Sri Lions celebrate dream debut with ‘B’ Division title
The debutants who made an impression in their first season
In a fairytale debut season, the Sri Lions emerged as the champions of the Sri Lanka Rugby ‘B’ Division League, capping off a remarkable journey that began with their establishment as a sports and community club in Dubai. With a fervent dedication to promoting Sri Lanka’s name in the global sports arena, Sri Lions have swiftly risen to prominence, achieving an unprecedented string of successes in their first year on Sri Lankan soil.
Their triumph in the ‘B’ Division Rugby League adds another accolade to an already illustrious list of achievements. Within the span of just 12 months, Sri Lions have left an indelible mark on Sri Lankan sports, securing victories in the Sri Lankan Beach Rugby Trophy, the Eva Netball League, and now the coveted ‘B’ Division Rugby Tournament. Such rapid and comprehensive success is a testament to the club’s unwavering commitment to excellence and their relentless pursuit of sporting glory.
This triumph follows a series of remarkable victories that have cemented Sri Lions’ reputation as a powerhouse in the world of sports. Their journey began with a triumphant campaign in the Dubai 7s Gulf Men’s Open Tournament in 2019, where they emerged as champions, showcasing dominance on an international stage.
Their success continued with a triumph in the prestigious HARFA Trophy in 2019, further solidifying their status as formidable competitors. The Sri Lions’ unwavering dedication to excellence and their relentless pursuit of victory propelled them to new heights, earning them recognition as one of the most capable rugby teams in the world.
Sri Lions skipper Dineth Pasindu accepts the 'B' title from Nalin de Silva, the SLR head
In 2023, Sri Lions made history once again by participating in the Dubai 7s International Open Men’s category, where they claimed the Plate title. This remarkable achievement not only reaffirmed their prowess on the rugby field but also underscored their status as a force to be reckoned with in the realm of sports.
Looking ahead, Sri Lions have set their sights on even greater challenges, with plans to compete in the ‘A’ Division league next year. Their ultimate goal, however, extends beyond mere victories on the field, it is a commitment to contribute to and elevate the standard of Sri Lankan sports, nurturing talent and fostering a culture of excellence that will endure for generations to come.
Throughout the tournament, several key figures from the Sri Lions’ camp played pivotal roles in their success. At the helm is Dr. Kelum Sujith Perera, the founder and president of Sri Lions International, whose vision and leadership have guided the club to its current heights since its inception on September 6, 2019. Joining him are Sri Lanka rugby legend Srinath Sooriyabandara and Sujani Ratnayake, both serving as Rugby Consultants and Directors, whose expertise and passion have been invaluable assets to the team both on and off the pitch.
On the field, the leadership of team captain Dineth Pasindu proved instrumental in steering Sri Lions to victory, while Dulaj Perera’s stellar performance earned him the well-deserved title of Player of the Tournament. Their resilience, fitness, and unwavering work ethic served as a beacon of inspiration for their teammates, galvanising the entire squad to overcome every obstacle in their path.
In the final stages of the tournament, Sri Lions showcased their dominance with resounding victories, culminating in a thrilling 28-24 triumph in the cup final against Police Griffins. Their journey to the title included a commanding 51-8 win in the quarter-final against Air Force Chipmunks and a hard-fought 21-14 victory in the semi-final as they went up against the Army Colts, demonstrating their ability to excel under pressure and rise to the occasion when it matters most.
Furthermore, Sri Lions have already begun to make strides in their vision to develop Sri Lankan sports. Namely, by opening up the first ever Sri Lankan Ladies Rugby Academy, which had an outstanding turnaround and brought a new light into ladies’ rugby in Sri Lanka. Alongside that, the Sri Lions Netball League is underway and will be a formidable new challenge to all Sri Lankan netball teams.
As Sri Lions celebrate their historic achievement, they stand as a shining example of the power of passion, perseverance, and teamwork. Their journey from Dubai to Sri Lanka serves as an inspiration to athletes and sports enthusiasts alike, reminding us all that with dedication and determination, the impossible can become possible.