Mahela appointed Captain of Royal Colombo Golf Club

Friday, 27 March 2026 04:10 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

By Shamseer Jaleel

Mahela Jayawardena

Royal Colombo Golf Club (RCGC) has announced the appointment of Mahela Jayawardena as Captain for the 2026–2027 term, with the decision set to be formalised at its Annual General Meeting, which took place yesterday (26).

Widely regarded as one of Sri Lanka’s most accomplished sportsmen, Jayawardena brings a wealth of leadership experience to the role. A former captain of the Sri Lanka National Cricket Team, he earned global admiration for his tactical brilliance, composure under pressure, and exemplary sportsmanship.

Across an illustrious international career spanning nearly two decades, Jayawardena featured in over 650 matches and amassed more than 25,000 runs across formats. Beyond his achievements on the field, he has continued to contribute to sport through mentorship, coaching, and leadership roles in international cricket.

Founded in 1879, the Royal Colombo Golf Club stands among the oldest golf institutions in Asia and has played a pivotal role in the growth and promotion of golf in Sri Lanka. The Club now looks ahead to the landmark occasion of its 150th anniversary in 2029, marking a century and a half of rich sporting tradition.

His captaincy comes at a crucial time as preparations gather momentum for the historic milestone, with expectations that his leadership will help strengthen the Club’s legacy.

Mahela, speaking to Daily FT, said: “It is a privilege to be invited to serve as Captain of the RCGC, an institution with a remarkable heritage and tradition. Golf is a sport that continues to grow in Sri Lanka, and I hope during my tenure to support initiatives that encourage wider participation, particularly among younger players, while strengthening the spirit of camaraderie that makes the Club so special. As the Club moves towards its 150-year milestone in 2029, I look forward to working with fellow members to celebrate its history while helping build momentum for the future development of the game.”