Dialog Schools Rugby league 2023 to kick off on 14 June in Kandy

Dialog Axiata PLC Brand and Media and Group Marketing Vice President Harsha Samaranayake handing over the sponsorship cheque for the Dialog Schools Rugby League 2023 to SLSRFA President Kamal Ariyasinghe in the presence of Ministry of Education Sports and Physical Education Deputy Director Upali Amarathunga. Others (from left) SLSRFA Treasurer Damitha Perera, Secretary Nirodha Wijerama, Dialog Axiata PLC Business, Media and Content Senior General Manager/Head Pubudu Aluthgedara and Marketing Operations Senior Manager Prashan Costa

– Pic by Sameera Wijesinghe

By Shamseer Jaleel

Joes, one of the top contenders for the Dialog Schools League 2023 will lock horns against the Antonians in the season opener at the Bogambara Stadium on 14 June.

Kick-off is scheduled at 4 p.m.

Dialog Axiata will be the sponsor and will make all arrangements to live telecast matches on Dialog TV channel 126, thepapare.com and Dialog VIU mobile app. There will be 14 teams in the top segment after the two newcomers, Zahira and D S joining Isipathana, St. Peter’s, St Joseph’s, Science, Royal, Trinity, St. Anthony’s, Vidyartha, Dharmaraja, Kingswood, Wesley and S’Thomas. Isipathana College are the defending champions.

Once the completion of league matches the top two teams from each group will play across the other group to determine the league winner. There will not be any demotion in this segment while the two bottom seed winners in 2023 will join this group to make the numbers from 14 to 16 for the 2024 rugby season. For the organisers, Sri Lanka Schools Rugby Football Association (SSRFA) will conduct the Knock out tournament once the completion of the league and all matches will be played at neutral venues.

Axiata Dialog PLC Brand and Media Vice President Harsha Samaranayake said: “Schools rugby is one of the most followed sports, and we are very happy a full season will be conducted by SSRFA and this will give a major boost. Supporting the future champions of Sri Lanka Sports is very close to our hearts.

SSRFA President Kamal Ariyasinghe said: “This will be the first major event after the COVID-19 and we expect large spectators at games and thanked the sponsors.

Dialog Axiata is also the proud sponsor of the national cricket team, Volleyball, Netball, Esports, Paralympic and golf.

 Week 1

• 14 June 

St. Anthony’s vs St. Joseph’s Bogambara

• 16 June 

Vidyartha vs Science Bogambara

• 17 June 

Dharamaraja vs Trinity Bogambara

St. Peter’s vs Royal Bambalapitiya

S’Thomas vs Wesley Mount Lavinia

• 18 June 

Kingswood vs Isipathana Bogambara