Jump to content

Sri Lanka national football team

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
This article is about the men's team. For the women's team, see Sri Lanka women's national football team.

Sri Lanka
Shirt badge/Association crest
Nickname(s)Golden Army
රන් හමුදාව
தங்கப் படை
AssociationFootball Federation of Sri Lanka (FFSL)
ConfederationAFC (Asia)
Sub-confederationSAFF (South Asia)
Head coachAbdullah Al Mutairi
CaptainSujan Perera
Most capsChanna Ediri Bandanage (66)
Top scorerKasun Jayasuriya (27)[1]
Home stadiumSugathadasa Stadium
Colombo Racecourse
FIFA codeSRI
First colours
Second colours
Third colours
FIFA ranking
Current 194 Steady (19 January 2026)[2]
Highest122 (August 1998)
Lowest207 (October 2022)
First international
 Ceylon 0–1 India 
(Colombo, Ceylon; 26 April 1949)
Biggest win
 Sri Lanka 7–1 Pakistan 
(Taipei, Taiwan; 4 April 2008)
 Sri Lanka 6–0 Bhutan 
(Dhaka, Bangladesh; 6 December 2009)
Biggest defeat
 Ceylon 1–12 East Germany 
(Colombo, Ceylon; 12 January 1964)[3]
SAFF Championship
Appearances13 (first in 1993)
Best resultChampions (1995)
AFC Challenge Cup
Appearances3 (first in 2006)
Best resultRunners-up (2006)

The Sri Lanka national football team (Sinhala: ශ්‍රී ලංකා පාපන්දු කණ්ඩායම Shri Lanka Papandu Kandayama, Tamil: இலங்கை தேசிய கால்பந்து அணி Ilaṅkai Tēciya Kālpantu Aṇi) represents Sri Lanka in Association football and is administered by Football Federation of Sri Lanka, the governing body of football in Sri Lanka. They have been a member of FIFA since 1952 and a member of AFC since 1954. Sri Lanka's home stadium is the Sugathadasa Stadium in Colombo. The Sri Lankan team was known as the Ceylon national football team until 1972 when Ceylon was renamed Sri Lanka.[5]

A member of the AFC, the team has yet to make their first appearance in FIFA World Cup or AFC Asian Cup finals. They have been South Asian champions once, in 1995. As is true elsewhere on the sub-continent, top-level football in Sri Lanka stands somewhat in the shadow of the country's Cricket team. However, the side did reach the second qualification stage for the 2006 World Cup. In the same year, they became the runners-up in the 2006 Challenge Cup.

In the qualification round of the 2018 World Cup, Sri Lanka lost both matches against Bhutan and failed to qualify for the next round. However, Sri Lanka national football team had managed to qualify for the semi-finals of the 2015 SAFF Championship.

History

[edit]

Early history

[edit]

In January 1933, an All-Ceylon side lost 0–1 against the touring Indian football team. Though it was an All-Bengal team organised by the IFA, it was a de facto Indian national football team.[6][7]

In 1939, the Ceylon Football Association was formed.[8][9]

Ceylon and India national football teams pictured together during their friendly match in 1949

In 1946 and 1948, Ceylon played against touring Indian sides.[10][11] In April 1949, the team played two test matches against the touring Indian national football team, losing 0–1 and 1–6 respectively.[12][13] The same year, Ceylon played two matches against the touring Pakistani team Jinnah Gymkhana, losing 0–4 and 0–1.[14][15]

FIFA recognition (1950s)

[edit]

In 1952, Ceylon became a member of FIFA. The team participated in the 1952 Asian Quadrangular Football Tournament, held in Colombo.[16] Later on, the team also participated in the 1953, 1954 and 1955 editions of the tournament.[16]

In 1956, the team played two test matches against the touring Pakistan national team, losing and drawing once.[17] The next year, Ceylon played against the touring Soviet team Neftyanik.[18]

In 1958, the team toured the far east under the captainship of Tom Ossen.[19][20][21]

1960s

[edit]

In January 1960, Ceylon played two test matches against touring soviet club Zenit Leningrad.[22][23] The next year the team played test matches against touring Soviet club Spartak Praha Sokolovo and Brazilian club Madureira.[24][25] Ceylon began participating in the Southern Pentangular Tournament, a regional football competition held among Ceylon and leading Indian state teams during the 1960s, later reduced to a quadrangular format in 1970. Ceylon took part in all editions held in 1961 (Bangalore), 1962 (Madras), 1963 (Colombo), 1964 (Andhra Pradesh), 1967 (Colombo), and 1970 (Colombo). The final edition in 1970, played at the Sugathadasa Stadium, saw Ceylon emerge as unbeaten champions, marking one of the national team's earliest major international achievements.[26]

In 1963, Ceylon participated in the 1964 Summer Olympics qualifiers, losing against India in the home and away fixtures.[27] The next year, the team played against the touring East Germany team, recording a 1–12 defeat.[28] The same year, the team also played two tests against touring Indonesia.

