Sri Lanka’s golfing landscape marked an important milestone with the official launch of the Kandy Kings, one of the newest franchises in the highly anticipated Ceylon Golf League. The launch event, held on Wednesday, 26 November at the Amari Colombo, brought together media, sponsors, league officials, and players for an evening charged with pride, energy, and ambition. With the Ceylon Golf League kicking off in December, the occasion offered a first look at the team’s identity, spirit, and aspirations as it aims to inspire both fans and future golfers. The Kandy Kings brand was unveiled with great enthusiasm, emphasizing the deep cultural and historical ties to the city of Kandy. Reflecting the city’s royal heritage and commitment to excellence, the franchise hopes to embody the pride and tradition Kandy is known for. Softlogic Holdings was announced as the title sponsor, signalling a strong start for the team and underscoring the solid partnerships supporting the franchise.
Team Head Michael Sathasivam shared his vision with the audience, noting, “Kandy has always stood for history and honour, qualities that align naturally with the game of golf, and our team is built on that foundation of legacy and ambition.” He added that he hopes the Kandy Kings will captivate fans across the island while setting high standards as a competitive golfing brand.
The team was formed through a highly competitive player auction held on 10 October 2025. The resulting squad features a blend of seasoned golfers and promising emerging talent from Sri Lanka’s amateur circuit. The Kandy Kings roster includes Jevahn Sathasivam, Darshan Veeraraghavan, Gehan Siribaddana, Chandana Gunesekera, Bandula Weerasinghe, Rajitha Siriwardana, Michael Sathasivam, Ashan Welagedara, Siddarth Hirdaramani, Dihan Dedigama, Cinci Siegertsz, Jade Jiggens, Ahalya Rajan, Roshini Sangani, and Dhanushi Wanasinghe; each expected to bring skill, focus, and determination to the team’s debut season.
A spokesperson from Softlogic Holdings echoed the organisation’s excitement, stating, “Sri Lanka’s golfing landscape has been rapidly evolving, now more than ever, with the growth of junior players on the world stage and increased amateur participation at international events. Supporting the Kandy Kings allows us to contribute to that momentum and deepen our engagement with the sport’s increasingly passionate community.”
Alongside the title sponsor, the franchise introduced a strong lineup of partners who will support the team throughout the season. These include George Stuarts, Amari Colombo, Rockland Distilleries, Marina 888, HNB Assurance, Epic Lanka, Softlogic Stockbrokers, Wealth Trust Securities, Soul Brewology, CrossFit Ceylon, District25, The Sun (Daily Mirror), Daily Mirror Online, and HI!! Online as official print and digital media partners. Co-owner Siddharth Hirdaramani expressed gratitude for the backing, saying, “As this is the very first edition of the CGL, early sponsorship isn’t simply about backing a team, it’s about shaping the future of professional franchise golf in Sri Lanka. Their trust gives us the confidence and capability to step into the league with purpose.”
The league itself marks a major milestone for Sri Lankan golf. The Ceylon Golf League is the country’s first franchise format golf tournament and will be held from 5 to 7 December 2025 at the Royal Colombo Golf Club. Eight teams will compete across three formats over three days, offering fans a fresh and dynamic experience.
Former Sri Lankan cricket captain and CGL co-founder Mahela Jayawardena said that the excitement surrounding the league is already strong and that the Kandy Kings bring the right energy and competitive spirit to elevate the tournament.
Owners Perspective: Siddarth Hirdaramani
What inspired you to invest in a franchise like Kandy Kings within the Ceylon Golf League?
I was inspired by the vision behind the Ceylon Golf League to modernize the sport of golf in Sri Lanka and make it more accessible, competitive, and exciting for a new generation. Also, the goal of attracting more Golf tourism to Sri Lanka is something I have always wanted to support. Investing in a team felt like an opportunity to contribute to the growth of golf while also supporting regional talent. It is also an excuse to improve my own Golf game by practicing more and participating in the tournament.
