BY SANDHYA DISSANAYAKE, ATTORNEY-AT-LAW
Image Courtesy: Ministry of Youth and Sports
Sri Lanka’s national bodybuilding team departed for Pattaya, Thailand, yesterday to compete at the prestigious Mr. Universe 2026 International Bodybuilding Championship, where elite athletes from more than 40 countries will contest for international honours from June 27 to 29.
Ahead of their departure, the Sri Lankan contingent received an official send-off from Director General of the Department of Sports Development, S. Achchuthan, who met the team to convey his encouragement and best wishes for a successful campaign on the global stage.
Addressing the athletes and officials, the Director General commended the team’s unwavering commitment, discipline, and dedication to the sport, expressing confidence in their ability to represent Sri Lanka with distinction against some of the world’s finest bodybuilders.
The Sri Lankan delegation will be led by Team Manager Nihal Weeratunga and Head Coach Dulanjana Ekanayake, with a talented squad of athletes eager to make their mark at one of international bodybuilding’s most prestigious competitions.
Sri Lanka Squad – Mr. Universe 2026
Manager: Nihal Weeratunga
Coach: Dulanjana Ekanayake
Athletes:
- Y.G. Amila
- Senal Sandaru
- P.A.B. Madushan
- Ranga Silva
- Suriyakanth
- K.B.F.B. Bethmage
- W.R. Kavinda
- Nishantha Dhananjaya
- Bryan Malik
- Anoj Aloysius
- G.P.N. Dias
The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, together with the Department of Sports Development, extended its heartfelt best wishes to the entire contingent, expressing confidence that the team will uphold Sri Lanka’s proud sporting traditions and raise the national flag with pride on the international stage.
With competitors from over 40 nations set to participate, the Mr. Universe 2026 International Bodybuilding Championship promises to be a highly competitive event, providing Sri Lanka’s athletes with an opportunity to showcase their strength, dedication, and excellence against the world’s best.
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