Sri Lanka’s newest golfing franchise, Kandy Kings, made its official debut at an electric launch event held at the Amari Colombo on Wednesday, 26th November – setting the tone for what promises to be a dynamic first season at the upcoming Ceylon Golf League (CGL).
Before an audience of media, sponsors, CGL officials, and team representatives, the Kandy Kings unveiled its brand: an identity deeply rooted in the spirit of Kandy, its heritage, royal legacy, and cultural pride. Softlogic Holdings was also introduced as the team’s title sponsor, marking a strong start to the franchise’s journey.
“Kandy has always stood for history and honor—qualities that align naturally with the game of golf,” said Michael Sathasivam, Team Principal of the Kandy Kings. “And our team is built on that foundation of legacy and ambition.”
“We’re confident that the team will resonate with a fan base that goes beyond the boundaries of the city, while at the same time creating an exciting golf brand which will compete hard in the league,” he added.
The Kandy Kings enters the league with a powerful line-up selected through the competitive auction held on 10 October 2025. The Kandy Kings roster features: Jevahn Sathasivam, Darshan Veeraraghavan, Gehan Siribaddana, Chandana Gunesekera, Bandula Weerasinghe, Rajitha Siriwardana, Michael Sathasivam, Ashan Welagedara, Siddarth Hirdaramani, Dihan Dedigama, Cinci Siegertsz, Jade Jiggens, Ahalya Rajan, Roshini Sangani, and Dhanushi Wanasinghe – a mix of experience and rising talent from the amateur circuit in the island.
Speaking on their new partnership with the team, a spokesperson from Softlogic Holdings noted, “Sri Lanka’s golfing landscape has been rapidly evolving, now more than ever, with the growth of junior players on the world stage and more amateur participation at international events. Supporting the Kandy Kings allows us to contribute to that momentum and deepen our engagement with the sport’s increasingly passionate community.”
The franchise also announced a strong slate of supporting partners, including: George Stuarts, Amari Colombo, Rockland Distilleries, Marina 888, HNB Assurance, Epic Lanka, Softlogic Stock Brokers, WealthTrust Securities, Soul Brewology, Crossfit Ceylon, District25, along with Hi!, Daily Mirror, and The Sun as media partners.
“As this is the very first edition of the CGL, early sponsorship isn’t simply about backing a team—it’s about shaping the future of professional franchise golf in Sri Lanka,” added Siddharth Hirdaramani, co-owner of the franchise. “Their trust gives us the confidence and capability to step into the league with purpose.”
The Ceylon Golf League, Sri Lanka’s first franchise-format golf tournament, will tee off from 5–7 December 2025 at the historic Royal Colombo Golf Club (RCGC). Eight city-based teams will compete in 03 different formats across three days of high-intensity play, marking a major milestone for the sport in the country.
Former Sri Lankan cricket captain and CGL co-founder Mahela Jayawardena, also shared his excitement: “The enthusiasm already building around this league is incredible. The Kandy Kings bring a competitive edge and energy that will undoubtedly elevate the tournament.”
Captions(L-R)
Kandy Kings Co-owners Nirthaj Seelantha and Rajitha Siriwardana, Ceylon Golf League Co-founder Shamal Perera, Kandy Kings Co-owner Siddarth Hirdaramani and Kandy Kings Team Principal Michael Sathasivam
