout Stage scheduled after the completion of group matches

. Match pairings will be finalized based on group rankings.

A Platform for Young Talent

The Under-16 Division II Championship continues to be a pivotal tournament in identifying and elevating Sri Lanka’s rising footballers. Teams will fight for qualification to higher divisions and for national-level recognition.

Sri Lankan Sports TV will provide live updates, match scores, photos, and special coverage throughout the tournament.