Battle of the Blues enters its 147th chapter

(L-R) Kieran Lawrence – Head Prefect, S. Thomas’ College, Avinash Fernando – Captain, S. Thomas’ College, Sajith Kularatne – Co-Chairman, Royal Thomian Match Organising Committee, Harsha Samaranayake – Vice President, Group Marketing, Dialog Axiata PLC, Asanka Perera – Warden, S. Thomas’ College, Athula Wijewardana – Principal, Royal College, Navin Pieris – Group Chief Officer, Dialog Enterprise, Dialog Axiata PLC, Ramesh Abeywickrama – Co-Chairman, Royal Thomian Joint Match Organising Committee (RC), Rehan Peiris – Captain, Royal College, and Sahan Agalawatte – Head Prefect, Royal College. 

S. Thomas’ College, Mount Lavinia, will once again take on their arch-rivals, Royal College, Colombo, in the 147th Battle of the Blues, scheduled to be held on March 12–14, 2026 at the country’s premier Test cricket venue, the Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC), Colombo.

Etched with rich traditions, passion and unparalleled history, this legendary encounter stands as the second-longest uninterrupted school cricket series in the world — a testament to the unwavering camaraderie and sporting spirit between two of Colombo’s leading educational institutions. The Battle of the Blues is not just a cricket match but an institution in itself — a story of competition and brotherhood that has endured for nearly 150 years, contributing immensely to the game of cricket, the heartbeat of the island.

Adding to the grandeur, the much-anticipated Mustangs Trophy one-day encounter will take centre stage on 28 March 2026 under lights at the newly floodlit SSC ground.

Royalists and Thomians, both past and present, clad in their iconic blue, gold and black, will once again gather to celebrate their schools’ proud heritage. The pavilion will roar, flags will wave, and songs of tradition will echo across the SSC as schoolboys, old boys, and cricket enthusiasts from around the world unite in the true spirit of the game.

This prestigious encounter—widely regarded as Sri Lanka’s very own “Big Match”—has witnessed some of the finest young cricketers take centre stage before rising to national and international acclaim.

As part of the Dialog Big Match Season, this historic clash continues to embody tradition, passion, and sporting excellence, bringing together generations in celebration of one of the nation’s most cherished sporting rivalries.

Dialog Axiata PLC, Sri Lanka’s #1 Connectivity Provider and a prolific promoter of sports in Sri Lanka, is a steadfast patron of Sri Lankan school cricket. With an enduring commitment to powering young talent and fostering the next generation of cricketing greats, the company’s partnership ensures that the legacy of the Battle of the Blues remains stronger than ever. Their continued support is not merely a sponsorship but an investment in Sri Lanka’s sporting future.

“It is that time of the year when the schools come to a standstill and all eyes are directed to the middle of the field, watching eagerly and anxiously as 11 men in white play for the coveted Senanayake Trophy. As the 147th episode of the 2nd longest intercollegiate encounter unfolds, we wish the two teams all the very best as they become part of this unbroken tradition. May this encounter be the everlasting tradition that connects S. Thomas’ College and Royal College. I place on record my thanks and the thanks of the college and the joint organising committee to all our sponsors for coming on board this year,” stated the warden of S. Thomas’ College, Asanka Perera.

“As we prepare to witness yet another Roy–Tho, we celebrate 147 years of unbroken continuity—an achievement sustained through challenges and change. In recent years, the event has evolved, embracing digitisation, standardisation, sustainability, and CSR, with Dialog proudly serving as the main sponsor on 21 occasions alongside many others. This is more than a match—it is a tradition that shapes personalities and carries forward a timeless legacy,” stated Cochairman Ramesh Abeywickrama.

“At the doorstep of the greatest sporting event of the year, we celebrate a world heritage carried forward by 22 boys and countless stakeholders for 146 unbroken years. As Royalists and Thomians, we take pride in this enduring tradition. We wish both teams and all who uphold this legacy an enjoyable and memorable match,” said Athula Wijewardena, Principal of Royal College Colombo 7.

Following the 146th Battle of the Blues in March 2025, the all-time tally between Royal College and S. Thomas’ College stands at 36 wins for Royal, 36 wins for S. Thomas’, and 74 draws. The 2025 match saw S. Thomas’ College win by five wickets, bringing their total to 36 and matching Royal’s long-held lead. Leading the Thomians this time is Avinash Fernando, who carries the responsibility of defending the DS Senanayake Shield they won last year, while Royal, under Rehan Peiris, will look to reclaim the Shield and take it back to Reid Avenue.

Tickets for the 147th Battle of the Blues and the 49th Mustangs Trophy will be available for purchase at the Royal College Union and the STCML OBA Secretariat. Given the massive following and the electrifying atmosphere that this legendary encounter promises, early booking is highly recommended to secure a seat at Sri Lanka’s grandest school cricketing festival. Join us in celebrating the spirit of cricket, tradition and sportsmanship at the 147th Battle of the Blues and the Mustangs Trophy match.

Dialog Axiata PLC invites the public to witness the Royal–Thomian encounter on Sri Lanka’s #1 5G Network in Sri Lanka & catch every moment of the action live on ThePapare TV via Dialog Television Channel 126, or stream it on the Dialog Play Mobile App and ThePapare.com.

The Title sponsorship cheque was presented by Navin Pieris – Group Chief Officer, Dialog Enterprise, Dialog Axiata PLC and Harsha Samaranayake – Vice President, Group Marketing, Dialog Axiata PLC and formally received by Asanka Perera (Warden, S. Thomas’ College) and Athula Wijewardana (Principal, Royal College).