Sri Lanka triumphed over Laos with a 2-1 victory in their international friendly, thanks to goals from Wade Dekker and Adhavan Rajamohan. The match showcased the impact of origin players, highlighting the Federation’s short-term success in strengthening the national squad. However, the broader concerns regarding Sri Lankan football’s long-term development persist.

Short-Term Gains vs. Long-Term Challenges

While the inclusion of origin players has contributed significantly to the team’s performance, the lack of a structured youth development system remains a major issue. Unlike other successful footballing nations, Sri Lanka has no youth league or proper grassroots development pathway, making it difficult for local players to reach their full potential.

The Missing Foundation for Local Talent

Local players struggle to compete with the skill and experience of origin players due to the lack of a competitive domestic structure. Without a proper youth development program, local players don’t get enough matches at a high level to develop their skills. Even when they do, the competition is often not intense enough to elevate their game.

Technical Insights & Solutions

• Youth League, Top League & Grassroots Development
• Establishing a national youth league will provide a structured pathway for young players.
• Grassroots programs at schools and academies should be a priority, rather than focusing solely on the national team.

2. Competitive Club Structure

• More high-intensity local tournaments are needed to bridge the gap between local and international levels.
• Regular exposure to high-quality opposition can help local players adapt and improve.

3. Local Coach Development

Investing in coaching education will improve tactical awareness and player development.

• Experienced foreign coaches should mentor local coaches to create a sustainable system.

A Need for a Long-Term Vision

Currently, the Federation’s focus seems to be on short-term national team success rather than a structured long-term plan. Without a clear mid-term or long-term vision, Sri Lankan football will continue to rely on origin players while local talent remains underdeveloped.

For Sri Lanka to truly compete on the international stage, the focus must shift towards building a sustainable football ecosystem that nurtures homegrown talent and provides them with the necessary platform to succeed.

Sri Lanka has unveiled its 22-man squad for the AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers Final Round, with experienced goalkeeper Sujan Perera leading the team as captain. However, the squad selection has sparked discussions, as 13 out of the 22 players are origin players, leaving fewer opportunities for Sri Lankan-born footballers striving to build their careers locally.

Adding to the concerns, Dillon De Silva will miss the qualifiers due to injury, further impacting the squad’s depth.

Sri Lanka National Team Squad for AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers

Goalkeepers:

• Sujan Perera (C)
• Kaveesh Lakpriya
• Mohamed Mursith

Players:

• Chalana Chameera
• Mohamed Aman
• Mohamed Hasmeer
• RIfkhan Mohamed
• Mohamed Thilham
• Anujan Rajendram
• Oliver Kelaart
• Barath Suresh
• Adhavan Rajamohan
• Leon Perera
• Jack Hingert
• Jason Thayaparan
• Claudio Kammerknecht
• Wade Dekker
• Sam Durrant
• William Thomason
• Waseem Razeek
• Geremi Perera
• Harsha Fernando
• Garrett Kelly

Head Coach: Abdullah Almutairi

Challenges for Sri Lankan-Born Players

In previous international matches, Sri Lanka has often started with 10 or even 9 origin players, limiting exposure for locally developed talent. The lack of high-quality domestic competitions, such as the Super League and Champions League, has made it difficult to scout and nurture homegrown footballers.

While relying on origin players offers an immediate competitive edge, the long-term consequences could hinder the growth of Sri Lankan football. Without structured domestic tournaments, young local players struggle to gain top-level experience, making it challenging to replace experienced origin players in the future.

Balancing Immediate Success and Future Development

With the qualifiers being a crucial test for Sri Lanka, the team management has prioritized experience and international exposure over an experimental squad featuring more local players. While this decision may help in the short term, Sri Lanka Football must focus on reviving domestic leagues to create a sustainable pathway for local talent.

As Sri Lanka prepares for the qualifiers, the debate continues: Should the national team prioritize short-term results or long-term football development?

Stay tuned for more updates on Sri Lanka’s journey in the AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers.

Colombo: Sri Lanka has officially been granted the hosting rights for the 2025 South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) Championship, set to take place in June 2025. The decision marks a historic moment for Sri Lankan football, as the nation last hosted the tournament in 2008 alongside the Maldives.

The SAFF Championship is widely regarded as the “World Cup of South Asia,” bringing together the best footballing nations from the region. The 2025 edition will feature seven teams:

• India (Defending champions and most successful team)
• Pakistan
• Bangladesh
• Bhutan
• Maldives
• Nepal
• Sri Lanka (Host nation)

With the backing of home supporters, Sri Lanka will look to capitalize on this opportunity and aim for a deep run in the competition.

SAFF Championship: A Look at Past Editions and Winners

The SAFF Championship, first held in 1993, has seen 14 editions so far. India has been the most dominant team in the tournament’s history, winning a record 9 titles. The Maldives and Bangladesh have each won the tournament twice, while Sri Lanka claimed their only title in 1995, when they hosted the event in Colombo.

Here is a look at the past winners:

• India – 9 titles (1993, 1997, 1999, 2005, 2009, 2011, 2015, 2021, 2023)
• Maldives – 2 titles (2008, 2018)
• Bangladesh – 2 titles (2003, 2023)
• Sri Lanka – 1 title (1995)

Sri Lanka’s return as the host nation in 2025 gives them a golden opportunity to reclaim the championship after 30 years.

If executed well, the 2025 SAFF Championship could mark the beginning of a new era for Sri Lankan football, helping the nation rise again in South Asian football.

Can Sri Lanka make the most of this historic opportunity? The countdown to SAFF 2025 begins!