Independence Trophy Ceylon Province League tournament 2022 begins in Kurunegala

By Susil Premalal

Football Sri Lanka (FSL) has made all arrangements to conduct the Independence Trophy Ceylon Province League 2022 Football Tournament which begins today (25) in Kurunegala.   

The competition will continue until February 28 with matches being played in all provinces.  
This tournament has been organised on the initiative of Sports Minister Namal Rajapaksa and FSL President Jaswar Umar’s Restart Football concept to coincide with the 74th Independence Day celebrations.  
Eight provincial teams will take part in the tournament with a total of 33 matches being played, FSL President Umar said.  

Central, Uva, Sabaragamuwa, Western, Southern, North Eastern, Rajarata Provinces (North Central and North Western combined) will be the participating teams which will comprise players born in the respective provinces.  
The Ceylon Province tournament is part of FSL’s Football Players Talent Search program and to select a national pool.  
Matches will be played in every Province with the aim of giving spectators in the villages to witness national level players in action.  

Although prize money won’t be given to the winners and runners-up of this tournament, FSL has decided that each member of the champion team will be awarded Rs. 50,000 and the runners-up Rs. 25,000. FSL has estimated that a sum of Rs. 60 million will be allocated for this tournament.  

The Independence Trophy Ceylon Province League tournament will kick-off with the match between Eastern and Central Province at 3:00 p.m. followed by the clash between Rajarata and Uva at 8:30 p. in Maligapitiya, Kurunegala.  

Cabinet Ministers Namal Rajapaksa and Johnston Fernando will grace the opening ceremony.