On 28 February 1965, Ceylon secured their first international victory on home soil, defeating Pakistan 3–1 in a friendly at the Sugathadasa Stadium. The second friendly match was tied 0–0.[29] The same year, the team toured Indonesia, and also played against German side 1. FC Nürnberg in home venue.[30] In 1967, the team also played against touring American side Dallas Tornado,[31] and Soviet team FK Žalgiris.[32]

In 1966, Ceylon played two friendly matches against touring Burma, losing 0–3 and 1–3.[33]

Ceylon participated in the 1968 Summer Olympics qualifiers, losing against Israel in both home and away fixtures. Later on, the team embarked on a tour in Israel and Germany, playing against local sides including clubs from Palenberg, Essen and Hamburg.[34][35]

1970s

[edit]

In 1971, the team participated in the 1972 AFC Asian Cup qualification, losing all matches against Iraq, Jordan and Bahrain. The next year, the team again failed to advance at the 1972 Summer Olympics Qualifiers, losing all matches. Later on, the team also participated in the 1972 Jakarta Anniversary Tournament and the 1972 Merdeka Tournament. The same year, the team also played friendlies against Singapore in away venue and China in home.[36] Soviet club Dinamo Tbilisi, who toured Ceylon also played test matches against the Ceylon national side.[37][38]

In 1979, Sri Lanka featured in the 1980 AFC Asian Cup qualification, 1979 President's Cup Football Tournament and the 1979 King's Cup in Thailand. The team also played against Swedish club Kronängs IF; the tour was organised by Kronängs player Norman Alfonso, a former player of Saunders club of Sri Lanka.[39]

1980s

[edit]

At the 1980 Summer Olympics Qualifiers, Sri Lanka failed to advance after losing against Singapore, North Korea, India, China and Iran.

In 1983, the team played friendlies against Maldives and Singapore. In 1984, after playing a friendly against the touring Maldives, the team participated in the 1984 AFC Asian Cup qualification. Sri Lanka participated in the 1986 Quaid-e-Azam International Tournament held in Islamabad, ending in the fourth position.[40]

At the 1989 South Asian Games, the team failed to advance past the group stage.[41]

Regional success (1990s)

[edit]

The team participated at the 1991 South Asian Games, again ending unsuccessful.

In 1993, Sri Lanka participated for the first time at the 1994 FIFA World Cup qualification, losing all the matches. The same year, the team participated in the 1993 SAARC Gold Cup and the 1993 South Asian Games, achieving bronze, after defeating Maldives by 3–1 in the third place match.[42]

Sri Lanka and Pakistan during the Third-place match at the 1997 SAFF Gold Cup

In 1995, Sri Lanka made history winning the 1995 SAARC Gold Cup, after defeating India in the final by 1–0.[43][44][45] At the 1995 South Asian Games, the team achieved bronze, after defeating Nepal in the penalty shootout after a goalless draw.[46] The team also played at the Burma Tournament 1995.

In 1996, the team ended unsuccessful at the 1996 AFC Asian Cup qualification and the FIFA World Cup qualification.

At the 1997 SAFF Gold Cup, Sri Lanka was ousted in the semifinal after losing against eventual finalists Maldives. The next year the team played at the Bristol Freedom Cup organised by the Sri Lanka Football Federation. The team eventually lost in the final against India B.[47]

In 1999, Sri Lanka participated in the 1999 SAFF Gold Cup, 1999 South Asian Games and the 2000 AFC Asian Cup qualification.

2000s

[edit]

Renaissance of Sri Lanka football (2015–2019)

[edit]

In 2015, Sri Lanka played for the first time in the Bangabandhu Cup. This tournament was organised by Bangladesh Football Federation. The national U-23 teams of Thailand, Bahrain, Malaysia and Singapore participated in this tournament. The national football teams of Bangladesh and Sri Lanka also competed in this tournament.

Sri Lanka was placed in the group with Malaysia and Bangladesh. In the first game Sri Lanka played against the Malaysian team. Malaysia won the match by 2–0. The second match was played against the host Bangladesh. Sri Lanka lost the game 1–0. Sri Lanka failed to score a goal in this tournament. After a six years of poor performance in the international football field Sri Lanka football team managed to qualify for the Semi Final of 2015 SAFF Championship. The poor performance continued in the Solidarity Cup as well. They had another shock defeat this time by the hands of Mongolia the lowest ranked team in Asia. As a result of this defeat Sri Lanka eliminated in the group stage of the tournament.[48]

In July 2018, Sri Lanka faced Lithuania B, manahging a respectable 0–0 draw.[49] During 2022 World Cup campaign however, Sri Lanka suffered another poor performance as the team fell 0–1 in Zhuhai to Macau. Macau was subsequently disqualified, as the team refused to travel to Sri Lanka in the aftermath of 2019 Sri Lanka Easter bombings,[50] Sri Lanka was awarded a 3–0 win in response, thus qualified to the second round of the World Cup for the first time since 2006 campaign.[51]

Amir Alagic era (2020–2022)

[edit]

C. Dilshan
M. Aakib
Rathnayake
Shazny
Basith
Sri Lanka's starting lineup for the Four Nations Football Tournament 2021 final

In the second round, Sri Lanka was unlucky to be drawn with four 2019 AFC Asian Cup participants, South Korea, North Korea, Lebanon and Turkmenistan. As predicted, Sri Lanka proved too weak for the group, losing all matches without scoring a single goal as for the end of 2019, and was eliminated from World Cup contention. Sri Lanka had improved since then, and participated in the 2020 Bangabandhu Cup, but the team still finished bottom with two defeats and no goal.

In February 2020, the Football Federation of Sri Lanka announced the appointment of Bosnian-Australian specialist Amir Alagić as head coach of the national team.[52] Sri Lanka then travelled to South Korea to finish their two remaining games against Lebanon and South Korea, losing both, yet optimism rose when Sri Lanka demonstrated an outstanding performance against Lebanon, scoring two goals and only lost by one goal margin, which was also the country's first-ever goals in the qualification. Alagić resigned as coach of Sri Lanka after the qualification, as Sri Lanka, rated as the weakest team in the group, were eliminated without scoring a point. He was replaced by Scottish manager, Andy Morrison.

