• Continues partnership as Battle of the Blues enters 147th chapter

S. Thomas’ College, Mount Lavinia will once again take on their archrivals Royal College, Colombo in the 147th Battle of the Blues, scheduled to be held from 12–14 March at the country’s premier Test cricket venue, the Singhalese Sports Club (SSC), Colombo.

Etched with rich traditions, passion, and unparalleled history, this legendary encounter stands as the second-longest uninterrupted school cricket series in the world – a testament to the unwavering camaraderie and sporting spirit between two of Colombo’s leading educational institutions. 

The Battle of the Blues is not just a cricket match, but an institution in itself – a story of competition and brotherhood that has endured for nearly 150 years, contributing immensely to the game of cricket, the heartbeat of the island.

Adding to the grandeur, the much-anticipated Mustangs Trophy one-day encounter will take centre stage on 28 March, under lights at the newly floodlit SSC Grounds.

Royalists and Thomians, both past and present, clad in their iconic blue, gold, and black, will once again gather to celebrate their schools’ proud heritage. 

The pavilion will roar, flags will wave, and songs of tradition will echo across the SSC as schoolboys, old boys, and cricket enthusiasts from around the world unite in the true spirit of the game.

This prestigious encounter – widely regarded as Sri Lanka’s very own ‘Big Match’ – has witnessed some of the finest young cricketers take centre stage before rising to national and international acclaim.

As part of the Dialog Big Match Season, this historic clash continues to embody tradition, passion, and sporting excellence, bringing together generations in celebration of one of the nation’s most cherished sporting rivalries.

Dialog Axiata PLC, a leading connectivity provider and prolific promoter of sports in Sri Lanka, is a steadfast patron of Sri Lankan school cricket. 

With an enduring commitment to powering young talent and fostering the next generation of cricketing greats, the company’s partnership ensures that the legacy of the Battle of the Blues remains stronger than ever. Its continued support is not merely a sponsorship, but an investment in Sri Lanka’s sporting future.

“It is that time of the year when the schools come to a standstill and all eyes are directed to the middle of the field watching, eagerly and anxiously, 11 men in white play for the coveted Senanayake Shield. As the 147th episode of the second longest intercollegiate encounter unfolds, we wish the two teams all the very best as they become part of this unbroken tradition.

“May this encounter be the everlasting tradition that connects S. Thomas’ College and Royal College. I place on record my thanks and the thanks of the college and the Joint Organising Committee to all our sponsors for coming on board this year,” said S. Thomas’ College Warden Asanka Perera.

“As we prepare to witness yet another Roy-Tho, we celebrate 147 years of unbroken continuity, an achievement sustained through challenges and change. In recent years, the event has evolved, embracing digitisation, standardisation, sustainability, and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), with Dialog proudly serving as the Main Sponsor on 21 occasions alongside many others. This is more than a match; it is a tradition that shapes personalities and carries forward a timeless legacy,” stated Royal-Thomian Joint Match Organising Committee Co-Chairman Ramesh Abeywickrama.

“At the doorstep of the greatest sporting event of the year, we celebrate a world heritage carried forward by 22 boys and countless stakeholders for 147 unbroken years. As Royalists and Thomians, we take pride in this enduring tradition. We wish both teams and all who uphold this legacy an enjoyable and memorable match,” noted Royal College Principal Athula Wijewardena.  

Dialog Enterprise Group Chief Officer Navin Pieris added: “At Dialog, we are incredibly proud to continue our long-standing partnership with the Battle of the Blues, one of the most iconic events in Sri Lanka’s school cricketing calendar. Our commitment to supporting school cricket stems from our belief in nurturing young talent and fostering a passion for the game that lasts a lifetime. 

“Through initiatives like the Battle of the Blues, we aim to contribute to the development of the next generation of cricketers while preserving the rich traditions of Sri Lankan school cricket. As we power this historic rivalry once again, we remain dedicated to powering the champions of tomorrow.”

Following the 146th Battle of the Blues in March 2025, the all-time tally between Royal College and S. Thomas’ College stands at 36 wins for Royal, 36 wins for S. Thomas’, and 74 draws. 

The 2025 match saw S. Thomas’ College win by five wickets, bringing their total to 36 and matching Royal’s long-held lead. 

Leading the Thomians this time is Avinash Fernando, who carries the responsibility of defending the D.S. Senanayake Shield which they clinched last year, while Royal, under Rehan Peiris, will look to reclaim the silverware and take it back to Reid Avenue.

Tickets for the 147th Battle of the Blues and the 49th Mustangs Trophy will be available for purchase at the Royal College Union and the S. Thomas’ College Old Boys’ Association Secretariat. 

The public can witness the Royal-Thomian encounter on ThePapare TV via Dialog Television Channel 126 or stream it on the Dialog Play mobile app and ThePapare.com.