Spectacular opening to skyfair.news Lanka Premier League 2023, filled with high-octane music, dance, and fireworks

By K.R. Nayar

Ahead of the first match of the skyfair.news 2023 Lanka Premier League (LPL) between Colombo Strikers and Jaffna Kingsheld, a spectacular opening ceremony was held at the R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo. Marking the start of the 22-day-long league, this ceremony mixed high-octane music, Sri Lankan culture, dance, fireworks, and fanfare, lighting up the evening.


This historic stadium became the stage where, through the display of dancing stunts and with 25 drummers energetically welcoming everyone in traditional Sri Lankan outfits, the famous singer Yohani Diloka de Silva, who also happens to be the Brand Ambassador for the league, enthralled everyone with her enchanting voice. Thousands had assembled to listen to this global YouTube sensation. The flow of more events further glorified the start.



The Chief Guest, Mr. Shammi Silva, the President of Sri Lankan Cricket (SLC), voiced enthusiasm for the tournament and the growth of cricket in Sri Lanka. He said: “The Lanka Premier League not only celebrates the remarkable talent of our nation but also showcases the unifying power cricket has. As we embark on this journey for the fourth time, we look forward to a gripping display of skill, passion, and camaraderie off the field as well as a competitive brand of cricket on the field. I extend my best wishes to all the participating teams, coaches, supporters, as well as the fans.” Gracing the occasion were also Miss World Tourism, Nguyen Giang Tien of Vietnam, and a huge line-up of local celebrities.


Anil Mohan Sankhdhar, Founder, and CEO of IPG Group - the official rights holder of LPL, welcomed the top cricketers from around the world and said: "It is heartening to see how the Lanka Premier League has once again brought together the best cricketers in the world to enthrall the cricket fans all over the world. LPL has provided a great platform for a lot of youngsters over the last few years, and I am sure that we will see a lot of budding talent coming through in the next three weeks.”

The participating teams in the ceremony were Colombo Strikers led by Niroshan Dickwella, Dambulla Aura captained by Kusal Mendis, Galle Titans led by Dasun Shanaka, B-Love Kandy captained by Wanindu Hasaranga, and defending champions Jaffna Kings led by veteran Sri Lankan all-rounder Thisara Perera.


The highlight of the ceremony was the grand unveiling of the prestigious LPL trophy by the Chief Guest in the presence of distinguished delegates.

The curtain for the cricketing action commenced soon after renowned Sri Lankan singers Chithral Sompala and Umara Sinhawansa combined beautifully to deliver a soulful rendition of the National anthem, followed by an energetic dance performance to the official theme song.


The fourth season of LPL will conclude on August 20 after being held across two venues - Colombo and Kandy. The top stars from around the world who will be in action are: Babar Azam, Shakib Al Hasan, David Miller, and popular Sri Lankan stars such as Thisara Perera, Wanidu Hasaranga, Angelo Mathews, and captain Dasun Shanaka. The five participating teams are: Colombo Strikers, Dambulla Aura, Galle Titans, Jaffna Kings, and B-Love.

Star Sports will telecast the league’s exciting action live, exclusively in UAE, India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, Maldives, and the MENA region.

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