FIFA suspension and Participation in 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying (2023)

[edit]

On 22 January 2023, FIFA announced the suspension of the FFSL from 21 January 2023 until further notice due to the government interference in football, but was provisionally included in the draw, pending a resolution. Therefore, all teams/clubs affiliated with the FFSL are no longer entitled to take part in international competitions.[53] However, after the issue was settled, the ban was lifted allowing Sri Lanka to take part in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification under a strict condition: FFSL must conduct a new election ten days before the fixture against Yemen; failure to do so would result in automatic disqualification of the team.[54] The suspension was lifted on 29 August 2023.[55]

Sri Lanka then participated in the first round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification facing against Yemen on 12 October 2023 but lost 4–1 on aggregate in the process. In September 2024, Sri Lanka then played in the 2027 AFC Asian Cup qualification play-off round against Cambodia in which the aggregate was tied on 2–2 where Claudio Kammerknecht scored in the 120+2th minute in extra time to send the game to penalties shoot-out. Sri Lanka came out victorious thus qualifying to the third round.

2027 AFC Asian Cup Qualification (2024–)

[edit]

The Sri Lanka national football team began their 2027 AFC Asian Cup qualification campaign by integrating players of Sri Lankan origin from overseas, including Claudio Kammerknecht and Marvin Hamilton. Their contributions were pivotal in the team's penalty shoot-out victory over Cambodia in the play-off round, securing a place in the third round.[56]

In September 2024, Kuwaiti head coach Abdullah Al Mutairi was appointed to prepare the team for the next stage of qualification.[57] Sri Lanka is scheduled to play six international friendlies in 2025 to build match fitness and test tactical adjustments ahead of the third round.[58] The third round of qualification will take place in 2025, where Sri Lanka has been drawn into Group D alongside Thailand, Turkmenistan, and Chinese Taipei.[59] On 5 June 2025, Sri Lanka won Chinese Taipei 3–1 on home soil.

Team image

[edit]

Kit

[edit]

The team's crest features a blue and gold colour scheme, with a yellow lion holding a sword on a deep blue background. White is used for the text and border. These colours (blue, gold, and white) are reflected in the kits.

The home kit is primarily white with blue and yellow dots across the chest, blue player names and numbers, and blue-and-yellow detailing on the collar and sides. Traditionally, the team wore gold and blue at home. The away kit consists of a blue jersey with yellow dots, white names and numbers, and thin yellow side stripes, paired with blue shorts. Traditionally, white with gold elements was used as the away kit.

Home stadiums

[edit]

Colombo Racecourse

[edit]

The Colombo Racecourse, located in Colombo, serves as the current home venue of the Sri Lanka national football team. Originally opened in 1893 as a horse racing track, the venue was repurposed as an airfield by the Royal Air Force during World War II.[60] In the early 2010s, the ground underwent significant renovations to convert it into a modern football and multi-sport stadium.[61]

Following a hiatus of more than three years in international football matches in Sri Lanka, the Colombo Racecourse hosted its first senior international match on 8 July 2018, a friendly between Sri Lanka and Lithuania B, which ended in a 0–0 draw.

As of 2025, the stadium has served as the national team's primary home ground, replacing the Sugathadasa Stadium in this role since 2015. It has a seating capacity of approximately 10,000 and includes facilities suitable for international competition.

Sugathadasa Stadium

[edit]
Sugathadasa Stadium

Sugathadasa Stadium is the former athletic stadium in Sri Lanka. It was established in 1972 and has a capacity of 28,000.[62] The stadium is mostly used for athletics and football. The 1995 and 2008 SAFF Championship tournaments were held in this stadium. This is the home stadium of Sri Lanka National Football Team. Sri Lanka won their first major football tournament in his stadium. It was defeating India in the Final of 1995 SAFF Championship.

All the FIFA World Cup qualification matches of Sri Lankan team prior to 2016 played in this ground. Major football tournaments that played in here were the AFC President's Cup and AFC Challenge Cup.

The last international match played at Sugathadasa took place on 12 March 2015, against Bhutan in a 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying fixture.[63]

Kalutara Stadium

[edit]

The Kalutara Stadium, also known as the Vernon Fernando Stadium or locally as the Kalutara Park Ground, is a multi-purpose venue in Kalutara with a capacity of around 15,000. It is primarily used for domestic club football. The last recorded international match played here was a friendly between Sri Lanka and Pakistan on 25 March 2002.[64]

Results and fixtures

[edit]
Main article: Sri Lanka national football team results (2010–present)

The following is a list of match results in the last 12 months, as well as any future matches that have been scheduled.

