Sri Lanka’s #1 connectivity provider and prolific promoter of sports, Dialog Axiata PLC, powered the Sri Lankan National Esports Teams, who recently participated in the Asian Online Regional Qualifiers for the International Esports Federation’s (IESF) 16th World Esports Championship. This year’s Championship features multiple game titles, including CS2 Open, CS2 Women, Mobile Legends Bang Bang (MLBB) Open, MLBB Women, PUBG MOBILE, eFootball and Dota 2.
SLESA conducted National Qualifiers earlier in the year to select these Esports athletes who would form the National Esports team of Sri Lanka and represent the nation and compete against the best Esports talent in Asia.
The Sri Lankan team in the CS2 Open category competed in the South Asia region and secured a 3rd place finish. The team, consisting of Geeshan ‘Defiance’ Jayarajah, Vibuda ‘ChromnZ’ De Zoysa, Andrew ‘ShAKeRZ’ Damien, Isuru ‘DRAX’ Nuwan, Zayyaan ‘HeLLScrM’ Ali, and Muzakkir ‘plasttE’ Fahim, demonstrated skill and determination throughout their matches, achieving victories over Bangladesh and Nepal.
In Dota 2, the national team finished 4th, with team members Tharusha ‘Morpheus’ Lakshan, Kalindu ‘Silentstorm’ Pathirana, Kalana ‘Emissary’ Dinuka, Chanuka ‘akuna’ Jeewantha, Malith ‘Game_TM’ Amarasinghe, Mihin ‘Krim’ Himsara, and Hirushan ‘DeathMarK’ Dhananjaya putting forth their best efforts throughout the South Asia qualifiers.
The PUBG Mobile team faced stiff competition, finishing 16th among some of the best teams in the region. The team members Shanaka ‘Sizar’ Silva, Nisitha ‘Clumsy’ Dinusha, Nilesh ‘Effect’ Anthony, Sadeesha ’Sadiya’ Eshan, Minupa ‘MINI77’ Randive and Thamara ‘SUSTHY’ Surendra exhibited resilience and teamwork against formidable opponents from across Asia.
In the MLBB Open category, the Sri Lankan team secured 4th place in South Asia. The team, comprising Chirat ‘Swaggy’ De Thabrew, Chethiya ‘Devil’ Lakshan, Imthath ‘Infamous Jazz’ Imtiyas, Sadin ‘Zander’ Abeygunawardana, Thejan ‘Predator’ Vitharana, and Dinethmin ‘INFINITY’ Uduwilaarachchi, showcased memorable gameplay and demonstrated strong team chemistry.
The MLBB Women’s team also performed admirably, finishing 4th in South Asia. The team’s roster included Nadisha ‘KittyNona’ Wijemanne, Santhushi ‘YASARA’ Samarathunga, Sachini ‘Jewel’ Navodya, Kavindhya ‘Clementine’ Madhubashini, Lojini ‘Cattleya’ Perera, Shanaz ‘Midnight’ Dilum and Dileesha ‘Aиgιє’ Athapaththu reflecting the increasing participation and success of women in Esports.
However, Dishan ‘Dishan’ Nithiananthan will represent Sri Lanka in eFootball at the main event of the IESF’s World Esports Championship, which will be held in Riyadh in November.
The International Esports Federation (IESF) continues to promote Esports as a sport beyond geographical boundaries, with a mission to provide equal support and opportunities for Esports athletes worldwide. With 130 member national federations globally, the IESF is committed to the growth and recognition of Esports.
“Engaging in such prestigious international competitions provides our national Esports teams with invaluable experience that will undoubtedly enhance their skills for the future. Their participation in the IESF’s 16th World Esports Championship Asian Online Regionals reflects their unwavering dedication and passion. Their achievements set a benchmark for aspiring athletes and continue to motivate the Esports community in Sri Lanka”, said Raveen Wijayatilake, President of the Sri Lanka Esports Association.
In addition to its support for National Esports Team, Dialog is also a dedicated sponsor of Sri Lanka’s National Cricket, Volleyball, and Esports teams, as well as the primary sponsor of the Sri Lanka Golf Open. The company promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion through sponsorships with the Netball Federation of Sri Lanka and the National Paralympic Committee, enabling athletes to compete in national and international tournaments. Furthering its commitment to empowering future champions, Dialog continues to support the President’s Gold Cup Volleyball, National Junior and Senior Netball tournaments, and School Rugby.
Gamer.LK, Sri Lanka’s premier Esports company, remains the Strategic Partner for the National Esports Team. Leading the charge in the Sri Lankan Esports industry, Gamer.LK’s consistent efforts in organising Esports tournaments and activities have significantly contributed to the rapid growth of Esports in the country over the past decade.