Sri Lanka scores major sports tourism boost

Saturday, 27 June 2026 05:20 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

From left: Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Sunil Kumara Gamage, Secretary Aruna Bandara and SC Consultants and Asia Pacific Lions Founder Saabir Cader

By Shamseer Jaleel

Marking a significant step in Sri Lanka’s national initiative to establish itself as a leading international sports tourism destination, a special media briefing was held yesterday at the Duncan White Auditorium of the Ministry of Sports in Colombo 07 to announce a historic international rugby festival and series scheduled for August.

The event was attended by the Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, the Ministry Secretary, the Director General of Sports Development, and Saabir Cader, Founder and Director of the Asia Pacific Lions Rugby (APL).

The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports officially announced its full approval, patronage, and support for the week-long international sports festival, which will take place from 22 to 28 August 2026. DASA Group UK, a leading London-based international organisation, has come on board as the main sponsor.

Key Highlights of the Tournament and Sports Festival:

First-ever Sri Lanka tour by an English Premiership Club

Northampton Saints, one of England’s leading Premiership Rugby clubs, alongside the Asia Pacific Lions, will lock horns at the Racecourse Ground. It marks the first visit to Sri Lanka by a club representing the English Premiership. The touring squad will include 10 current England international rugby players.

Australian rugby legend David Campese will serve as Rugby Director for the event, while former Australian captain Will Genia and several other internationally acclaimed rugby stars will also participate.

23 August: T20 charity match

A special charity T20 cricket match will be held featuring international rugby stars against a team of former Sri Lankan cricket legends.

The tour will provide valuable international training opportunities for the Sri Lanka XVs rugby squad. In addition, a special “Coach the Coach” program will be conducted for local rugby coaches, along with community outreach sessions across the island.

28 August: Grand rugby showdown

The tour’s flagship rugby match will take place at the Racecourse International Stadium in Colombo, promising a world-class sporting spectacle.

Through this major international sporting event and investment, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports and the Government of Sri Lanka aim to further promote the country globally as a safe, attractive, and world-class sports tourism destination.