  Win   Draw   Loss   Fixture

2025

[edit]
20 March Friendly Laos  1–2  Sri Lanka Vientiane, Laos
19:00 UTC+7
  • Souvanny 89'
 Report
Stadium: New Laos National Stadium
Referee: Songkran Bunmeekiart (Thailand)
25 March 2027 AFC Asian Cup Q Thailand  1–0  Sri Lanka Bangkok, Thailand
19:30 UTC+7
Report (AFC) Stadium: Rajamangala Stadium
Attendance: 17,207
Referee: Zhang Lei (China)
5 June Friendly Sri Lanka  1–0  Brunei Bangkok, Thailand
17:00 UTC+7
Report Stadium: Alpine Football Camp
Referee: Torpong Somsing (Thailand)
10 June 2027 AFC Asian Cup Q Sri Lanka  3–1  Chinese Taipei Colombo, Sri Lanka
15:45 UTC+5:30
Report Report (AFC)
Stadium: Colombo Racecourse
Attendance: 3,710
Referee: Daniel Elder (Australia)
6 September South Asian Super Cup Sri Lanka  0–3  Maldives Colombo, Sri Lanka
17:30 UTC+5:30 Report
Stadium: Colombo Racecourse
Referee: Mahmood Salim Said (Oman)
9 September South Asian Super Cup Sri Lanka  1–1  Maldives Colombo, Sri Lanka
17:30 UTC+5:30
Report
Stadium: Colombo Racecourse
Referee: Mahmood Salim Said (Oman)
9 October 2027 AFC Asian Cup Q Sri Lanka  1–0  Turkmenistan Colombo, Sri Lanka
15:45 UTC+5:30
Report
Report (AFC)		 Stadium: Colombo Racecourse
Attendance: 2,440
Referee: Tam Ping Wun (Hong Kong)
14 October 2027 AFC Asian Cup Q Turkmenistan  2–1  Sri Lanka Arkadag, Turkmenistan
18:45 UTC+5
Report
Report (AFC)
Stadium: Arkadag Stadium
Attendance: 10,000
Referee: Asker Nadjafaliyev (Uzbekistan)
18 November 2027 Asian Cup Q Sri Lanka  0–4  Thailand Colombo, Sri Lanka
15:45 UTC+5:30 Report
Report (AFC)
Stadium: Colombo Racecourse
Attendance: 2,910
Referee: Sultan Mohamed Al Hammadi (United Arab Emirates)

2026

[edit]
31 March 2027 AFC Asian Cup Q Chinese Taipei  v  Sri Lanka Taipei, Taiwan
18:30 UTC+7 Stadium: Taipei Municipal Stadium

Coaching staff

[edit]
Nikola Kavazović became the manager of the national football team of Sri Lanka in 2014
Position Name
Head coach Kuwait Abdullah Al Mutairi
Assistant coach Sri Lanka Rajamani Devasagayam
Sri Lanka Mohamed Mohideen
Goalkeeping coach Sri Lanka Priyantha Dayawansa
Performance analyst Sri Lanka Yatiyana Vidana Arachchilage
Team doctor Sri Lanka Gamachchige Lal Kithsiri Ekanayake
Physiotherapist Sri Lanka Hasintha Perera
Masseur Sri Lanka Ruwan Jayasuriya
Kitman Sri Lanka Shabeer Perera
Media officer Sri Lanka Isuru Maduwantha
Team manager Sri Lanka Hiran Rathnayaka

Coaching history

[edit]

Players

[edit]

Current squad

[edit]

The following 24 players were called up for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup qualifiers against Thailand on 10–19 November 2025.

Caps and goals are correct as of 18 November 2025 after the game against Thailand.

No. Pos. Player Date of birth (age) Caps Goals Club
1GK Sujan Perera (captain) (1992-07-18) 18 July 1992 (age 33) 62 0 Bangladesh Football Federation Fortis FC
1GK Mohamed Mursith (2001-01-04) 4 January 2001 (age 25) 0 0 Football Federation of Sri Lanka Blue Star
1GK Kaveesh Lakpriya Fernando (1995-01-10) 10 January 1995 (age 31) 2 0 Football Federation of Sri Lanka Blue Star
2DF Mohammad Hasmeer (1999-10-07) 7 October 1999 (age 26) 7 0 Football Federation of Sri Lanka Navy Sea Hawks FC
2DF Zahi Addis (2003-09-11) 11 September 2003 (age 22) 4 0 Football Australia Hume City FC
2DF Jason Thayaparan (1995-10-01) 1 October 1995 (age 30) 13 0 Free Agent
2DF Claudio Kammerknecht (1999-07-26) 26 July 1999 (age 26) 9 1 German Football Association Dynamo Dresden
2DF William Thomason (2002-06-28) 28 June 2002 (age 23) 2 0 Football Australia Altona Magic SC
2DF Anujan Rajendram (2000-05-11) 11 May 2000 (age 25) 14 0 Norwegian Football Federation Oppsal IF
2DF Barath Suresh (2003-06-11) 11 June 2003 (age 22) 13 0 Football Australia Langwarrin
2DF Shafrath Nawas (1985-08-04) 4 August 1985 (age 40) 1 0 Football Federation of Sri Lanka Blue Eagles
3MF Geremi Perera (2004-03-25) 25 March 2004 (age 21) 1 0 German Football Association SC Eltersdorf
3MF Leon Perera (1997-01-01) 1 January 1997 (age 29) 17 2 German Football Association Lüneburger SK Hansa
3MF Adhavan Rajamohan (1993-02-21) 21 February 1993 (age 33) 19 2 Swedish Football Association IFK Haninge
3MF Garrett Kelly (1996-04-29) 29 April 1996 (age 29) 8 0 The Football Association Welling United
3MF Niloshan Senthurvasan (2002-03-10) 10 March 2002 (age 23) 4 0 Norwegian Football Federation Drøbak-Frogn IL
3MF Dillon De Silva (2002-04-18) 18 April 2002 (age 23) 24 3 The Football Association Sutton United
3MF Aman Faizer (1999-03-12) 12 March 1999 (age 26) 22 0 Football Federation of Sri Lanka Renown Sports Club
3MF Mohamed Kursheeth 1 0 Football Federation of Sri Lanka Navy Sea Hawks
3MF Muhammedhu Munsif 0 0 Football Federation of Sri Lanka YSSC
4FW Sam Durrant (2002-10-25) 25 October 2002 (age 23) 14 0 Association of Football Federations of Azerbaijan Karvan İK
4FW Ahmed Waseem Razeek (1994-09-13) 13 September 1994 (age 31) 30 10 Football Association of Hong Kong, China Eastern District SA
4FW Oliver Kelaart (1998-04-16) 16 April 1998 (age 27) 18 3 Football Australia Hume City FC
4FW Wade Dekker (1994-04-21) 21 April 1994 (age 31) 12 1 Football Australia Dandenong Thunder
4FW Rahul Suresh (2004-06-04) 4 June 2004 (age 21) 8 0 Football Australia Dandenong Thunder

Recent call-ups

[edit]

The following players have been called up for the team within the last 12 months and are still available for selection.

