BY SANDHYA DISSANAYAKE, ATTORNEY-AT-LAW
Sri Lanka’s leading footwear brand DSI has officially announced the launch of the 24th DSI SUPERSPORT Schools Volleyball Championship, reaffirming its long-standing commitment to the development of grassroots volleyball across the country.
The tournament was formally unveiled during a media conference held at the Grand Maitland Hotel in Colombo on 28 April 2026. Organised in partnership with the Sri Lanka Volleyball Federation and the Schools’ Volleyball Association of the Ministry of Education, the championship remains one of the most prestigious and influential school-level volleyball competitions in Sri Lanka.
A Legacy of Developing Sri Lankan Volleyball
First introduced in 1999, the DSI SUPERSPORT Schools Volleyball Championship was created with the objective of identifying and nurturing young volleyball talent from both rural and urban communities. Over the past two decades, the competition has evolved into a vital national platform that has helped shape the future of Sri Lankan volleyball.
Since its inception, the tournament has featured participation from nearly 200 teams annually and has contributed to the development of close to 400 notable sporting personalities. Organisers expect the 2026 edition to be the largest in the tournament’s history, with approximately 3,500 teams anticipated to compete from schools across the island.
Speaking at the launch event, Thusitha Rajapaksa, Managing Director of D. Samson & Sons (Private) Limited, emphasised the championship’s importance in strengthening school volleyball and empowering young athletes.
“The DSI SUPERSPORT Schools Volleyball Championship continues to play a vital role in the development of school volleyball in Sri Lanka,” he stated.
“As a brand deeply rooted in supporting local sport, we remain committed to creating opportunities for young volleyball players to grow and excel. We are proud to support a platform that not only recognises young talent but also contributes to the long-term growth of the sport.”
He further highlighted the company’s broader commitment to youth development and community engagement through sport.
“At the heart of this initiative is DSI’s commitment to children. As a responsible local brand, this championship is driven by a dedication to nurturing the next generation, providing young athletes with the opportunity, exposure, and encouragement they need to pursue their passion and reach their full potential,” he added.
Competition Structure and Schedule
The championship will feature multiple age-group categories for both boys and girls, including Under-11, Under-13, Under-15, Under-17, and Under-19 divisions.
The tournament will be conducted in two stages — district and national level competitions.
District-level matches are scheduled to take place during weekends from 10 June to 10 August 2026, while the national rounds are set for 1–5 October and 15–19 October. The grand finals are scheduled to be held on 14 and 15 November 2026.
Application Process and Participation
Applications for the championship will be available at DSI showrooms islandwide. Schools and participants may also download application forms through the official DSI SUPERSPORT Facebook platform and the AVI official website.
For further inquiries, applicants can contact the Sri Lanka Volleyball Federation via 011-2669344, respective district coordinators, or the Secretary of the Schools’ Volleyball Association, Charles Thilakarathne. Additional information can also be obtained through the federation’s General Secretary, Wing Commander HK Akhila De Alwis.
Completed applications must be submitted to the relevant Zonal Education Director (Sports) on or before 20 May 2026.
With its continued emphasis on youth empowerment, nationwide inclusion, and sporting excellence, the DSI SUPERSPORT Schools Volleyball Championship remains a cornerstone of Sri Lanka’s school sports landscape and a powerful platform for discovering the country’s next generation of volleyball stars.