Seylan Cards successfully concluded its role as the Title Partner of Pickleball Slam 2026, organised by YES 101, bringing together corporate teams, sports enthusiasts and aspiring athletes for a day of competition, fitness and community engagement at The Pickle Island, Excel World.
The tournament highlighted the growing popularity of pickleball—one of the world's fastest-growing sports—while providing an exciting platform for participants to embrace an active lifestyle, build connections and enjoy a unique sporting experience.
The event attracted a diverse group of corporate professionals and pickleball enthusiasts, who competed across multiple categories, reflecting the sport's increasing appeal among Sri Lanka's active communities. Through its title sponsorship, Seylan Cards reinforced its commitment to delivering lifestyle-focused experiences that extend beyond traditional banking and payment services.
Commenting on the partnership, Ruchith Liyanage, Head of Cards at Seylan Bank, said Seylan Cards is committed to enriching the lives of its cardholders by creating meaningful experiences that align with their interests and aspirations.
He noted that Pickleball Slam 2026 provided an ideal opportunity to engage with a vibrant sporting community while supporting a rapidly growing sport that continues to gain popularity both locally and internationally. He also expressed appreciation to YES 101 for collaborating to bring the event to life.
The partnership reflects Seylan Cards' continued focus on delivering value beyond financial services by offering exclusive experiences that promote wellness, encourage social connections and create memorable moments for customers.
By supporting emerging lifestyle and fitness trends, Seylan Cards continues to strengthen its customer-centric approach while responding to the evolving interests of modern consumers.
As one of the first leading banking brands in Sri Lanka to sponsor a dedicated pickleball tournament, Seylan Cards has further expanded its presence in the lifestyle and wellness space, reinforcing its position as a card that offers rewarding experiences beyond everyday transactions.
Maliban Reinforces Commitment to Youth Sports Through S. Thomas’ College Hockey
Maliban, one of Sri Lanka’s most recognised homegrown brands, has renewed its title sponsorship of the S. Thomas’ College Hockey Programme, reaffirming its long-standing commitment to developing young sporting talent and supporting school sports in Sri Lanka.
The renewed partnership follows a successful 2025 season in which S. Thomas’ College delivered strong performances across the school hockey circuit. With Maliban’s continued support, the Thomian hockey programme strengthened its focus on building confidence, discipline and teamwork, laying a solid foundation for greater success in the upcoming season.
Hockey has been a proud tradition at S. Thomas’ College since 1929, producing numerous national players and championship-winning teams over the decades. This year, the College will celebrate the 25th Royal–Thomian Hockey Encounter, widely regarded as Sri Lanka’s premier school hockey big match. S. Thomas’ College currently leads the historic rivalry with 10 victories, while Royal College has recorded nine wins, with five matches ending in draws.
The College will also compete in the 20th Trinity–Thomian Hockey Encounter, another prestigious fixture on the school hockey calendar. S. Thomas’ College holds the advantage in this series as well, with nine wins compared to Trinity College’s seven, while the remaining encounters have ended in draws.
By extending its partnership, Maliban continues to invest in a programme that promotes discipline, leadership, teamwork and resilience—qualities that closely reflect the company’s own values built over more than seven decades as a trusted Sri Lankan brand.
Commenting on the partnership, Positha Perera, Group Head of Corporate Communications at Maliban Group of Companies, said sport remains one of the most effective platforms for shaping character and developing future leaders. He noted that the partnership with S. Thomas’ College Hockey has demonstrated the potential of young athletes when they are provided with the right support and opportunities, adding that Maliban is pleased to continue contributing to the next chapter of Thomian hockey.
The Warden of S. Thomas’ College welcomed the continuation of the partnership, stating that Maliban’s support has played a significant role in strengthening the College’s hockey programme while providing student-athletes with greater opportunities to develop their skills and compete at the highest level of school hockey in Sri Lanka.
Seylan Cards Promotes Active Living Through Pickleball Slam 2026
