Saturday Apr 04, 2026
Saturday Apr 04, 2026
Saturday, 28 March 2026 00:24 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
From left: S. Thomas’ College Captain Avinash Fernando, Royal Thomian Joint Match Organising Committee Co-Chairman Sajith Kularatne, Abans Chief Marketing Officer Dr. Chathura Jayawardana, S. Thomas’ College Warden Asanka S. Perera, Abans Managing Director Rusi Pestonjee, Royal College Principal Athula Wijeywardena, Abans General Manager - Group Corporate Communications Dhianushka Kurukulasuriya, Abans Deputy General Manager Emudu Perera, Royal Thomian Joint Match Organising Committee Co-Chairman Ramesh Abeywickrama, and Royal College Captain Rehan Peiris
The 49th edition of the Mustangs Trophy, widely regarded as the ultimate one-day school cricket encounter on Sri Lankan calendars, took centre stage at the Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC) ground on 28 March 2026. Sri Lanka’s premier diversified conglomerate, the Abans Group served as the title partner for this historic one-day cricket encounter, having contributed as the Exclusive Consumer Electronics Partner for the 147th Battle of the Blues, the three-day encounter which took place from 12 to 14 March at the same premises.
Recognised as the second-longest uninterrupted school cricket series in the world, the Battle of the Blues stands steeped in tradition, passion, and an unmatched legacy. For 147 years, this fixture between two of Colombo’s leading educational institutions has stood as a symbol of camaraderie and spirited competition, shaping the schoolboy cricket in Sri Lanka and contributing significantly to the nation’s deep-rooted love for the game.
On 28 March , Royalists and Thomians both past and present gathered in their distinctive blue, gold, and black, bringing the SSC ground to life with roaring pavilions, waving flags, and time-honoured cheers. This iconic fixture has undoubtedly served as a proving ground for some of Sri Lanka’s finest cricketers, many of whom have gone on to represent the country on the international stage.
A notable change made this time was the Mustangs Trophy being held as a day event instead of a day-night fixture, reflecting utmost commitment to social responsibility and solidarity with all Lankans who are facing fuel-related challenges.
The two Heads of Schools have provided direction and made this decision, which has been formally endorsed by the 147th Royal‑Thomian Joint Match Organising Committee. The Old Boy fraternities and sponsors have also expressed their full support and solidarity with this move, reinforcing the spirit of unity and responsibility which had defined this historic encounter through the decades.
The Abans Group, founded in 1968, brings over five decades of legacy to this partnership. Today, it stands as a diversified conglomerate with a workforce exceeding 10,000 employees and a network of over 400 touchpoints across Sri Lanka. Its operations spanning across retail, services, logistics, manufacturing, real estate, and infrastructure services stays consistently driven by a mission to empower the way to live.
Through its longstanding commitment to groundbreaking innovation and delivering quality, Abans has played an integral role in modernising Sri Lankan households, bringing world-class brands and solutions to people across the island.
