This unique gathering went beyond a traditional New Year celebration, serving as a powerful bridge between different generations of Sri Lankan sporting legends, administrators, and the media.

Colombo, May 10, 2026 – On the 10th of May 2026, the lush surroundings of Keth Sewana in Malabe transformed into a vibrant hub of heritage and athleticism as SPORTSINFO—Sri Lanka’s premier national sports promotion network since 2014—hosted its flagship annual networking event: Kelibe Awurudu 2026.

A Convergence of Champions
The event was graced by a constellation of stars from the island’s cricketing and athletic history.

Chief Guest: The legendary Arjuna Ranatunga, the 1996 World Cup-winning captain, whose presence reminded attendees of the grit and leadership that put Sri Lanka on the global sporting map.
Guest of Honour: Dinesh Chandimal, the official captain of the 2014 T20 World Cup-winning squad, representing the modern era of cricketing excellence.

The presence of members from the 1996 World Cup squad added a nostalgic and prestigious layer to the festivities, allowing younger athletes to interact with the pioneers of Sri Lankan professional sports.

Celebrating the Next Generation: Wrestling Icons
Kelibe Awurudu 2026 was not just about the past; it was a celebration of current trailblazers. Two standout female athletes who have redefined Sri Lankan wrestling were center stage:

Netmi Ahinsa: The history-maker who secured a bronze medal at the 2022 Commonwealth Games (57kg), becoming the country’s first-ever wrestling medalist and the youngest Sri Lankan to podium at the Games.

Nipuni Wasana: The toast of the morning, having recently clinched the Gold Medal in the Women’s 50kg Beach Wrestling event at the Sanya 2026 Asian Beach Games. Her victory in China earlier this month stood as a testament to the rising international profile of Sri Lankan combat sports.

Networking and Tradition:
The event at Keth Sewana was meticulously designed to foster collaboration across the athletic field. Beyond the traditional Avurudu games and the shared table of Kiribath and Kewum, the gathering provided a rare informal space for:

Sports Administrators & Coaches to discuss the future of high-performance training.

Celebrities & Media Personalities to engage with athletes outside the competitive arena.

Former Legends to mentor emerging talent in a relaxed, community-focused environment.

The Kelibime Awurudu 2026 mingle event at Keth Sewana was more than just a seasonal celebration; it served as a poignant tribute to the 30th anniversary of the 1996 Cricket World Cup victory.

Marking three decades since that “red-letter day” on March 17, 1996, the event underscored why this particular landmark remains the most significant heartbeat of Sri Lankan sports.

Highlighting this 30 years later ensures that the innovative spirit of Sri Lankan sports is passed down to the new generation of medalists like Netmi Ahinsa and Nipuni Wasana.

By bringing together the legends of ’96 with the rising stars of 2026, the event emphasized the importance of legacy. Seeing the 1996 team interact with modern champions ensures that the “winning DNA”—characterized by tactical brilliance and psychological toughness—is not lost to history but is instead actively shared among the fraternity.

Thirty years later, SPORTSINFO’s Kelibime Awurudu continues to celebrate that legacy, proving that the fire ignited in 1996 still fuels the dreams of every Sri Lankan athlete today.

The SPORTSINFO Legacy:
Since 2014, SPORTSINFO has been the heartbeat of national sports promotion. By organizing events like Kelibe Awurudu, SILK Sports Awards, Schools Sports Awards, National Cricket Lecture, SPORTEX – National Sports Exhibition, SILK International Sports Film Festival they continue to fulfill their mission of uniting the sporting fraternity. Under the shade of Malabe’s greenery, Kelibe Awurudu 2026 proved that while medals and trophies are won on the field, the spirit of Sri Lankan sports is built through the bonds of culture and community.

“This is more than a celebration; it is a reminder that every athlete, past and present, is part of one national pride.” — Thilan Rangana, Chairman – SPORTSINFO

We extend our sincere appreciation to MoraSpirit for joining Keli Bime Awurudu 2026 as our Official Media Partner, ensuring that the vibrant spirit of this celebration is captured and shared through professional coverage. We are equally honored to welcome W. Thomas & Sons as our Official Game Partner, whose contribution is vital in bringing the joy of our traditional games to life for all participants in the field of sports. The collaboration of these esteemed organizations is instrumental in our mission to honor Sri Lankan cultural excellence and community tradition during this year’s festival.