Pos. Player Date of birth (age) Caps Goals Club Latest call-up
DF Manaram Perera (1998-06-23) 23 June 1998 (age 27) 8 0 Sri Lanka Navy Sea Hawks v.  Yemen, 16 November 2024
DF Asikur Rahuman (1993-12-31) 31 December 1993 (age 32) 29 1 Sri Lanka Defenders v.  Brunei, 8 June 2024
DF Steven Sacayaradjy (1997-01-22) 22 January 1997 (age 29) 9 0 France Sud FC v.  Maldives, 6 September 2025
DF Jack Hingert (1990-09-26) 26 September 1990 (age 35) 10 1 Australia Brisbane Roar v.  Chinese Taipei, 10 June 2025
MF Remiyan Muthuccumaru (2007-04-09) 9 April 2007 (age 18) 1 0 Netherlands FC Emmen v.  Chinese Taipei, 10 June 2025
FW Shenal Sandesh (2002-07-25) 25 July 2002 (age 23) 3 0 Sri Lanka Up Country Lions v.  Yemen, 16 November 2024
Notes
  • INJ Withdrew due to injury
  • PRE Preliminary squad / standby
  • RET Retired from the national team
  • SUS Serving suspension
  • WD Withdrew due to non-injury issue

Player records

[edit]
As of 14 October 2025[72]
Players in bold are still active with Sri Lanka.

Most appearances

[edit]
Rank Name Caps Goals Career
1 Channa Ediri Bandanage 66 18 1999–2009
2 Weerasinghe Sujan Perera 62 0 2011–present
3 Kasun Jayasuriya 59 27 1999–2009
4 Chathura Maduranga Weerasinghe 48 7 2001–2009
5 Dudley Lincoln Steinwall 47 4 1993–2009
6 Chathura Gunaratne 39 8 2006–2013
Kavindu Ishan 39 1 2013–2023
8 Harsha Fernando 37 0 2018–2025
Kamaldeen Mohamed Fuard 37 0 2000–2006
10 Chalana Chameera 36 0 2015–present

Top goalscorers

[edit]
Rank Name Goals Caps Ratio Career
1 Kasun Jayasuriya 27 59 0.46 1999–2009
2 Channa Ediri Bandanage 18 66 0.27 1999–2009
3 Roshan Perera 15 31 0.48 1993–2001
4 Ahmed Waseem Razeek 10 28 0.36 2019–present
5 Mohamed Izzadeen 9 34 0.26 2004–2015
6 Chathura Gunaratne 8 39 0.21 2006–2013
7 Chathura Maduranga Weerasinghe 7 48 0.15 2001–2009
8 Mohamed Amanulla 6 10 0.6 1995–2000
9 Dudley Lincoln Steinwall 4 47 0.06 1993–2009
10 Mohamed Izmath Zain 3 9 0.33 2011
Kaiz Mohammed Shafras 3 12 0.25 2008–2011
Galboda Chandradasa Karunaratne 3 12 0.25 1999–2007
Oliver Kelaart 3 18 0.17 2024–present
Adhavan Rajamohan 3 19 0.16 2023–present
Imthyas Raheem 3 23 0.13 1995–2004
Dillon De Silva 3 24 0.13 2021–present
Mohamed Aakib 3 28 0.11 2019–present
Well Don Ruwanthilaka 3 33 0.09 2000–2011

Competitive record

[edit]

FIFA World Cup

[edit]
FIFA World Cup Qualification
Year Result Position Pld W D L F A Pld W D L F A
Uruguay 1930 Part of  United Kingdom Part of  United Kingdom
Italy 1934
France 1938
Brazil 1950 Not a FIFA Member Not a FIFA Member
Switzerland 1954 Did not enter Did not enter
Sweden 1958
Chile 1962
England 1966
Mexico 1970
West Germany 1974
Argentina 1978
Spain 1982
Mexico 1986
Italy 1990
United States 1994 Did not qualify 8 0 0 8 0 26
France 1998 3 1 1 1 4 4
South KoreaJapan 2002 6 1 1 4 8 20
Germany 2006 8 1 3 4 7 11
South Africa 2010 2 0 0 2 0 6
Brazil 2014 2 0 1 1 1 5
Russia 2018 2 0 0 2 1 3
Qatar 2022 8 1 0 7 5 24
CanadaMexicoUnited States 2026 2 0 1 1 1 4
MoroccoPortugalSpain 2030 To be determined To be determined
Saudi Arabia 2034
Total 0/9 — 41 4 7 30 27 103

AFC Asian Cup

[edit]
AFC Asian Cup AFC Asian Cup qualification
Year Result Position Pld W D L GF GA Pld W D* L GF GA
Hong Kong 1956 to Iran 1968 Withdrew Withdrew
Thailand 1972 Did not qualify 3 0 0 3 1 10
Iran 1976 Withdrew Withdrew
Kuwait 1980 Did not qualify 4 1 0 3 5 12
Singapore 1984 4 1 1 2 6 11
Qatar 1988 to Japan 1992 Did not enter Did not enter
United Arab Emirates 1996 Did not qualify 6 2 0 4 5 25
Lebanon 2000 4 0 0 4 2 18
China 2004 8 2 0 6 6 26
Indonesia Malaysia Thailand Vietnam 2007 Did not enter Did not enter
Qatar 2011 Did not qualify AFC Challenge Cup
Australia 2015
United Arab Emirates 2019 2 0 0 2 1 3
Qatar 2023 11 1 0 10 5 30
Saudi Arabia 2027 To be determined To be determined
Total 0/19 — 42 7 1 34 31 136

