Trincomalee Sharks franchise confirmed for inaugural Ceylon Golf League

Friday, 5 December 2025 02:20 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Trincomalee Sharks Co-Owners (from left): JAT Holdings Non-Executive Director Richard Gunawardene, Betts.com Executive Director Chadu Sumathipala, and Director – Strategies and Business Development Chathula Sumapthipala

The Trincomalee Sharks have been officially confirmed as one of the eight founding franchises competing in the inaugural Ceylon Golf League (CGL 2025), marking a major milestone in Sri Lanka’s sporting landscape.

The CGL introduces the country’s first professional franchise-based golf league, bringing together elite competition, corporate leadership, and a new era of high-performance sport. The inaugural tournament will be held from 5 to 7 December at the Royal Colombo Golf Club.

The confirmation of the Trincomalee Sharks signals the rise of a franchise built on depth, purpose, and regional identity. Through the franchise, the team seeks to elevate youth engagement, sporting opportunity, and social awareness, while strengthening Trincomalee’s presence within national and international golfing circles.

The Sharks’ entry into the league aligns with broader developmental work already underway in the region, including continued business expansion and community-focused initiatives geared toward sustainability and upliftment. The team’s leadership has emphasised that this franchise will serve as a platform to both highlight and support the region’s growth.

Following the devastation caused by cyclone Ditwah, the Trincomalee Sharks’ ownership, comprising individual co-owner JAT Holdings PLC Non-Executive Director Richard Gunawardene and corporate co-owner Betss.com, has pledged its full support to affected communities. The team has committed to donating 100% of all prize money earned during the tournament to national relief efforts and already contributed further to the CGL Relief Fund established to assist families and regions impacted by the disaster.

The franchise also acknowledges the invaluable support of its partners, whose collaboration forms a strong commercial and performance foundation for the team.

The Sharks are backed by their leading sponsors; Platinum Partners JAT Holdings PLC, Sports Entertainment Services Ltd (BETSS.com), and AsiaCorp Insurance Brokers, alongside Gold Partner Nexus Cargo and Reignite Energy Drink. Together, these partners collectively enhance the Sharks’ identity, preparation, performance, and representation within the league.

The Trincomalee Sharks said it stand poised to become one of the league’s defining forces, embodying resilience, ambition, and purpose as they prepare for CGL 2025.