The island country of Sri Lanka, which won its independence in 1948, has been ravaged by various calamities in the past, both natural and man-made. But all these problems have never dampened the Sri Lankan spirit and their love of sports. Officially, their national sport is volleyball, however cricket is by far the most popular sport. Rugby union also has a rather large following, as well as football, athletics and tennis.

Kandy cricket ground Kandy cricket ground

Since the 1990's the Sri Lanka national cricket team has emerged as one of the world's best teams after winning the 1996 Cricket World Cup, even though they were viewed by many as the underdog. They have become more and more visible after taking the 2014 ICC World Twenty20 in Bangladesh, beating the crowd favorite and hosting team of India. They have also taken the Asia Cup in 1986, 1997, 2004, 2008 and 2014. They were also the runner-ups in the 2007 and 2011 Cricket World Cup as well as in the 2009 and 2012 ICC World Twenty20 as well as hosting the 2012 ICC World Twenty20.

Cricket World Cup Success

Sri Lanka's 1996 World Cup victory remains one of cricket's greatest underdog stories, launching them to international prominence.

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T20 Champions

The 2014 ICC World Twenty20 championship in Bangladesh showcased Sri Lanka's dominance in shorter format cricket.

T20 Records →

Asia Cup Dominance

With five Asia Cup titles (1986, 1997, 2004, 2008, 2014), Sri Lanka has proven their regional cricket supremacy.

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The Sri Lankan school system is quite active in the effort of keeping the country's passion towards sports alive, especially among the young.

Sri Lanka's sports stars include Muttiah Muralitharan who is considered as the "greatest Test match bowler" by the Wisden Cricketers' Almanack. Other most notable Sri Lankan athletes include Duncan White (hurdler), Susanthika Jayasinghe (sprinter), and Mohammed Lafir (billiards).

Olympic Heritage

Duncan White won Sri Lanka's first Olympic medal (silver) in 1948, and Susanthika Jayasinghe took silver in 2000.

Olympic History →

Cricket Legends

Muttiah Muralitharan holds the record for most Test wickets (800), cementing his status as one of cricket's all-time greats.

Cricket Legends →

Below are details of sports, sporting events and sports people related to Sri Lanka. Is there something missing? If you know of something that should be listed here, please let us know.

Popular sports of Sri Lanka

  • Cricket, rugby union, football, volleyball, athletics and tennis

Sri Lanka Sporting Success

  •  1996 ICC World Cup champions.
  • 2002 ICC Champions Trophy winner
  • Sri Lanka won the silver medal at the 2000 Sydney Olympics. The country did not win medals at subsequent Olympic tournaments. 
  • Sri Lanka won the 2014 T20 World Cup held in India.

Great athletes from Sri Lanka

  • Muttiah Muralitharan (cricket)
  • Mahela Jayawardene (cricket)
  • Duncan White (hurdler)
  • Susanthika Jayasinghe (sprinter)
  • Mohammed Lafir (billiards)
  • Chaminda Vaas (cricket)
  • Lasith Malinga (cricket)

Sri Lanka Sports trivia

  • Sri Lanka are one of seven nations to have appeared at all World Cup Cricket Tournaments.

Sri Lanka at major events

Past sporting events hosted in Sri Lanka

Upcoming sporting events in Sri Lanka

Annual sporting events held in Sri Lanka

  • The Sri Lanka National Rugby Sevens Tournament (Rugby)
  • The Sri Lanka Football Premier League (Top division competition)
  • The Sri Lanka Cricket Premier League
  • The Sri Lanka Open Golf Championship
  • The Sri Lanka National Athletics Championships
  • The Sri Lanka National Swimming Championships
  • The Sri Lanka National Badminton Championships

Sporting Facilities in Sri Lanka

  • National Institute of Sports Science
  • Sinhalese Sports Club Ground, in Colombo
  • Paikiasothy Saravanamuttu Stadium in Colombo
  • R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo
  • Mahinda Rajapaksa International Stadium in Hambantota
  • Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy
  • Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium in Dambulla
  • Galle International Stadium in Galle

World-Class Cricket Venues

Sri Lanka hosts international cricket at multiple ICC-approved stadiums including the historic Galle International Stadium.

Cricket Venues →

Sports Science Institute

The National Institute of Sports Science provides training and research facilities for Sri Lankan athletes.

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Is there something missing? If you know of something that should be listed here, please let me know.