IPG Group has successfully completed the Lanka Premier League (LPL) 2026 Player Draft in Colombo, marking a significant milestone in the lead-up to the sixth edition of Sri Lanka’s premier franchise T20 tournament.
The draft brought together franchise owners, team officials, cricket administrators, and other key stakeholders as the league’s five franchises finalized their squads for the upcoming season. Featuring a strong mix of local and international talent, the draft has laid the foundation for what is expected to be a highly competitive tournament, showcasing established stars, emerging players, and experienced T20 performers from around the world.
The successful completion of the draft highlights the continued growth of the Lanka Premier League as a major cricketing and entertainment platform. It also reflects increasing confidence among franchise owners, players, and stakeholders in the tournament’s structure, commercial prospects, and contribution to the development of Sri Lanka’s cricket ecosystem.
The five participating franchises—Jaffna Kings, Galle Gallants, Kandy Royals, Colombo Kaps, and Dambulla Sixers—will now enter the next phase of preparations, focusing on team strategy, player integration, fan engagement, and commercial activities ahead of the tournament.
Welcoming the progress made through the draft, Sunil Kumara Gamage said the Lanka Premier League plays an important role in creating opportunities for Sri Lankan cricketers, strengthening the professional game, and positioning Sri Lanka as a destination for international sporting events. He noted that the successful completion of the Player Draft represents a positive step toward delivering another successful edition of the tournament.
Lanka Premier League Director Samantha Dodanwela described the completion of the draft as a key stage in preparations for the 2026 season. He said the quality of players selected across the franchises demonstrates the growing appeal of the LPL and the confidence local and international cricketers continue to place in the competition. He added that the formation of competitive squads is expected to enhance both the tournament and Sri Lankan cricket as a whole.
DFCC Bank Strengthens Leadership Team with Appointment of Shamindra Marcelline as Executive Director
DFCC Bank PLC has announced the appointment of Shamindra Marcelline as an Executive Director of the Bank, effective 15 June 2026, following approval from the Board of Directors and the Central Bank of Sri Lanka.
The appointment further strengthens the Bank’s leadership team as DFCC Bank continues to advance its long-term strategy focused on customer-centric excellence, digital innovation, transformation, strategic growth, operational agility, and sustainable impact.
Shamindra currently serves as Deputy Chief Executive Officer of DFCC Bank, providing leadership across several key areas, including customer excellence, sustainability, information security risk, logistics, and real estate. He also serves as Alternate Chair of the Credit Committee, contributing to Board-level governance and risk oversight.
Commenting on the appointment, Director and Chief Executive Officer Thimal Perera said that Shamindra’s elevation to Executive Director reflects the leadership, experience, and strategic insight he brings to the organisation. He noted that Shamindra has played a significant role in advancing the Bank’s key priorities while strengthening the capabilities required to support future growth. He added that his contribution would be instrumental in helping deliver the next phase of DFCC Bank’s strategic journey.
With more than 27 years of experience in the banking industry, Shamindra has developed extensive expertise across corporate, investment, retail, and international banking. Throughout his career, he has led business transformation initiatives, driven business growth, and strengthened organisational capabilities across multiple markets.
The appointment underscores DFCC Bank’s commitment to maintaining a strong leadership team as it continues to pursue innovation, sustainable growth, and long-term value creation for its customers and stakeholders.
IPG Successfully Completes Lanka Premier League 2026 Player Draft in Colombo
