Sri Lanka Sports Fiesta 2024 ends on high note, setting new benchmark in Sri Lankan sports

Dialog Axiata PLC Group Chief Information Officer Asela Perera, Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs Secretary Kanapathipillai Mahesan, President’s Adviser on Tourism, Lands, Sports and Youth Affairs Harin Fernando, Sri Lanka Air Force Commander Air Marshal Udeni Rajapakse, Department of Sports Development Director General Prof. (Rear Admiral) Shemal Fernando, Dialog Axiata PLC Vice President – Brand and Media Harsha Samaranayake, Sri Lanka Air Force Rugby Chairman Air Commodore Subash Jayathilaka with the winning captains 

• Event powered by Dialog was organised by the Ministries of Sports, Youth Affairs and Tourism

The Sri Lanka Sports Fiesta 2024, powered by Dialog Axiata PLC, Sri Lanka’s #1 connectivity provider and the prolific promoter of sports, concluded on a high note, establishing a new benchmark in the country’s sporting legacy. 

This three-day extravaganza, organised by the Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism and Lands, aimed to inspire the next generation of athletes and provide them with a prestigious platform to showcase their talents.

The event saw joint efforts from several major sports bodies, including Sri Lanka Cricket, the Football Federation of Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka Rugby, the Volleyball Federation of Sri Lanka, the Sri Lanka Hockey Federation, and the Sri Lanka Basketball Federation and Sri Lanka Air Force. Co-sponsors such as PRIMA, Elephant House, Cinnamon Hotels, American Water, Frosty, 100 Plus and LYCA supported the event, while strategic partners like IPG Group, Emerging Media, and Triad played key roles. Dialog Television served as the official broadcasting partner, and ThePapare was the official digital media partner.

A special highlight of the closing ceremony was the recognition and send-off of the Sri Lankan Paralympic team heading to the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. This team, consisting of eight athletes and powered by Dialog Axiata, embodies the pinnacle of dedication and national pride. Their journey to Paris symbolises the hopes of an entire nation, with Dialog Axiata’s partnership playing a crucial role in empowering differently-abled athletes to compete and excel on the global stage.

 The Sri Lanka Sports Fiesta 2024 saw over 3,000 athletes compete across seven major sports disciplines: cricket, rugby, football, volleyball, netball, hockey, and basketball. Each competition was meticulously organised to ensure a top-tier competitive environment.

 The Air Force Commander’s Cup Rugby Tournament 2024, hosted at the Race Course ground, featured exhilarating matches across men’s, women’s, and Under-16 categories, with participation from 12 men’s clubs, four women’s teams, and 14 schools.

 Dialog President’s Gold Cup Volleyball 2024, a marquee volleyball tournament, concluded with Radawana Golden Birds Sports Club and MAS Sports Club emerging victorious at the Sri Lanka Air Force Indoor Stadium in Colombo 7.

Despite challenging weather conditions, the T10 Cricket Tournament attracted significant attention at Thurstan College and Bloomfield grounds, with five teams led by national stars like Charith Asalanka and Bhanuka Rajapaksa. Galle emerged as the champions under the captaincy of Dunith Wellalage. The 3x3 Basketball Championships 2024, held at the Sri Lanka Basketball Association’s 3x3 Court, featured intense competition among 24 men’s and 10 women’s teams.

 The Mini Football Tournament 2024, a dynamic 5-a-side tournament, was played under lights at the Race Course ground, with 12 senior and six junior teams participating. Twenty teams competed in the Youth Netball Championships 2024 at the Torrington ground, with Maliyadeva Girls College emerging as champions. Despite adverse weather, the President Gold Cup Hockey Tournament 2024 featured 33 teams across senior and U-20 categories at the Astro Turf in Colombo 07.

Beyond the sports competitions, the Fiesta was a vibrant celebration of Sri Lankan culture and entertainment. The event venues were alive with energy, offering a variety of entertainment options, including nightly music concerts featuring top Sri Lankan artists, which added to the festive atmosphere. Dialog Axiata PLC’s involvement underscored its long-standing commitment to promoting sports across the nation. As the main sponsor, Dialog has been instrumental in creating opportunities for athletes and fostering a culture of excellence that inspires future generations.

 The Sri Lanka Sports Fiesta 2024 will be remembered as a monumental success, showcasing the nation’s immense talent and reinforcing the vital role of sports in building a vibrant, united Sri Lanka. As this historic event comes to a close, the future of Sri Lankan sports shines brighter than ever.