UAE-based sports institute Sri Lions announced the launch of their Sri Lanka branch at a press briefing held at the SSC pavilion Colombo.

Sri Lions will initially begin their journey in Sri Lanka on eight sports namely athletics, badminton, cricket, football, golf, hockey, netball, rugby and volleyball.

Their aim is to improve the skills of Sri Lanka players with the help of world class coaches from here and abroad.

In addition to the senior teams in various sports, Sri Lions Sri Lanka will also have its academy paving room for the younger generation to be mentored by globally recognised players, such as the 17-time best Rugby Sevens player in the world, Cecil Afrika of South Africa, and Sri Lankan netball coach Thilaka Jinadasa.

Founder and President of Sri Lions Sri Lanka Kelum Sujith Perera believes that establishment of this institute in Sri Lanka will exponentially boost the standard of sports in the country, especially during these tough times.

"Sri Lanka may have had their struggles in the recent past financially, but we are a country that has produced thousands of top-class sports personalities. We observed that sports in this nation are deteriorating due to what's happening around the country, which is why we felt that it's our responsibility to contribute in a way that the sports will be uplifted," Perera said.

Founded by Kelum Sujith Perera, Sri Lions is recognised as a functioning body by the Dubai and Abu Dhabi Sri Lankan Consulates.

Sri Lions made huge strides in 2022 playing in the prestigious UAE's Bukhatir League 2022. They became the first Sri Lankan side in over a decade to play a semi-final match in the biggest cricket league in the UAE and their top-class performances saw their very own Waruna Perera sealing a spot in the UAE national team following some strong performances.

Sri Lions will compete in the T20 as well as T10 tournaments of the Bukhatir League having brought former Sri Lanka fast bowler Vikum Sanjaya.

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 Sevens Championship in 2019 and 2020 as well as the Harfa 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. The Sri Lankan pride of UAE – the Sri Lions have also organised a tag rugby tournament with the participation of local clubs as well as school teams. Text by: Susil Premalal / Pix by: Samantha Perera