By: Allaam Ousman

• Sanjay Ganlath’s journey into the world of sports management is as inspiring as it is unconventional. With deep roots in a sports-centric family and an early immersion in basketball, Ganlath’s life has been defined by passion, perseverance, and a commitment to empowering the next generation of athletes in Sri Lanka.

Reflecting on his upbringing, Ganlath shares, “I come from a very sports-oriented background.” He recalls how his father introduced him to basketball at an early age and how his formative years at St. Benedict’s College were steeped in the culture of sports.

“Sports, particularly basketball, was a big part of my life, and I grew up surrounded by role models, including my two brothers,” he explains, noting that his brother Praveen even represented Sri Lanka at the national level. This early exposure to competitive sports laid the groundwork for his later endeavors. During his school years, Ganlath not only participated but led his team. “I captained the under-19 team at St. Benedict’s and was proud to be a part of the Sri Lanka Schools team,” he recalls.

A member of the Sri Lanka Development squad, his talents eventually earned him a sports scholarship to Malaysia, where he was immersed in high-level competition. “My team included six Nigerian players, all towering at 6’5” or taller, as well as Chinese and Malaysian national players.

I played in the starting five and competed in university and league championships, winning both in consecutive years. It was an experience that taught me about excellence and discipline on the court,” he says. Although his competitive basketball career was cut short by an unexpected appendix surgery, Ganlath reflects, “That setback forced me to re-evaluate my path – it was a difficult moment, but it  "We focus on athletics and basketball because I believe these sports hold immense untapped potential for Sri Lanka. For example, people once doubted that a Sri Lankan sprinter could run under 10 seconds, but now that milestone has been achieved.

It’s proof that with the right support and mindset, we can break barriers” ultimately pushed me to explore new opportunities.” The idea for his current venture, The Sports Manager LK, came during one of life’s unexpected turns. “I was working in the hospitality industry when COVID-19 hit, and the layoffs made me rethink my career,” he explains.

Despite stepping away from competitive sports, Ganlath’s passion never waned.

“Even during my time away from the court, my heart remained with sports,” he adds. Influenced by inspiring figures such as Navin Hettiarachchi, the former health and fitness director of Washington Wizards and Australian sports influencer Dulan Kodikara, Ganlath began to see the vast untapped potential in athlete management in Sri Lanka.

“Their guidance and stories motivated me to explore sports management. I started researching athlete management and realised that Sri Lanka lacked structured pathways for athletes to pursue professional careers,” he says.

“I also drew inspiration from figures like Rich Paul, LeBron James’ manager, and Nicole Lynn, a trailblazing NFL agent. Their journeys taught me about the importance of athlete representation and the need for systems to support talent development. Eventually, I completed a certification in athlete management from a U.S.-based institute, becoming the youngest and only certified athlete manager in Sri Lanka,” observed 32-year-old Ganlath. Central to Ganlath’s philosophy is the belief that every athlete deserves proper support. “I want to ensure that no Sri Lankan athlete’s dream goes unfulfilled due to a lack of guidance or resources,” he insists. He explains that many students from sports-rich schools end up without a clear path after their education, prompting him to fill that gap with comprehensive management services.

“We focus on athletics and basketball because I believe these sports hold immense untapped potential for Sri Lanka. For example, people once doubted that a Sri Lankan sprinter could run under 10 seconds, but now that milestone has been achieved. It’s proof that with the right support and mindset, we can break barriers,” he points out, highlighting the 9.96 dash of Yupun Abeykoon as evidence of what can be achieved with the right support. When asked about how he identifies and selects athletes, Ganlath shares a detailed and personal process.

“We monitor athletes for about six months, studying their training regimes, performance, and discipline. It’s not just about talent – it’s about long-term vision,” he explains. He continues, “If an athlete’s ambition is limited to being the best in South Asia, I encourage them to aim even higher.

I believe in nurturing not just athletes, but well-rounded individuals with discipline, humility, and empathy.” His holistic approach extends beyond physical training. “Our primary goal is to prepare athletes for the Olympics or major international events by focussing on every aspect of their development – from strength and conditioning to nutrition and mental resilience. Athletes need to be prepared for the pressures of international competition, both physically and mentally,” he notes. Ganlath’s vision for the future of The Sports Manager LK is expansive.

“Our vision is to expand beyond Sri Lanka and establish a global presence,” he states confidently. The company’s name reflects this dual identity – rooted in Sri Lankan heritage while aspiring to international markets. He also shares insights about his team, “My co-founder, Nimesh Gunasinghe, handles our back-end operations and ensures our profiles and website remain up-to-date. His dedication is vital as we plan for the future.” Although cricket already has a robust management system in Sri Lanka, Ganlath sees enormous potential in sports like basketball and athletics.

“I want to create a system where no Sri Lankan athlete feels unsupported in pursuing their dreams,” he notes. Sanjay Ganlath’s story is a testament to resilience and visionary thinking. From his early days as a basketball captain to his pioneering work in athlete management, he has continually reinvented himself in the face of challenges.

“I’ve always been driven by a passion for sports and a desire to empower athletes to dream big,” he reflects. With a philosophy grounded in comprehensive support and a clear vision for the future, Ganlath is transforming the landscape of sports management in Sri Lanka – one athlete at a time.