News
Sri Lanka Advances to 200th Position in FIFA Rankings: A Closer Look at the Journey
Sri Lanka’s national football team has made a significant leap, advancing to the 200th position in FIFA’s global rankings following their recent win against Cambodia in the AFC Cup qualifiers. This achievement is a welcome improvement, considering Sri Lanka’s struggle to rise from near the bottom of the table in recent years.
Historical Perspective: A Long Road to Recovery
Sri Lanka’s journey in the FIFA rankings has been a rollercoaster over the past two decades. In 2000, the team ranked 153rd out of 202 countries, signaling potential for growth. Their best position came in 2005 when they climbed to 139th, showcasing some promise on the international stage. However, inconsistency, lack of infrastructure, and limited international exposure led to a steep decline in subsequent years.
In 2010, Sri Lanka dropped to 151st, and by 2015, they slipped further to 172nd. The lowest point came in 2020, when the team was ranked 206th out of 210 countries. This ranking placed Sri Lanka among the bottom five footballing nations globally, reflecting the challenges the national team faced.
Analyzing the Current Rise
The recent jump to 200th may seem modest, but it represents a glimmer of hope for the Sri Lankan football community. The win against Cambodia in the AFC Cup qualifiers was crucial, not just for points but for morale. Cambodia, ranked higher than Sri Lanka before the match, was a key opponent. Defeating them showed that Sri Lanka has the potential to compete in international fixtures with the right preparation and strategy.
This rise also highlights the incremental changes happening within the national setup. While there’s still a long way to go to reach their highest-ever ranking of 122nd in 1998, the recent improvements suggest that Sri Lanka is gradually moving in the right direction. However, the rise in rankings also raises important questions about sustainability. Can Sri Lanka maintain this upward trajectory, or will it be a short-lived success?
Key Challenges Ahead
- Inconsistent Performances: Sri Lanka’s ranking fluctuations over the years indicate that consistency is one of their greatest challenges. The team needs to string together positive results in upcoming AFC Cup matches to solidify their current standing.
- Domestic Football Development: The success of any national team depends heavily on the strength of its domestic leagues. Sri Lanka’s football infrastructure remains underdeveloped compared to regional counterparts. A lack of investment in grassroots programs, coaching standards, and facilities has hindered the production of talented players. Revamping domestic leagues and focusing on youth development will be crucial for long-term success.
- International Exposure: Limited exposure to high-level international competition is another major hurdle. Sri Lankan players lack the experience of regularly competing against top-tier teams, both in South Asia and beyond. Engaging in more international friendlies and tournaments could bridge this gap and provide valuable learning experiences.
- Federation Mismanagement: Sri Lanka’s football administration has been criticized for inefficiency, mismanagement, and lack of vision. For real progress to be made, there must be a shakeup in how football is governed in the country. Transparent and accountable leadership is essential to fostering an environment where players can thrive.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Sri Lankan Football
Sri Lanka’s jump in the FIFA rankings may serve as a motivating factor for both the players and fans. The national team has the talent and potential to improve further, but consistent development requires a holistic approach. More investment in the sport at both the grassroots and national levels is necessary, along with sustained efforts to build a strong football culture in the country.
If Sri Lanka can build on this recent success and address the systemic issues holding them back, there’s hope for them to move further up the rankings. With strategic focus and proper support, the nation could aspire to return to the levels seen in the late 1990s and early 2000s.
As Sri Lanka moves forward, their ranking will be a clear indicator of progress in both domestic football development and international competition, and it remains to be seen whether this improvement is the start of a new era for Sri Lankan football or just a temporary rise.
While FIFA continues to invest heavily in global football development through initiatives like Forward 3.0 and Football for Schools (F4S), the Football Federation of Sri Lanka (FFSL) once again finds itself lagging behind—not because of lack of funding opportunities, but due to its own failures in administration, planning, and transparency.
Millions Left on the Table
FIFA’s Forward 3.0 programme offers USD 8 million per member association for the 2023–2026 cycle—an increase from previous cycles. These funds are specifically allocated for operational costs and football development projects, including infrastructure, national team support, grassroots leagues, and more.
Under Forward 3.0, FIFA allocates:
- USD 5 million for operational costs
- USD 3 million for infrastructure and development projects
Yet, as of April 2025, FFSL has failed to fully leverage these funds. Most notably, Sri Lanka missed out on FIFA’s Football for Schools initiative, which offers USD 50,000, training content, digital platforms, and Adidas footballs for schools. Since the programme began in 2019, over 100 nations have actively rolled it out. Sri Lanka is not one of them.
Lack of Vision or Lack of Will?
Despite FIFA’s clear roadmap and generous funding, FFSL’s inability to fulfill the conditions required—such as active domestic leagues, functional youth structures, and proper digital systems—has blocked their eligibility for key fund releases.
The federation’s operations are also marred by repeated promises and half-baked publicity stunts. Take for example the international stadium project, which was announced multiple times across various locations—Port City, Negombo, and most recently Colombo—but not a single brick has been laid. These announcements appear to be more about media optics than serious project planning or execution.
Global Benchmark: A Stark Contrast
While other nations are making strides in football development using FIFA funds—as showcased in FIFA’s Member Associations in Focus – January 2025 (link)—Sri Lanka continues to fall behind. Countries like India, Nepal, and the Maldives have successfully hosted international matches, built infrastructure, and even expanded their youth programmes using Forward funding.
Meanwhile, FFSL’s financial practices continue to raise questions. A lack of clear audits, poorly executed projects, and insufficient stakeholder engagement have painted a picture of administrative incompetence.
Time for Accountability
As Sri Lanka’s football stagnates while the rest of Asia pushes forward, fans and stakeholders must demand greater transparency, professionalism, and action. It’s time the FFSL stopped making headlines and started building foundations—literally and metaphorically—for the future of football in the country.