SAFF Championship

[edit]
Year Result Position Pld W D L GF GA
Pakistan 1993 Runners-up 2nd 3 1 1 1 4 2
Sri Lanka 1995 Champions 1st 3 2 1 0 5 3
Nepal 1997 Semi-finals 4th 4 2 0 2 6 3
India 1999 Group stage 5th 2 0 1 1 2 3
Bangladesh 2003 Group stage 5th 3 1 1 1 3 3
Pakistan 2005 Group stage 7th 3 0 0 3 1 5
Maldives Sri Lanka 2008 Semi-finals 3rd 4 2 1 1 5 3
Bangladesh 2009 Semi-finals 4th 4 2 0 2 9 7
India 2011 Group stage 6th 3 1 0 2 4 6
Nepal 2013 Group stage 7th 3 1 0 2 6 15
India 2015 Semi-finals 4th 3 1 0 2 1 7
Bangladesh 2018 Group stage 6th 2 0 1 1 0 2
Maldives 2021 Group stage 5th 4 0 1 3 2 5
Total 13/13 1st 41 13 7 21 48 64

AFC Challenge Cup

[edit]
AFC Challenge Cup AFC Challenge Cup qualification
Year Result Position Pld W D L GF GA Pld W D* L GF GA
Bangladesh 2006 Runners-up 2nd 6 4 1 2 7 2 No qualifying round
India 2008 Group stage 7th 3 0 0 3 1 9 3 2 1 0 14 4
Sri Lanka 2010 Group stage 5th 3 1 0 2 4 7 3 2 1 0 9 4
Nepal 2012 Did not qualify 3 0 1 2 0 5
Maldives 2014 3 1 0 2 5 5
Total 3/5 Runners-up 12 5 1 7 12 18 12 5 3 4 28 18
  • In 2011 and 2015 The AFC Challenge Cup acted as the qualification for the Asian Cup.
  • The AFC Challenge Cup was cancelled by the AFC.

AFC Solidarity Cup

[edit]
Year Result Position Pld W D L GF GA
Malaysia 2016 Group stage 6th 3 0 1 2 2 5

Head-to-head record

[edit]

Last update was against   Thailand on 18 November 2025.[73]

Country Matches Win Draw Loss GF GA GD Win/Draw %
 Afghanistan 8 1 1 6 6 17 −11 25.00
 Bahrain 2 0 0 2 0 4 −4 00.00
 Bangladesh 20 5 2 13 15 30 −15 25.00
 Bhutan 8 6 0 2 20 5 +15 75.00
 Brunei 5 3 0 2 7 3 +4 60.00
 Cambodia 5 2 1 2 4 12 −8 40.00
 China 2 0 0 2 2 4 −2 00.00
 Chinese Taipei 1 1 0 0 3 1 +2 100.00
 East Germany 1 0 0 1 1 12 −11 00.00
 Guam 1 1 0 0 5 1 +4 100.00
 Hong Kong 1 0 0 1 0 5 −5 00.00
 India 19 2 5 12 13 32 −19 11.11
 Indonesia 6 0 1 5 6 29 −23 33.33
 Iran 2 0 0 2 0 11 −11 00.00
 Japan 3 0 0 3 0 16 −16 00.00
 Jordan 1 0 0 1 1 2 −1 00.00
 Kyrgyzstan 1 0 0 1 1 4 −3 00.00
 Laos 8 3 2 3 13 11 +2 62.50
 Lebanon 5 1 0 4 6 18 −12 25.00
 Lithuania 2 0 1 1 0 2 −2 00.00
 Macau 3 1 1 1 4 2 +2 66.66
 Malaysia 10 1 0 9 7 36 −29 10.00
 Maldives 22 2 10 10 17 42 −25 9.09
 Mongolia 2 1 0 1 3 2 +1 50.00
 Myanmar 9 2 1 6 10 20 −10 22.22
 North Korea 3 0 0 3 0 8 −8 00.00
   Nepal 17 6 7 4 25 19 +6 37.50
 Oman 3 0 1 2 1 14 −13 00.00
 Pakistan 19 8 4 7 31 25 +6 63.16
 Palestine 1 0 0 1 0 2 −2 00.00
 Philippines 4 1 1 2 5 9 −4 50.00
 Qatar 3 0 0 3 0 9 −9 00.00
 Saudi Arabia 3 0 0 3 0 9 −9 00.00
 Singapore 5 1 0 4 6 15 −9 20.00
 South Korea 3 0 0 3 0 19 −19 00.00
 Seychelles 4 1 1 2 5 8 −3 25.00
 Sudan 1 0 0 1 0 1 −1 00.00
 Syria 3 0 0 3 0 17 −17 00.00
 Tajikistan 4 0 1 3 3 11 −8 00.00
 Thailand 9 0 0 9 2 27 −25 00.00
 Timor-Leste 1 1 0 0 3 2 +1 100.00
 Turkmenistan 8 1 1 6 4 14 −10 12.50
 United Arab Emirates 8 0 0 8 3 35 −32 00.00
 Uzbekistan 2 0 0 2 0 9 −9 00.00
 Vietnam 4 0 3 1 6 7 −1 30.00
 Yemen 4 1 1 2 2 6 −4 40.00
Total 271 54 48 159 248 591 −343 19.92

Honours

[edit]

Continental

[edit]

Regional

[edit]

Summary

[edit]

Only official honours are included, according to FIFA statutes (competitions organized/recognized by FIFA or an affiliated confederation).

