News
St. Thomas College, Matale stickers emerge runner up at the under 20 All Island Schools Games 2023
M.H.Yakeem
St. Thomas College, Matale stickers emerged as the runner up at the under 20 All Island Schools games Hockey tournament 2023, losing to Kingswood College, Kandy by 3 goals to 2 in keenly contested final, organised and conducted by the Ministry of Education, played at St. Peter’s College ground, Colombo-04 on Friday.
St.Thomas College, Matale stickers got qualified to the final beating St.Thomas College, Mount Lavinia in a nail biting finish, on penalty strokes ( 8/7 ) in the quarter final and Vijaya College, Matale by 1 goal to nil in the semi final.
Making way to the final, Dineth Madushanka scoring the goal for the Matale Thomians, saw them holding the Kingswoodians to a 1 all draw at half time. In the second half, Kingswoodians getting 2 more goals and Thimira Wijesooriya scoring for the Matale Thomians, made it to read as 3 goals to 2, where the game too ended at the same score. Though the Matale Thomians losing the game, the players and the MIC Palitha Wasalage, who is also a talented Hockey player had to be satisfied by the result, with the game ending in a thriller.
The tournament was organised and conducted by the Ministry of Education, under the direction of the Director of Sports, Upali Amaratunga. Deputy Director of the Kegalle Zonal, M.D. Wasantha Kumara along with Indrawansa Herath, as the Technical Officer was appointed, to oversee that the tournament to be run smoothly.
23 Teams from 9 Provinces got qualified to play at this tournament, out of the 23 teams, 17 teams took part. The teams are Kingswood College Kandy, St John’s College Jaffna, Sandalalankawa NS, St. Thomas College Matara, Dharmadutha College Badulla, Richmond College Galle, Parakramabahu NS Polgahawela, St. Joseph’s College Colombo, Joseph Vaz Wennappuwa, St. Thomas College Mount Lavinia, Uva College Badulla, St. Thomas College Matale, Vaddukodai College Jaffna, Vipulananda Central College Kalmunai, Vijaya College Matale, Ananda College Colombo, St. Aloysius College Galle.
Lahiru Weerasooriya, T.K. Heendeniya, I R.K. Wilwalaarachchi, S. Abeykoon, Abeetha Fernando, Ishan Kulatunga, Kusal Thilakasiri, D.J. Prakash, T.M.S.D. Aberathne, T.M.M D. Abeyrathne, was assigned to officiate at this tournament, while H.M.C.H. Bandara and A.H.M. Hanafi as Technical Officers.
St.Thomas College, Matale stickers comprise of A.U. Dissanayake, D.B. Wasalage, A.H. Weerasinghe, A.U. Wasalage, U.S. Nanayakkara, W.M R.T. Wijesooriya, N.A. Weerasooriya, D.H. Rathnayake, K.R. Jayasena, M.D. Herath, N.N. Rathnayake, A.B. Gamagedara, O.B. Dissanayake, D.M.B. Basnayake, M.P. Liyanage, S.M. Wasalage, N.A.B. Basnayake, N. Jayasinghe
Caption
The Runner Up, St Thomas College, Matale Hockey team with the Deputy Director of the Kegalle Zonal, M.D. Wasantha Kumara, MIC Palitha Wasalage and Head Coach.
Football
Lifebuoy Ball Blaster 2025: Sri Lanka’s Biggest School Football Showdown Gears Up
Colombo, September 19 – The countdown is on for the Lifebuoy Ball Blaster 1st Eleven Football Challenge Trophy 2025, the most anticipated school football tournament of the year, set to bring together the best young footballing talent from across Sri Lanka.

Organized under the guidance of the Ministry of Education in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Schools Football Association (SLSFA), and broadcast by Sri Lankan Sports TV, the championship is expected to raise the standard of school football while creating unforgettable memories for players and fans alike.
Tournament Structure
This year’s edition will feature 16 Division 1 schools, divided into four groups of four teams. Over the course of the first round, a total of 24 matches will be played across Colombo, starting in the first week of October with a grand opening ceremony at 2:00 pm.
- Opening Match: Hameed Al Hussaini College vs. Al Falah College, Negombo
- Curtain Raiser: Zahira College, Colombo (defending champions) vs. Darrussaalam College, Colombo
The top two teams from each group will progress to the quarter-finals, followed by the semi-finals, before the Grand Finale in the first week of November. The final venue will be chosen based on the teams that qualify, ensuring equal support and excitement from school fans.
Sponsorship Partnerships

A strong line-up of sponsors is powering Ball Blaster 2025, making it a professionally executed tournament.
- Title Sponsor – Lifebuoy: Leading the way, Lifebuoy continues to champion youth empowerment through sport, health, and hygiene, reinforcing its mission to build healthier, more active communities.

- Refreshing Partner – Elephant House Lemonade: A timeless favorite in Sri Lankan households, Lemonade will keep players and fans refreshed as the heat of competition rises.

