BY SANDHYA DISSANAYAKE, ATTORNEY-AT-LAW
Colombo, Sri Lanka – The stage is set for an exciting week of world-class badminton as the CMB International Badminton Championships 2026 officially gets underway on June 24 at the state-of-the-art AIR Sports Complex in Rajagiriya, attracting a record number of participants and reaffirming its status as one of the premier Masters badminton tournaments in the region.
This year’s championship has drawn more than 500 entries, making it one of the largest editions in the tournament’s history. Players representing Sri Lanka, India, Indonesia, Switzerland, Australia, and several other badminton-playing nations are expected to compete for top honours in a highly competitive field.
The tournament will showcase some of Sri Lanka’s finest veteran shuttlers alongside accomplished international competitors, promising spectators a captivating display of skill, experience, determination, and sportsmanship.
Competition proceedings will be overseen by veteran badminton administrator Rohana de Silva, one of Sri Lanka’s most respected officials in the sport. He will be supported by Referee Upul Gamlath and Deputy Referees Sanjeewa Wijesekera and Samanthi Navaratne, ensuring the championship is conducted in accordance with the highest international standards.
The opening ceremony will be graced by Inspector General of Police Priyantha Weerasooriya as Chief Guest. A keen badminton enthusiast, Weerasooriya is expected to officially declare the tournament open in the presence of players, officials, sponsors, and invited guests.
Welcoming the international and local participants will be Ceylon Masters Badminton (CMB) President Rohan de Silva and members of the Executive Committee, whose dedication and meticulous planning have played a pivotal role in organizing this prestigious event.
With overseas participants continuing to arrive in Colombo, anticipation is building for what promises to be several days of high-quality competition at Sri Lanka’s premier indoor badminton venue.
The organizers have extended an open invitation to badminton enthusiasts across the country to visit the AIR Sports Complex on Cotta Road, Rajagiriya, and witness elite Masters badminton action in a fully air-conditioned environment.
The CMB International Badminton Championships 2026 is also poised to become one of Sri Lanka’s most successful indoor sporting events, backed by strong corporate support from some of the country’s leading brands and institutions.
Among the tournament’s principal sponsors and partners are McLarens Group, Mobil, Prime Group, 3M, Cool Max, Iodex, Li-Ning, Hundred, Seylan Bank, Sampath Bank, HNB Finance, Ceylon Biscuits Limited, Mr. FixIt, McFoil, and Elite Badminton, all of whom have reaffirmed their commitment to the growth and promotion of badminton in Sri Lanka.
As the action begins, the championship is expected to provide not only fierce competition but also a celebration of international friendship, sporting excellence, and the enduring spirit of badminton.
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