Dialog Schools Under-19 elite Rugby 7’s 2024 kicks off tomorrow

Dialog Axiata PLC Vice President – Brand and Media Harsha Samaranayake (left) hands over a replica of the sponsorship agreement to Sri Lanka Schools Rugby Football Association Deputy President M.B.B Attanayake. Others from left are: SLSRFA Treasurer D. R. C. Dhananjaya, Dialog Axiata PLC Senior General Manager/ Dialog Television Head of Business Pubudu Aluthgedara, SLSRFA Vice President A. R. M. Mohamed Trizvi and General Secretary D. W. M. Nimmana 

In its steadfast dedication to nurturing future sporting stars and powering the champions of tomorrow, Dialog Axiata PLC, Sri Lanka’s premier connectivity provider, has announced its corporate sponsorship for Dialog Schools Rugby - Under-19 Elite Rugby 7s 2024, organised by the Sri Lanka Schools Rugby Football Association (SLSRFA). 

Scheduled to take place on 20 and 21 April at the Royal College Sports Complex in Colombo, the tournament is committed to developing talent and giving students the chance to play and progress to Club and National levels. 

Dialog Axiata PLC has made arrangements to broadcast the tournament LIVE on Dialog Television - ThePapare TV (Channel Number 63), Dialog ViU, and Thepapare.com for all present and old boys, parents, supporters, well-wishers and Sri Lanka’s rugby-loving community.

Participating schools include Isipathana College, St. Peter’s College, Royal College, Vidyartha College, Dharmaraja College, Science College, Prince of Wales College, Piliyandala Central College, Lumbini College, Maliyadeva College, Ananda College, St. Benedict’s College, Carey College, St. Aloysius College, Sumangala College, Panadura, Sri Rahula College, Richmond College, Nalanda College, and Siri Piyarathna College.With the teams divided into eight groups from ‘A’ to ‘H,’ spectators can anticipate riveting matches throughout the two-day event.

Defending champions Isipathana College are grouped with St. Benedict’s College in Group A, while in Group ‘B,’ Prince of Wales College and Sumangala Central College Panadura are poised for a showdown. Group ‘C’ will witness a clash between two Olcott schools, Dharmaraja College and Ananda College. Royal College, the favourites, will face off against Carey College and Nalanda College in Group ‘D,’ setting the stage for intense battles on the field.

Group ‘E’ will showcase Science College, Lumbini College, and Richmond College, each eager to exhibit their prowess. Piliyandala Central College, St. Aloysius College, and Siri Piyarathana College Padukka will compete in Group ‘F’ for a chance to advance. Meanwhile, Group ‘G’ will feature Kandy schools Vidyartha College and Sri Rahula College striving for victory.

St. Peter’s College, the cup champions of the recent Zahira Centenary Sevens, will square off against Maliyadeva College, winners of the shield championship, in an eagerly awaited match. 

SLSRFA Deputy President M. B. B. Attanayake said: “SLSRFA has been continuously giving opportunities for the players to showcase their talents and to make them ready for national duty by organising tournaments of this nature.” 

Dialog Axiata PLC Vice President – Brand and Media Harsha Samaranayake said: “School Rugby holds a special place as one of the most passionately followed sports events in Sri Lanka. We are delighted that the SLSRFA is organising the Dialog Schools Under-19 Elite Rugby 7’s tournament, providing a significant uplift to the sport.” 

“At Dialog, fostering the next generation of Sri Lankan sports heroes is a priority for us. We extend our best wishes to the SLSRFA and to all the young athletes for a successful tournament,” he added.