- Official Travel Partner – Sky Market Travel: Supporting the smooth logistics of the event, ensuring school teams across regions can fully focus on their football journey.

- Official Clothing Partner – Aacty Wear: Outfitting players, referees, and officials with professional, stylish gear that elevates the identity of school football and promotes local sportswear excellence.

First-Time Milestones
For the first time in history, the tournament has launched its very own official anthem, adding an extra layer of pride, passion, and identity to Ball Blaster 2025. The anthem’s lyrical video has already captured the excitement of fans, building momentum as kick-off draws near.
Furthermore, in a significant step towards supporting schools, the organizers have taken the initiative to provide all participating teams with playing kits and official kits. This move ensures equal opportunity and professionalism across the competition, uplifting both the players’ experience and the overall image of the championship.
A Celebration of Youth & Football
“The Lifebuoy Ball Blaster is not just a football tournament; it’s a celebration of youth, talent, and sportsmanship,” the organizers stated. “With the support of our valued partners Lifebuoy, Elephant House Lemonade, Sky Market Travel, and Aacty Wear, we are committed to elevating school football in Sri Lanka.”
Fans nationwide can look forward to live telecasts, highlights, and digital updates on Sri Lankan Sports TV, ensuring the energy of the matches reaches every corner of the country.
As excitement builds, one thing is clear – Ball Blaster 2025 is set to be more than just a tournament; it’s a stage for the next generation of Sri Lankan football stars to shine.
Football
AIFF Faces FIFA, AFC Ban Threat as October 30 Deadline Looms
Indian football is staring at yet another international suspension as FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) have jointly warned the All India Football Federation (AIFF) to ratify its long-pending constitution by October 30, 2025, or risk a complete ban from world football.
In a strongly-worded two-page letter sent on Tuesday (August 26) to AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey, FIFA and AFC expressed “profound concern” over the failure to finalise and implement a revised constitution, a matter pending before India’s Supreme Court since 2017.
If suspended, India’s national teams and clubs would be barred from all international competitions, while the country’s ambitious 2036 Olympic Games bid in Ahmedabad could also be thrown into uncertainty.
FIFA & AFC Ultimatum
The letter, signed by FIFA’s Chief Member Associations Officer Elkhan Mammadov and AFC Deputy General Secretary Vahid Kardany, set out three urgent requirements for the AIFF:
1. Obtain a definitive Supreme Court order approving the revised constitution.
2. Ensure full compliance with FIFA and AFC statutes.
3. Formally ratify the constitution at the next AIFF General Meeting.
Failure to comply, they warned, would trigger sanctions, including full suspension of AIFF membership.
Previous Suspension in 2022
This is not the first governance crisis to hit Indian football. In August 2022, FIFA suspended the AIFF for “third-party interference” after a court-appointed Committee of Administrators temporarily ran the federation. That ban lasted just two weeks, lifted only after fresh elections were held in which Kalyan Chaubey defeated football legend Bhaichung Bhutia.
Domestic Fallout – ISL in Crisis
The deadlock has already disrupted Indian football at the domestic level. The Indian Super League (ISL), India’s top-tier professional league, has been put “on hold” by Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL), the AIFF’s commercial partner, due to uncertainty over its Master Rights Agreement, which expires in December 2025.
At least three clubs have suspended operations or delayed salaries, while all 11 ISL clubs have warned of an “existential crisis.” Reports from FIFPRO further highlight cases of players’ contracts being terminated, leaving livelihoods at risk.
The Supreme Court of India will hear the matter again on August 28, a session that could determine the immediate future of the ISL and India’s football calendar.
What’s at Stake
If AIFF fails to meet the October deadline, India could lose:
• Participation in FIFA and AFC tournaments.
• Entry rights for national teams and clubs in international competitions.
• Momentum in its 2036 Olympics bid.
• Credibility with players, fans, and commercial partners.
For now, the football fraternity in India waits anxiously for the Supreme Court’s verdict and AIFF’s ability to steer through yet another governance storm
Football
Heritage Derby Trophy Goes to Hameed Al Husseinie College
Colombo – Hameed Al Husseinie College emerged victorious in the prestigious Heritage Derby Trophy football encounter against Zahira College, Maradana, securing a 3–1 win at the Colombo Racecourse grounds yesterday.
The match kicked off under the patronage of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, adding special significance to this annual football rivalry.
Hameed Al Husseinie College took control early, leading 2–0 at halftime before sealing the victory with a third goal in the second half. Zahira College managed to pull one back, but it was not enough to challenge the dominant performance of the winners.
The trophy presentation was held soon after the final whistle, with the principals of both schools — Rizvi Marikkar of Zahira College and Mrs. Dain of Hameed Al Husseinie College — present to witness the celebrations.
This latest victory adds another chapter to the rich history of the Heritage Derby, further cementing Hameed Al Husseinie College’s reputation in school football.
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