Competition 1st place, gold medalist(s) 2nd place, silver medalist(s) 3rd place, bronze medalist(s) Total
AFC Challenge Cup 0 1 0 1
Total 0 1 0 1

See also

[edit]

Notes

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ László Földesi. "Kasun Nadika Jayasuriya Weerarathne – Goals in International Matches". RSSSF. Archived from the original on 5 September 2018. Retrieved 7 September 2018.
  2. ^ "The FIFA/Coca-Cola Men's World Ranking". FIFA. 19 January 2026. Retrieved 19 January 2026.
  3. ^ "Head to head stats Sri Lanka – GDR". WildStat. Archived from the original on 4 May 2018. Retrieved 4 May 2018.
  4. ^ Elo rankings change compared to one year ago. "World Football Elo Ratings". eloratings.net. 19 January 2026. Retrieved 19 January 2026.
  5. ^ "Sri Lanka's first international win at football". sundaytimes.lk. The Sundaytimes Sri Lanka. 23 June 2013. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 6 February 2017.
  6. ^ "Times of Ceylon 1933.02.01 — South Asian Newspapers". gpa.eastview.com. Retrieved 4 December 2025.
  7. ^ "Legends of Indian Football: Gostha Pal". 20 August 2011. Archived from the original on 20 August 2018. Retrieved 20 August 2018.
  8. ^ https://archives1.dailynews.lk/2013/07/24/sports/sri-lankan-football-and-its-origin?page=53
  9. ^ "Great Footballers of the past | The Sundaytimes Sri Lanka". Retrieved 20 December 2025.
  10. ^ "Times of Ceylon 1946.01.04 — South Asian Newspapers". gpa.eastview.com. Retrieved 5 December 2025.
  11. ^ "Times of Ceylon 1948.02.19 — South Asian Newspapers". gpa.eastview.com. Retrieved 4 December 2025.
  12. ^ "Times of Ceylon 1949.04.27 — South Asian Newspapers". gpa.eastview.com. Retrieved 4 December 2025.
  13. ^ "Times of Ceylon 1949.04.30 — South Asian Newspapers". gpa.eastview.com. Retrieved 4 December 2025.
  14. ^ "Times of Ceylon 1949.11.30 — South Asian Newspapers". gpa.eastview.com. Retrieved 4 December 2025.
  15. ^ "Times of Ceylon 1949.12.03 — South Asian Newspapers". gpa.eastview.com. Retrieved 5 December 2025.
  16. ^ a b Morrison, Neil (1999). "Asian Quadrangular Tournament (Colombo Cup) 1952–1955: 1953 (Rangoon, Burma)". RSSSF. Archived from the original on 27 September 2022.
  17. ^ "Singapore Standard, 4 September 1956, Page 13". eresources.nlb.gov.sg.
  18. ^ https://www.pressreader.com/sri-lanka/sunday-times-sri-lanka/20120422/282402691380175?srsltid=AfmBOoqycxnBKynf5bkiZfwGbLph5Ml5mxXYPeGXCeddOH_mXP5HJDke. Retrieved 20 December 2025 – via PressReader. {{cite web}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)
  19. ^ "Sri Lanka's international approach in football". dailynews.lk.
  20. ^ "Kandy Football needs a wake up call". The Sunday Times Sri Lanka. Retrieved 20 December 2025.
  21. ^ "National Teams Touring China". www.rsssf.org. Retrieved 20 December 2025.
  22. ^ "История «Зенита» - 21.01.1960 – Сборная Цейлона – «Зенит»". www.zenit-history.ru. Retrieved 20 December 2025.
  23. ^ "История «Зенита» - 24.01.1960 – последний гол Александра Иванова за «Зенит» в международных матчах". www.zenit-history.ru. Retrieved 20 December 2025.
  24. ^ "TJ Spartak Praha Sokolovo (Czechoslovakia) tour of Asia 1961". www.rsssf.org. Retrieved 20 December 2025.
  25. ^ "Madureira EC (Brazil) tour of Asia 1961". www.rsssf.org. Retrieved 20 December 2025.
  26. ^ "When Ceylon became unbeaten football champions | The Sundaytimes Sri Lanka". Retrieved 20 December 2025.
  27. ^ "An unforgettable soccer encounter | The Sunday Times Sri Lanka". Retrieved 20 December 2025.
  28. ^ Die Neue Fussball Woche (in German). 21 January 1964. pp. 8–9.
  29. ^ "Sri Lankan's famous win in 1965". The Sundaytimes Sri Lanka. Archived from the original on 30 May 2023. Retrieved 15 August 2024.
  30. ^ "1. FC Nürnberg tour of Asia 1965". www.rsssf.org. Retrieved 20 December 2025.
  31. ^ www.nasljerseys.com https://www.nasljerseys.com/Misc/Tornado%2067-68%20World%20Tour2.htm. Retrieved 20 December 2025. {{cite web}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)
  32. ^ Kalinauskas, Gediminas (2000). Vilniaus "Žalgiris". // Vilnius, "Diemedis". pp. 184–185. ISBN 9986230829.
  33. ^ "The Straits Times, 10 April 1966, Page 16". eresources.nlb.gov.sg.
  34. ^ "Behind the net saga of that European tour | The Sundaytimes Sri Lanka". Retrieved 20 December 2025.
  35. ^ "Legends of Sri Lanka soccer | The Sundaytimes Sri Lanka". Retrieved 20 December 2025.
  36. ^ "The Straits Times, 24 June 1972, Page 25". eresources.nlb.gov.sg.
