News

Sri Lanka Advances to 200th Position in FIFA Rankings: A Closer Look at the Journey

Published

10 months ago

September 19, 2024

Editor

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.

News

South Asian Karate Championship 2025: India and Sri Lanka Shine as Karate Celebrates 50 Years in Sri Lanka

Published

2 days ago

July 9, 2025

Editor

Colombo, July 5–6, 2025 – The 9th South Asian Karate Championship and the 1st South Asian Youth Karate Championship successfully concluded at the Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium, marking a landmark moment in Sri Lanka’s martial arts history as the nation celebrates the 50th Anniversary of the Sri Lanka Karate Federation.

This prestigious two-day event was jointly organized by the South Asian Karate Federation and the Sri Lanka Karate Federation, which is registered under the Ministry of Sports as one of the seven official sports federations in the country.

Day 1 (July 5) – Youth Championship Dominated by India and Sri Lanka

The opening day featured intense youth-level competition with over 700 athletes from seven South Asian nations – Sri Lanka, India, Nepal, Bhutan, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and the Maldives – competing in age categories below 14.

🥇 Youth Medal Standings (U-14 Category):

India – 22 Medals (1st Place)
Nepal – 20 Medals (2nd Place)
Sri Lanka – 10 Medals (3rd Place)

📺 Watch Day 1 Highlights:

Final Day (July 6) – Sri Lanka Takes Youth Title, India Clinches Senior Crown

The second day of the tournament featured both senior and youth finals. In a historic achievement, Sri Lanka emerged champions in the Youth Division, while India secured the Senior Team Championship, continuing their regional dominance.

Final Team Standings:

Senior Category:
- 🥇 India (Champions)
- 🥈 Nepal (Runners-up)
- 🥉 Sri Lanka (Third Place)
Youth Category:
- 🥇 Sri Lanka (Champions)
- 🥈 India (Runners-up)
- 🥉 Nepal (Third Place)

Watch Final Day Highlights:

Special Guests & Recognition

The event was graced by His Excellency Akio Isomata, the Japanese Ambassador to Sri Lanka, who attended as the Chief Guest, acknowledging Sri Lanka’s long-standing contribution to the growth of karate in South Asia.

Also present was Bharat Sharma, President of the South Asian Karate Federation, who praised the standard of competition and Sri Lanka’s organizing excellence.

Karate in Sri Lanka – 50 Years of Legacy

This championship coincided with the 50th Anniversary of the Sri Lanka Karate Federation, which has played a vital role in shaping karate talent nationally and internationally. With continued support from the Ministry of Sports, karate remains one of Sri Lanka’s fastest-growing combat sports.

Football

Sri Lanka Women Finish Qualifiers with 0 Goals, 20 Conceded – Who Will Take Responsibility?

Published

6 days ago

July 5, 2025

Editor

Colombo, July 3 – Sri Lanka Women’s National Football Team wrapped up their AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers campaign with a third straight defeat — a 2-0 loss to Laos — confirming their position at the bottom of Group F, with 0 wins, 0 goals scored, and 18 conceded in just three games.

But beyond the scorelines lies a far more serious issue: a complete collapse of women’s football development in Sri Lanka. And this time, the blame does not lie on one individual — but on a system that has failed the sport, from top to bottom.

Match-by-Match Recap

Match 1: Sri Lanka 0 – 10 Uzbekistan

Possession: 30%
Shots on Target: 0
xG: 0.0 vs Uzbekistan’s 3.60
A game that exposed a lack of preparation, structure, and fitness from the very start.

Match 2: Sri Lanka 0 – 8 Nepal

Possession: 50%
Defensive errors gifted goals, including a hat-trick by Sabitra Bhandari.
xG: Nepal 3.76 vs Sri Lanka 0.60
Tactical breakdown: Midfield collapsed under pressure, backline failed to close space.

Match 3: Sri Lanka 0 – 2 Laos

Possession: 50%
Shots on Target: 5
xG: 2.56 (Laos) vs 1.08 (Sri Lanka)
A more balanced performance, but defensive lapses in the 73rd and 90+2 minutes led to defeat. Sri Lanka couldn’t convert chances despite their best game statistically.

Final Group Standings – Group F

Team	MP	GF	GA	GD	Points
🇳🇵 Nepal	2	17	0	+17	6
🇺🇿 Uzbekistan	2	17	0	+17	6
🇱🇦 Laos	2	2	16	-14	0
🇱🇰 Sri Lanka	3	0	20	-20	0

Tactical Issues Across All Matches

No clear formation or transition play.
Lack of defensive coordination — players failed to track runners, especially on the flanks.
No attacking identity — only 1.08 xG across three games.
In-game management absent — few substitutions or tactical shifts despite being outplayed.

While public criticism often targets the President of the Football Federation, this decline in women’s football runs deeper:

Who Is Accountable? Not Just the President

Women’s Football Committee:

Failed to organize any domestic tournament in recent years.
Selected the squad via open trials, with no league performance data to back selections.
No consistent training camps or fitness programs.

Executive Committee:

Remains silent on the recurring failures.
No inquiries, reviews, or structural reforms have followed Sri Lanka’s repeated humiliations — including the U20 Women’s SAFF defeat earlier this year.

Technical & Development Staff:

No tactical framework or youth development.
No modern coaching methods or international exposure for players.

The Bigger Problem: Silence and Stagnation

Sri Lanka is not just losing matches — it’s losing direction. The current state of women’s football is not the result of one bad campaign. It’s the product of years of neglect, political appointments, and a failure to treat women’s football with equal priority.

Even now, there is no explanation from the Executive Committee on how the women’s team was prepared or what plans exist for recovery.

Time for a Reset, Not Excuses

If Sri Lanka is serious about competing in international football, the following must be addressed:

✅ A national women’s league
✅ Provincial and school-level competitions
✅ Professional coaching staff and structured fitness programs
✅ Regular international friendlies and camps
✅ Transparent selection processes based on performance, not politics

🔚 Conclusion

Sri Lanka’s 2026 AFC campaign should not just be remembered for the scorelines — but as a call for change. It is time for every stakeholder — from the Women’s Committee to the Executive — to reflect, respond, and rebuild.

News

Sri Lanka Set to Face UAE in Crucial Rugby Clash Tomorrow in Colombo

Published

1 week ago

July 4, 2025

Editor

The Sri Lanka national rugby team will lock horns with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in a much-anticipated international rugby encounter set to take place today (July 4) at the iconic Racecourse Ground, Colombo.

As part of their final preparations, the Sri Lankan team held an intensive training session today under the watchful eyes of the coaching staff. The team looked sharp, focused, and ready to bring their A-game to home soil.

This clash promises to be a key test for the Tuskers as they look to strengthen their footing in the regional rugby scene and gain momentum ahead of upcoming international competitions. UAE, a rising force in Asian rugby, will also be eyeing a big performance away from home.

Both teams are expected to field strong lineups, and the match is anticipated to draw significant interest from local fans eager to witness top-tier rugby action.

📍 Match Info
🗓️ Date: July 4, 2025
📍 Venue: Racecourse Rugby Grounds, Colombo
🕒 Kick-off: TBA

Stay tuned for live updates, photos, and post-match coverage on Sri Lankan Sports TV.