Sri Lions Keeping SL flag flying high in Dubai

By Harsha Amarasinghe 

Sri Lanka perhaps as a nation has hit new lows during the last few years with its economy crumbling down like a house of cards. From changing cabinets on a monthly basis to huge queues for fuel and gas in recent months, the island once called the pearl of the Indian Ocean has become one of the most unstable countries in the world.

However, one proud Sri Lankan sports organization that has gradually established itself as one of the most popular institutions in the heart of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), has been Sri Lions.

Founded by Kelum Sujith Perera -- a giant in the field of insurance in Dubai -- Sri Lions is recognized as a functioning body by the Dubai and Abu Dhabi Sri Lankan Consulates.

Sri Lions which is a home away from home for many Sri Lankan sportsmen and sportswomen in the Middle East has provided the opportunity to continue their careers in a number of different sports including cricket, badminton, netball, rugby, volleyball and football.

Sri Lions badminton team has been a dominant force in Dubai having clinched the Dubai All Sports and All Summer as well as Dubai Air Badminton Tournament.

Meanwhile, its cricket team has been in splendid form having secured the Sri Lions Under 25 Asia Championship 2021.

Sri Lions rugby team on the other hand has won the Gulf Men’s 7’s Championship in 2019 and 2020 as well as the Hafia Trophy in 2019. The club management has been able to involve some of the top players from Sri Lanka over the years including Srinath Sooriyabandara and Mithun Hapugoda.

Sri Lions President Kelum Sujith Perera in an interview with Daily Mirror revealed that it has been an honour being able to lead this group.

“It is both an honour and privilege to lead this organization, united under one common goal to serve our local community in order to reach our objective, it is imperative that we join hands and expand our community which is why I invite every Sri Lankan iving in the UAE to embark on this exciting journey with us, and see what the future has in store,” the well-known sports promoter stated.