News

Sri Lanka School Football Association and Sri Lankan Sports TV Unveil Ball Blaster 2024 Division 1 Tournament Details

Published

2 years ago

June 3, 2024

Editor

The Sri Lanka School Football Association, in collaboration with Sri Lankan Sports TV, is excited to announce the details for the Ball Blaster 2024 Division 1 tournament. This premier school football event will see 20 top schools competing in a series of 56 matches over three thrilling months, starting on July 7, 2024.

Tournament Structure

Group Stage
The tournament kicks off with the Group Stage, where 20 schools are divided into four groups of five. The groupings are determined through an open draw, organized as follows:

Pot 1: Ranked 1 to 4, filling the first position in each group
Pot 2: Ranked 5 to 8, filling the second position in each group
Pot 3: Ranked 9 to 12, filling the third position in each group
Pot 4: Ranked 13 to 16, filling the fourth position in each group
Pot 5: Ranked 17 to 20, filling the fifth position in each group

The top two teams from each group will advance to the League Stage.

League Stage
The League Stage will feature eight teams split into two groups of four, based on their performance in the Group Stage:

Group 1:

– Group A Champions

– Group B Runners-Up

– Group C Champions

– Group D Runners-Up

Group 2:

– Group A Runners-Up

– Group B Champions

– Group C Runners-Up

– Group D Champions

The top two teams from each group will progress to the Play-Off Stage.

Play-Off Stage
The Play-Off Stage is divided into three critical rounds:

First Qualifier: The champions of Group 1 and Group 2 will face each other. The winner advances to the final, while the loser moves to the second qualifier.
Eliminator: The runners-up of Group 1 and Group 2 will compete. The winner proceeds to the second qualifier, and the loser is eliminated from the tournament.
Second Qualifier: The loser of the first qualifier will battle the winner of the eliminator. The winner secures a spot in the final, while the loser is awarded 3rd place.

Grand Final
The tournament will culminate in the Grand Final, where the winners of the First Qualifier and Second Qualifier will compete for the coveted championship title.

Participating Schools

Alighar National College
Zahira College
Darussalam College
St. Joseph’s College
St. Henry’s College
Gampola Zahira College
Vadakachchi Central College
St. Patrick’s College
Hameed Al Husseinie College
Maris Stella College
St. Benedict’s College
Jaffna Central College
Gateway College
Muslim Central College
Baduriya Central College
Kingswood College
Al Ameen Vidyalaya
Royal College
Kinniya Central College
Al Falah College

This tournament promises to deliver high-octane football action, showcasing the best of Sri Lanka’s young football talent. Fans can look forward to intense competition and outstanding sportsmanship throughout the event.

Stay tuned to Sri Lankan Sports TV for live coverage, exclusive interviews, and all the latest updates from the Ball Blaster 2024 Division 1 tournament.

About Sri Lanka School Football Association:
The Sri Lanka School Football Association is dedicated to nurturing and promoting football at the grassroots level within schools across Sri Lanka. Through organized tournaments and events, the association aims to develop young football talents and foster a strong culture of sportsmanship and teamwork.

About Sri Lankan Sports TV:
Sri Lankan Sports TV is the leading sports broadcaster in the country, committed to bringing the excitement of sports to viewers nationwide. With comprehensive coverage and in-depth analysis, Sri Lankan Sports TV connects sports enthusiasts with their favorite events and athletes.

Cricket

Chamindu Wickramasinghe’s bowling action under scrutiny?

Published

12 hours ago

April 13, 2026

Editor

Sri Lankan fast bowler Chamindu Wickramasinghe has come under the spotlight after his bowling action was officially reported as suspicious during a recent domestic encounter.

The incident occurred in a match of the National Super League held from April 6 to 9, where the Dambulla side faced Colombo. Wickramasinghe, representing Dambulla, drew attention from match officials, prompting concerns over the legality of his action.

The on-field umpires, Deepal Gunawardena and Ravindra Wimalasiri, made the report in accordance with standard procedures. Match referee Manoj Mendis also oversaw the process, ensuring that all regulations were followed.

Following the report, the matter has been referred to the Sri Lanka Cricket High Performance Unit for further assessment. Wickramasinghe may now be required to undergo biomechanical testing to determine whether his bowling action complies with the laws of the game.

Cricket

Sri Lanka lasses continue to impress

Published

12 hours ago

April 13, 2026

Editor

Sri Lanka Under-19 Women extended their impressive run in the Tri-Series with a composed four-wicket victory over Australia Women Under-19 cricket team at Bill Pippen Oval Today.

After being put in to bat, Australia U-19 struggled to build momentum against a disciplined Sri Lankan bowling attack. Ayla Johnson top-scored with 18 off 29 balls, while Alyssa Dermody added a quick 13. However, regular wickets halted their progress as they finished on a modest 91 for 9 in 20 overs. Limansa Thilakarathne led the bowling effort with an impressive 3 for 26, well supported by Chamudi Praboda, who claimed 2 for 21.

In response, Sri Lanka Women Under-19 cricket team chased down the target with 92 for 6 in 19.3 overs. Despite a few setbacks, Pramudi Methsara anchored the innings with an unbeaten 21 off 17 balls, while Danodya Sewmini contributed a steady 14. Australia’s Filippa Suesee (3 for 18) and Ira Aery (2 for 13) fought hard, but Sri Lanka held their nerve.

News

Football Chief Jaswar Umar Enters Race for NOC Presidency

Published

1 day ago

April 12, 2026

Editor

Jaswar Umar, President of the Football Federation of Sri Lanka, has officially submitted his nomination to contest for the presidency of the National Olympic Committee of Sri Lanka at the upcoming Annual General Meeting.

Umar becomes the fourth candidate in the race, joining Shirantha Peiris, Deva Henry, and Asanga Seneviratne, who are also contesting for the top position in the country’s Olympic body.

His time as football chief has created divided opinions among sports professionals who evaluate his performance. On one hand, Sri Lanka’s national team has shown improvement in international results, including a rise in the FIFA rankings from 204 to 191, along with notable performances against stronger opposition.

However, his approach has also faced criticism. Stakeholders have raised concerns over the increased reliance on Sri Lankan-origin overseas players, with claims that it has limited opportunities for local talent. The long-term vision for developing youth and building grassroots football programs has become a subject of public inquiry.

Umar now aims to advance his career through NOC while he leads Sri Lankan football with both positive results and ongoing public criticism of his work.

The upcoming election will become a competitive battle because four candidates will vie for control of a key position which holds major power within the country’s sports system.