Dialog Axiata continues commitment to ‘Play for a Cause’ with 147th Battle of the Blues
View(s):Dialog Axiata PLC is set to further expand its ‘Play for a Cause’ initiative in 2026, extending support to four additional schools as part of its continued commitment to powering the next generation of talent. Aligned with its vision of powering the champions of tomorrow, the company’s sustainability-driven programme — delivered in partnership with the 147th Battle of the Blues — aims to strengthen grassroots school cricket by providing essential equipment and resources to emerging teams across Sri Lanka.
For 2026, the Royal-Thomian Cricket Joint Match Organising Committee has selected Sri Naga National School, Naula, Nalanda Maha Vidyalaya, Matale, Weera Keppetipola Central College, Akuramboda and Irahada Ketu Wewa Maha Vidyalaya, Diyabeduma as the beneficiaries. Each school will receive much-needed cricket gear, enabling young players to train and compete with improved resources and confidence.
Harsha Samaranayake (Vice President, Group Marketing, Dialog Axiata) presents the sponsorship cheque for the Royal-Thomian Pledge to the Warden of S. Thomas’ College, Asanaka Perera, and the Principal of Royal College, Athula Wijewardana, in the presence of the Joint Match Organising Committee headed by Sajith Kularatne from S. Thomas’ and Ramesh Abeywickrama representing Royal, along with representatives from the beneficiary schools receiving cricket equipment
The funding model behind ‘Play for a Cause’ once again ties performance to purpose. Dialog Axiata has pledged Rs 1,000 for every run scored and Rs 10,000 for every wicket taken during the annual Royal-Thomian encounter. Since its launch, the initiative has supported more than 52 schools islandwide, distributing cricket equipment valued at millions of rupees.
“Dialog’s ‘Play for a Cause’ initiative reflects our belief that sport can open pathways for young talent across Sri Lanka. By linking the tradition of the Royal-Thomian encounter with a purpose-driven contribution model, every run scored and wicket taken helps provide essential cricket equipment to emerging schools. We are pleased to extend this support to four additional schools in 2026, continuing our commitment to strengthening grassroots cricket and empowering the next generation of champions,” Asanga Priyadarshana, the Group Chief Corporate Officer of Dialog Axiata, said.
The Battle of the Blues itself stands as one of the most enduring traditions in school cricket. Now spanning 147 consecutive years, it is recognised as the second longest uninterrupted cricket series in the world, surpassed only by the annual fixture between St. Peter’s College and Prince Alfred College in Adelaide, which began a year earlier.
S. Thomas’ College, Mount Lavinia took on their arch-rivals Royal College in the 147th Battle of the Blues on March 12, 13 and 14 at the country’s premier Test cricket venue, the Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC). This will be followed by the 49th Mustangs Trophy on the March 28 at the same venue.