The stage is set at the Racecourse International Stadium in Colombo as the Asia Rugby Emirates Sevens Series 2025 returns for its second leg. Both the Sri Lanka Men’s and Women’s Sevens teams have named their squads, with hopes high for an impressive showing on home soil.
Sri Lanka Men’s Team
Kavindu Perera will once again lead the Tuskers as they look to build on their performances from the first leg in China. The selectors have made six changes to the touring squad, with several experienced campaigners returning to strengthen the lineup.
The most notable inclusion is Srinath Sooriyabandara, Sri Lanka’s most seasoned sevens player, whose leadership and tactical nous will be invaluable. He is joined by Heshan Jansen, Diluksha Dange, Yehan Bulathsinghalage, Dharshana Dabare, and Kalana Chamuditha, all of whom bring depth and versatility to the side.
Akasha Madushanka, who scored 17 points in the China leg, remains a key attacking weapon, while Dinal Ekanayake, Janindu Dilshan, Suranga Tennakoon, and Gayan Perera retain their places following solid performances in the opening round.
Drawn in Pool C alongside China, Uzbekistan, and Singapore, the Tuskers will be aiming for a top-three finish. Their final match on day one against China is set to be a crucial encounter, after narrowly losing to the same opposition in the third-place playoff in the previous leg.
Squad:
- Kavindu Perera (Captain)
- Gayan Perera
- Kalana Chamuditha
- Akasha Madushanka
- Dinal Ekanayake
- Yehan Bulathsinghalage
- Heshan Jansen
- Diluksha Dange
- Janindu Dilshan
- Chathura Soysa
- Srinath Sooriyabandara
- Suranga Tennakoon
- Dharshana Dabare
Sri Lanka Women’s Team
Randika Kumudumali will continue to lead the women’s outfit, bringing valuable experience to a talented and youthful squad. Sri Lanka will be looking to build on their performances from the first leg and make the most of home advantage in front of their supporters.
The team sees a few changes, with Niraaya Jayasinghe, N.J.K. Dilrukshi, and Hekashini Krishnakumar coming into the side, adding more balance and depth across the park.
Drawn in a competitive Group F alongside Hong Kong China, Thailand, and Singapore, Sri Lanka face a challenging weekend. They are expected to comfortably get past Singapore, but will need to bring their best against Hong Kong China and Thailand, who finished third and fourth respectively in the opening leg.
Squad:
- Randika Kumudumali (Captain)
- Sandika Hemakumari
- Sanjeewani Wijethilaka
- Shanika Madumali
- N.J.K. Dilrukshi
- Charani Liyanage
- Dilini Kanchana
- Kanchana Mahendran
- Niraaya Jayasinghe
- Liyara Jayasinghe
- Sarini Nayanathara
- Hekashini Krishnakumar
- Dilki Sathsarani
Fans can catch all the action live on ThePapare 1 HD (Dialog TV Ch. 126), Dialog ViU App, and ThePapare.com from 8:45 AM onwards on Saturday.
WATCH LIVE – Asia Rugby Emirates Sevens Series 2025 – Colombo
