Sunday Oct 26, 2025
Sunday Oct 26, 2025
Wednesday, 22 October 2025 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
Front Row (from left): Trainer Shamil Malinda, Sri Lanka Volleyball Federation Vice President Mahinda Bandara, Head Coach Kalika Wasanthapriya, Sri Lanka Volleyball Federation President Senior Deputy Inspector General of Police Sajeeva Medawatte, Captain Ayesh Dilshan, Manager Thenuka Malinda, and Milroy Thisera
The national men’s volleyball team, powered by Dialog Axiata PLC, will face Afghanistan today in their second fixture of the Central Asian Nations Cup Men’s Volleyball Championship, currently taking place in Bangladesh. The match is scheduled to commence at 1 p.m. local time.
The Sri Lankan side, captained by Ayesh Dilshan, will compete against Turkmenistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Afghanistan, and the Maldives in this tournament.
Two days later, Sri Lanka will play Bangladesh on 24 October 2025, followed by the Maldives on 26. The remaining fixtures for Sri Lanka in this Central Asian Volleyball Tournament are set against Bangladesh on 24, the Maldives on 26, and Nepal on 27 October. Sri Lanka met Turkmenistan in their opening fixture yesterday. The Grand Final of the tournament is scheduled to take place on 28 October.
This marks Sri Lanka’s first appearance in a Nations Cup tournament held within the Central Asian region.
It is also noteworthy that the entire coaching panel, consisting of Head Coach Kalika Wasanthapriya, Assistant Coach and Trainer Shamil Malinda, are serving in their respective national team roles for the very first time.
There is optimism that the coaching staff, drawing on the extensive experience they have accumulated as long-serving national players, will steer the talented Sri Lankan side towards a place in the Grand Final.
Dialog Axiata, a prolific promoter of the national sport for more than two decades, conveys its best wishes to the Sri Lankan team, expressing confidence that they will emerge victorious as champions of the Central Asian Nations Cup.
In addition to its support for volleyball, Dialog is also a committed sponsor of Sri Lanka’s national cricket, para sports, and eSports teams, as well as the principal sponsor of the Sri Lanka Golf Open. The company promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion through its partnership with the Netball Federation of Sri Lanka, enabling athletes to compete in both national and international tournaments. Strengthening its commitment to nurturing future champions, Dialog continues to support the President’s Gold Cup Volleyball Championship, national junior and senior netball tournaments, and schools’ rugby.