Dammam, Saudi Arabia – April 17
The third day of the 6th Asian U18 Athletics Championships in Dammam, Saudi Arabia, delivered a vibrant mix of speed, strength, and rising talent from across the continent. Set against the backdrop of Prince Nayef Sports City, over 400 athletes representing 31 nations competed with passion and purpose. Among them, Sri Lanka earned three spots on the podium with standout performances in track and field.
🌟 Sewmini Fernando was the star on the track, sprinting to silver in the Girls’ 100m final. Clocking an impressive 11.92 seconds, she finished just behind China’s Zhang Qian, in what was one of the evening’s most closely watched races. Her performance not only demonstrated raw speed but also Sri Lanka’s growing potential in sprint events on the Asian stage.
🥉 Meanwhile, in the Boys’ 1500m final, Lahiru Achintha displayed excellent race awareness and endurance, finishing in third place with a time of 3:59.47. His tactical approach and strong finish earned Sri Lanka a bronze medal, making him one of the standout middle-distance performers of the day.
🏅 In addition to these podium finishes, Janith Lakshan Jenkins leapt into medal contention in the Men’s U18 Triple Jump, claiming silver with a mark of 15.10 meters, just behind China’s Dong Zhiyuan.
Though only three athletes officially medaled on Day 3, performances across the board showed promise, heart, and competitive spirit — vital traits for building a strong future in athletics.
Stay tuned as Team Sri Lanka continues to compete and inspire at this prestigious youth championship.
🟡 Sri Lanka’s Medal Count – Day 3
🥈 Sewmini Fernando – Girls’ 100m
🥈 Janith Lakshan Jenkins – Boys’ Triple Jump
🥉 Lahiru Achintha – Boys’ 1500m
#SriLankaAthletics #AsianU18 #SewminiFernando #LakshanJenkins #LahiruAchintha #SriLankanYouth #Dammam2025 #TrackAndField #SriLankanSportsTV #PrideOfTheNation
Sri Lanka Rugby has officially received the Sports Minister’s approval for a 25-member national squad, led by seasoned campaigner Nigel Ratwatte, ahead of the high-stakes playoff match against Malaysia. The game will determine qualification for the Asia Rugby Top 4 Championship, a key milestone in Sri Lanka’s bid for a spot at the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
The match, scheduled for April 19, is expected to be a fierce contest as the Tuskers aim to re-establish themselves among Asia’s rugby elite. A win would secure home games against South Korea and UAE, with the away fixture coming against Hong Kong.
The squad features a mix of experienced players and promising young talent, showing the depth of Sri Lanka’s rugby potential. Backline firepower includes Danushka Ranjan, Akash Madhushanka, and Janidu Dilshan, while the forward pack boasts names like Janidu Fernando, Pulasthi Dissanayake, and Lasindu Karunathilake.
Approved Squad for Malaysia Match
Forwards:
- Janidu Fernando
- Pulasthi Dissanayake
- Senura Perera
- Naveen Marasinghe
- Thilina Bandara
- Nizran Nillar
- Tharindu Chathuranga
- Lasindu Karunathilake
Backs:
- Heshan Jansen
- Nigel Ratwatte (Captain)
- Janidu Dilshan
- Akash Madhushanka
- Danushka Ranjan
- Dinal Ekanayake
- Mursheed Zubair
Finishers (Replacements):
- Vimukthi Gamage
- Nirosh Perera
- Mohamed Rifan
- Thenuka Nanayakkara
- Pasindu Bandara
- Thanuja Jayaweera
- Dahan Wickramarachchi
- Venura Kodagoda
Standby:
- Malitha Wijesundara
- Hirantha Perera
Team Management & Support Staff
- Chef De Mission: Udaya Hettiarachchi
- Team Manager: Rohan Chinthaka
- Head Coach: Sanath Martis
- Forwards Coach: Dushanth Lewke
- Backs Coach: Saliya Kumara
- Strength & Conditioning Coach: Tharaka Algama
- Team Doctor: Dr. Pradeep Kiriella
- Physiotherapist: Shafin Majeed
- Masseurs: Manoj Silva, Sanka Dilshan de Silva, L. P. P. Sameera
With preparations intensifying, the squad is in full training mode under the guidance of Sanath Martis and his coaching unit. The players are eyeing a return to the continental spotlight, and the nation will be rallying behind the boys in maroon as they take on Malaysia in this do-or-die battle.
Stay tuned to Sri Lankan Sports TV for full match coverage and updates.
FFSL Misses FIFA Opportunities Again Amid Concerns of Transparency and Inaction
Sri Lanka Secures Three Medals at Asian U18 Athletics Championships – Day 3 Highlights
Sri Lanka Names 25-Man Squad for Crucial Rugby Clash Against Malaysia
-
Live3 years agoLive Broadcast of Syria vs Sri Lanka | AFC U23 Asian Championship Qualification
-
Football2 months agoSri Lanka Schools National Championship 2025: Super 8 Fixtures and Grouping
-
Football3 months agoFFSL Rebrands Division-1 as ‘League-One’ with a Bold New Vision
-
Cricket2 months agoSri Lanka vs Australia 2nd Test: Spin to Dominate as Galle Pitch Set to Turn
-
Football2 months agoSri Lanka Schools National Championship 2024: Super Eight Round Concludes – Semifinalists Confirmed!
-
Football3 months agoErling Haaland Signs Record-Breaking 9.5-Year Contract Extension with Manchester City
-
Football3 months agoSri Lanka Football: Upcoming AFC Asian Cup Qualification Matches & Fixtures
-
News4 years agoWe are Back