Can you share any challenges you faced while setting up the franchise and how you overcame them?
Starting a franchise always comes with its share of challenges, especially in a league that is still in its early stages. From building the right team structure to managing logistics and aligning with league standards, there are many moving parts. However, we continue to approach every challenge as a learning opportunity. Through strong planning, open communication with the league, and assembling a committed management and operations team, we have been able to turn obstacles into stepping stones and build a solid foundation for the franchise.
What role do your sponsors play in shaping the future of the team and the league?
Our sponsors are more than just financial partners, they are strategic collaborators. Their support enables player development, operational stability, and fan engagement initiatives. At the same time, they bring credibility, reach, and professionalism to the league. When sponsors invest in a franchise like Kandy Kings, they are investing in the future of Sri Lankan golf itself, helping to elevate the sport to a more competitive and respected level.
How do you plan to engage with fans and build a loyal community around Kandy Kings?
Fan engagement is central to our vision. We want Kandy Kings to be more than just a team, it should be a community movement. From school and corporate outreach programs and local events to social media interaction and match day experiences, we are focused on building genuine relationships with fans. We want young players to look up to our team, families to attend matches, and the city of Kandy to take pride in calling Kandy Kings their own.
Are there any long-term goals or legacy plans you have for the franchise?
Absolutely. Our long-term goal is to build a sustainable and respected sporting institution. Beyond winning matches, we want to contribute to player development, youth training programs, and raising the overall standard of golf in Sri Lanka. The legacy I hope to leave is one where Kandy Kings becomes a symbol of excellence, opportunity, and inspiration for future generations.
What are your expectations for the Kandy Kings’ performance in the first season of the CGL?
As with any inaugural season, our focus is on building a strong team culture, encouraging performance consistency, and laying the groundwork for long term success. We are optimistic and competitive in spirit; our primary goal is to establish Kandy Kings as a serious contender and a well-run franchise. We have a solid team, and I believe we have a great chance of winning it all.
Experienced Player Perspective, Gehan Siribaddana
What does it mean to you to be part of the Kandy Kings in this historic first season of the CGL?
It’s a huge honour. Being part of the Kandy Kings in the first ever CGL season means being part of history, building a legacy, and representing our fans with pride from the very beginning.
How do you see your role in mentoring younger players on the team?
My role is to inspire confidence in the younger players. I want them to feel that this environment is where they can express themselves freely and fearlessly. If I can help them believe in their talent and push their limits, then I’ve done something meaningful for the team’s future.
What are your thoughts on the franchise format approach introduced by the CGL?
I think the franchise format introduced by the CGL is a great step forward for the sport. It brings structure, long term planning, and a sense of identity to each team. With franchises investing in talent, facilities, and development pathways, players get better support, and fans get a more engaging, high-quality product. It’s a model that can really elevate the competitiveness and professionalism of the league.
How does the team’s cultural and regional identity influence your mindset as a player?
It gives me pride and purpose. Knowing the team reflects the spirit of our region motivates me to give my best every time I step on the course.
What are your personal goals for the tournament at Royal Colombo Golf Club?
To do justice to my selection and to stay consistent, stay focused, and give myself the best chance to perform at my highest level.
How do you prepare for the intensity of multi format competition over three days?
Our Coach Andy has been a huge strength to our entire team. His guidance during our preparation, both mentally and physically, was immensely helpful. On my part I prepare by managing my fitness, recovery, and mindset. Each format demands a slightly different approach, so I stay adaptable and make sure I’m fresh enough to execute consistently across the three days.
What excites you most about the future of golf in Sri Lanka, especially with initiatives like the CGL?
The future looks incredibly promising. With the CGL bringing a franchise style format to golf, we’re seeing more investment in coaching, facilities, and junior development. That creates a healthier ecosystem for players to grow. If we nurture that properly, we’ll see more Sri Lankan golfers competing internationally in the coming years.
