Dialog Axiata Continues to Drive ‘Play for a Cause’ Supporting Four More Schools in 2025

Lasantha Theverapperuma, Group Chief Marketing Officer, Dialog Axiata PLC and Asanga Priyadarshana, Head of Sustainability and Group Chief Risk and Compliance Officer, Dialog Axiata PLC together with Asanka Perera, Acting Warden of S. Thomas’ College and Krishantha Silva, Principal of Royal College handing over cricket equipment to the representatives of the beneficiary schools.

Reaffirming its commitment to Powering the Champions of Tomorrow, Dialog Axiata PLC, Sri Lanka’s #1 connectivity provider, continues to support Play for a Cause—the sustainability initiative linked to the iconic Battle of the Blues—in its mission to empower young cricketers across Sri Lanka.

This year, the initiative will provide essential cricket equipment to four deserving schools, ensuring that the passion for the game extends beyond elite institutions and into the grassroots. The Royal-Thomian Cricket Joint Match Organising Committee, under the guidance of Royal College Principal Mr. Krishantha Silva and S. Thomas' College acting Warden Mr. Asanka Perera, has identified Mahinda MV Ganthiriyagama, Sri Sangabodhi Vidyalaya, Sri Sumangala College Wariyapola, and Wijeyaba National School Hungama as the 2025 beneficiaries. These schools will receive vital cricketing gear, equipping young athletes with the tools to pursue their sporting aspirations.

As a longstanding supporter of Sri Lankan sports, Dialog Axiata PLC has once again pledged Rs. 1,000 per run scored and Rs. 10,000 per wicket taken during the thrilling Royal-Thomian encounter. Last year’s match alone raised an impressive Rs. 1,034,000, reinforcing the initiative’s impact on grassroots cricket. Since its inception, Play for a Cause has extended a helping hand to over 48 schools, donating cricket gear worth a total of Rs. 10,604,800 over eight years, nurturing the next generation of players.

The Battle of the Blues is more than just a cricket match—it is a legacy that has endured for 146 consecutive years, making it the second-longest uninterrupted cricket series in the world, second only to the annual St. Peter’s College vs. Prince Alfred College encounter in Adelaide, Australia, which began a year earlier.

Dialog Axiata is the proud sponsor of the National Cricket, Volleyball, Netball, and Esports teams. The company is also the primary sponsor of the Sri Lanka Golf Open and Paralympic sports, supporting the National Para Games and the Sri Lankan contingent to the World Paralympic Games. Further, in line with its commitment to Powering the Champions of Tomorrow, Dialog continues to support the President’s Gold Cup Volleyball Championship, National Junior and Senior Netball tournaments, and Schools Rugby.