Sri Lanka is set to face Laos in an exciting international friendly on March 20, 2025. This encounter is crucial for Sri Lanka as they continue their preparations for the AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers. The match will serve as a test for the team, currently ranked 200th in FIFA rankings, against Laos, ranked 186th.

Head-to-Head Record

Sri Lanka and Laos have met multiple times in the past, with Laos having a slight edge in their recent encounters:

• AFC Asian Cup 2013 – Laos won 4-2

• AFC Solidarity Cup 2016 – Laos won 2-1

• International Friendly 2019 – Laos won 2-1

• International Friendly 2019 – Draw 2-2

Can Sri Lanka turn the tables this time and secure a victory?

Sri Lanka Squad for the Match

Head Coach: Abdullah Almutairi

Captain: Sujan Perera (GK)

Goalkeepers: Sujan Perera, Kaveesh Lakpriya, Mohamed Mursith

Defenders: Chalana Chameera, Mohamed Aman, Mohamed Hasmeer, Rifkhan Mohamed, Mohamed Thilham, Anujan Rajendram, Oliver Kelaart, Barath Suresh

Midfielders & Forwards: Waseem Razeek, Adhavan Rajamohan, Leon Perera, Wade Dekker, Jack Hingert, Jason Thayaparan, Claudio Kammerknecht, Sam Durrant, William Thomason, Geremi Perera, Harsha Fernando, Garrett Kelly

With a strong lineup featuring both local talent and international experience, Sri Lanka aims to make a statement in this friendly clash.

Will Sri Lanka secure a win against Laos? Stay tuned for updates!

For live scores and match updates, visit Sri Lankan Sports TV.

The Central Province Badminton Association (CPBA) has opened entries for the much-anticipated Summer Season All-Island Open Badminton Championship 2025. This prestigious tournament will take place from April 21 to 27 at the Municipal Council Indoor Stadium in Nuwara Eliya, coinciding with the region’s popular April Holiday Season.

As one of Sri Lanka’s premier National Ranking Level 1 events, sanctioned by Sri Lanka Badminton (SLB), the championship attracts the nation’s top-ranked players and growing public interest each year.

Tournament Categories & Highlights

The competition will feature a diverse range of events, including:
✅ Junior Categories: Under-11 to Under-19
✅ Senior Categories: Over-30 to Over-70
✅ Combined Age Events: 100+ Category
✅ Open Events: Men’s & Women’s Singles, Doubles, and Mixed Doubles
✅ Plate Championship: For players eliminated in the Men’s and Women’s Singles

Key Dates & Prize Pool

📅 Opening Ceremony: April 21 at 9:00 AM
📅 Quarter-Finals & Semi-Finals: April 26
📅 Finals & Closing Ceremony: April 27
💰 Total Prize Pool: Rs. 750,000 + Trophies, Medals & Certificates

Junior winners will receive special gifts instead of cash prizes, per the tournament organizers’ decision.

How to Register

🏸 Entry Deadline: April 10 at 12:00 PM
🏸 Seeding Based on SLB Rankings as of April 13
🏸 Draw Date: April 16 at 11:00 AM (Colombo 7)
📞 For Entries & Inquiries: Contact Sadeesha Adithya at 0761759017 or visit the SLB website.

This year’s championship is proudly sponsored by Mobil, Li Ning, McFoil, 3M, and GAC.

Sri Lanka is set to make impact at the World Athletics Indoor Championships 2025 in Nanjing, China, with a talented squad of 12 athletes competing across multiple disciplines. The competition, scheduled from March 21 to 23, will be a crucial platform for Sri Lankan athletes to gain international exposure and improve their world rankings.

Sri Lanka’s Participation in Nanjing

The Sri Lankan contingent includes top sprinters, hurdlers, and relay teams, with Kalinga Kumarage leading the squad as captain.

Men’s Events:

• Chamod Yodhasinghe – 60m
• Nadun K. Bandara – 60m Hurdles
• Kalinga Kumarage – 400m, 4×400m
• Randima Madushan – 4×400m
• Sadew Rajakaruna – 4×400m
• Omel S. Silva – 4×400m
• R.P. Isuru Lakshan – 4×400m

Women’s Events:

• Nadesha Ramanayake – 4×400m
• L. Sayuri Mendis – 4×400m
• Nishendra de Silva – 4×400m
• Jayeshi Uththara – 4×400m
• Jithma Wijethunga – 4×400m

Coach/Manager: Sanjeewa Weerakkody

Key Objectives for Sri Lanka

The main goal for Sri Lanka at the Nanjing 2025 Championships is to improve their ranking in the 4×400m relay and secure a spot at the World Athletics Relays in Guangzhou. The men’s 4×400m team currently holds the 31st position in the “Road to Guangzhou” rankings, thanks to their gold medal-winning 3:04.48 finish at the Asian Relays 2024.

However, with other nations competing in upcoming events, Sri Lanka must maintain or improve their position within the top 32 to qualify for the World Relays in May.

Event Schedule for Sri Lankan Athletes

Sri Lankan sprinters and relay teams will compete across three days in Nanjing. Key events to watch include:

• 60m & 400m Heats (Day 1)
• 60m & 400m Semi-Finals (Day 2)
• 4×400m Relay Finals (Day 3)

With Olympian Aruna Dharshana unavailable, the 4×400m men’s relay team will look to Kalinga Kumarage, Randima Madushan, Sadew Rajakaruna, and Omel S. Silva to lead the charge.

A Chance to Make History

The Sri Lankan squad will aim to not only qualify for the World Relays but also set new national records. Their performance in Nanjing will be a stepping stone toward the 2025 World Championships and future global events.

Stay tuned for updates as Sri Lanka competes at the World Athletics Indoor Championships 2025!