  37. ^ "Шри-Ланка - «Динамо» Тбилиси - 0:7 29.11.1972 - Футбольные протоколы, матчи - footballfakts.ru". FootballFakts.ru | Футбольная статистика и история (in Russian). Retrieved 20 December 2025.
  38. ^ "Шри-Ланка - «Динамо» Тбилиси - 0:4 02.12.1972 - Футбольные протоколы, матчи - footballfakts.ru". FootballFakts.ru | Футбольная статистика и история (in Russian). Retrieved 20 December 2025.
  39. ^ "Kronängs IF (Sweden) tour of Sri Lanka 1979". www.rsssf.org. Retrieved 20 December 2025.
  40. ^ "Quaid-E-Azam International Cup (Pakistan)". www.rsssf.org. Retrieved 20 December 2025.
  41. ^ "4th South Asian Federation Games 1989 (Islamabad, Pakistan)". www.rsssf.org. Retrieved 20 December 2025.
  42. ^ "6th South Asian Federation Games 1993 (Bangladesh)". www.rsssf.org. Retrieved 20 December 2025.
  43. ^ "New football column: CORNER KICK BY MARADONA - Revisiting Sri Lanka's 1995 SAARC Gold Cup win". Latest in the News Sphere | The Morning. 5 December 2021. Retrieved 20 December 2025.
  44. ^ "FSL honours 1995 SAARC Gold Cup-winning football team". www.dailymirror.lk. Retrieved 20 December 2025.
  45. ^ admin, eLanka (25 May 2021). "When Sri Lanka won the SAARC Gold Cup in 1995-by Hafiz Marikar". eLanka. Retrieved 20 December 2025.
  46. ^ "7th South Asian Federation Games 1995". www.rsssf.org. Retrieved 20 December 2025.
  47. ^ "Bristol Freedom Cup". www.rsssf.org. Retrieved 20 December 2025.
  48. ^ AFC (6 November 2016). "Mongolian penalties down Sri Lanka". thepapare.com. Archived from the original on 24 April 2017. Retrieved 6 February 2017.
  49. ^ Edirisinghe, Pulasthi (8 July 2018). "Commendable Sri Lanka draw against Lithuania". ThePapare. Retrieved 3 March 2026.
  50. ^ "World Cup qualifier in Sri Lanka canceled after Macau refuse to travel | SaltWire". Archived from the original on 2 July 2019. Retrieved 2 July 2019.
  51. ^ "Sri Lanka welcomes FIFA ruling Macau out of WCup qualifying". USA Today. Archived from the original on 2 July 2019. Retrieved 2 July 2019.
  52. ^ "Сборная Шри-Ланки по футболу назначила нового главного тренера". 24 February 2020. Archived from the original on 24 February 2020. Retrieved 24 February 2020.
  53. ^ "Suspension of the Football Federation of Sri Lanka" (PDF). International Association Football Federation. 22 January 2023..
  54. ^ "Sri Lanka Football ban : New update from FIFA". 26 July 2023.
  55. ^ "Bureau of the FIFA Council lifts suspension on Football Federation of Sri Lanka". FIFA. 28 August 2023. Retrieved 20 September 2023.
  56. ^ "FFSL charts future path after Asian Cup breakthrough". The Morning. September 2024.
  57. ^ "Sri Lanka secure Al-Mutairi as head coach". The Sunday Times. 29 September 2024.
  58. ^ "Sri Lanka to play six internationals in 2025". Daily Mirror. 2024.
  59. ^ "Hopefuls discover Saudi Arabia 2027 Qualifiers Final Round challengers". The Asian Football Confederation. 8 December 2024.
  60. ^ "Colombo's colonial sporting landmark and its colourful past". The Morning. 25 January 2022. Retrieved 10 June 2025.
  61. ^ "Racecourse gets facelift". Daily Mirror. 28 January 2013. Retrieved 10 June 2025.
  62. ^ "Stadions – Champions League – Sri Lanka – Resultaten, programma's, standen en nieuws – Soccerway". soccerway.com. Archived from the original on 31 January 2019. Retrieved 6 February 2017.
  63. ^ "Sri Lanka vs Bhutan, 12 March 2015". National Football Teams. Retrieved 10 June 2025.
  64. ^ "Sri Lanka vs Pakistan, 25 March 2002". National Football Teams. Retrieved 10 June 2025.
  65. ^ a b c "Lest we forget - a salute to our football coaches". www.sundaytimes.lk. Retrieved 1 December 2025.
  66. ^ "Asian Quadrangular Tournament (Colombo Cup) 1952-1955". www.rsssf.org. Retrieved 1 December 2025.
  67. ^ eu-football.info https://eu-football.info/_match.php?id=30012. Retrieved 1 December 2025. {{cite web}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)
  68. ^ "Behind the net saga of that European tour | The Sundaytimes Sri Lanka". Retrieved 1 December 2025.
  69. ^ Amit, Naushad (19 November 2017). "The football master now only on a liquid diet". The Sunday Times. Retrieved 30 May 2024.
  70. ^ "Andrew Morrison and Keith Stevens as foreign coaches arrive in Sri Lanka". 2022.
  71. ^ Today, Ceylon (25 November 2023). "FFSL extends Andy Morrison's contract by two years". Ceylon Today.
  72. ^ "Sri Lanka". National Football Teams.
  73. ^ "Sri Lanka matches, ratings and points exchanged". eloratings.net. Archived from the original on 16 February 2017. Retrieved 6 February 2017.
[edit]
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Sri_Lanka_national_football_team&oldid=1341394698"