The launch of the Kandy Kings Team, the newest golfing franchise that will take its bow at Sri Lanka’s first-ever franchise golf tournament, the Ceylon Golf League (CGL), which is to be held from 5–7 December at the Royal Colombo Golf Club, was held at the Amari Colombo on Wednesday (26).
Eight franchise teams named after Lankan cities with top golf courses will feature the country’s finest golfing talent during the three-day tournament.
Kandy Kings unveiled its brand in a gala celebration with its identity deeply rooted in the spirit of Kandy, its heritage, royal legacy, and cultural pride.
Speaking at the event, Kandy Kings Team Principal Michael Sathasivam said that Kandy had always stood for history and honour – qualities that aligned naturally with the game of golf – and noted that the team was built on that foundation of legacy and ambition.
“We are confident that the team will resonate with a fan base that goes beyond the city boundaries, while creating an exciting golf brand which will compete hard in the league,” he said.
The player auction for the CGL was held in October where over 120 seasoned and budding golfers from all parts of the country were auctioned among the eight teams. This format has allowed many talented rural golfers to enter the top level of the game, lifting Sri Lankan golf to a new era.
The Kandy Kings enter the league with a powerful line-up selected through a competitive auction which includes some of the star golfers in the country including Jevahn Sathasivam, Darshan Veeraraghavan, Gehan Siribaddana, Chandana Gunasekara, Bandula Weerasinghe, Rajitha Siriwardana, Michael Sathasivam, Ashan Welagedara, Siddharth Hirdaramani, Dihan Dedigama, Cinci Siegersz, Jade Jiggens, Ahalya Rajan, Roshini Sangani, and Dhanushi Wanasinghe. They will be coached by their dynamic Head Coach Andy Andrews.
CGL Co-Founder Shamal Perera remarked that he was impressed by the response received from the franchise owners, sponsors, and all involved.
“We were inspired by a similar event in India and laid the platform to conduct this tournament in Sri Lanka. It is great that we reached this height within just one year. We also plan an international tournament in February 2026, which is going to be the largest international golf tournament in Sri Lanka,” he said.