Gateway to host 24th edition of ISAC

Members of the Head Table (From left): Thilaka Jinadasa, Consultant – ISAC 2026, Amaya Herath, Executive Director – Home Lands Group, Dayan Fernando, Chairman – TISSL, Dr. Harsha Alles, Chairman – Gateway Group and Founder Chairman – TISSL, Premila Paulraj, Director Employability and Qualifications – Pearson South Asia, Akshaya Kumarajeewa, Marketing Manager – AVI and Ramantha Alles, Chairman – ISAC 2026.

Gateway College, a pioneer in international school education in Sri Lanka, is set to host the prestigious Twenty-Fourth International Schools’ Athletics Championship (ISAC 2026) at the Mahinda Rajapaksa International Stadium, Diyagama, on February 21–22, 2026.

First held in 2001, ISAC has evolved into the flagship sporting event on the international schools’ calendar, showcasing the athletic excellence of students from 22 leading international schools across the country.

Founded by the late R.I.T. Alles, ISAC has played a pivotal role in advancing competitive sport among international schools, leaving behind an enduring legacy that has contributed significantly to the development of athletics in Sri Lanka.

The championship is expected to attract approximately 1,554 athletes and 300 technical officials, representing the participating schools. With an anticipated audience exceeding 15,000 students, parents, and alumni, ISAC 2026 promises to be a vibrant celebration of athleticism, sportsmanship, and camaraderie.

Commenting on the event’s national significance, Ramantha Alles, Director of the Gateway Group, stated, “ISAC has become an important platform for nurturing talented athletes and showcasing junior athletes of international repute. The standard of athletics among international schools has steadily progressed, with several athletes advancing to national and international levels, contributing to high-quality competition.”

Expressing his appreciation for their generous support, Dr. Harsha Alles, Chairman of the Gateway Group, stated, “It is heartening to see Pearson Edexcel as the Principal Sponsor, actively contributing to the holistic development of pupils, Home Lands as the Platinum Sponsor, extending its support to schools and education, and AVI as the Sportswear Partner, playing a valuable role in promoting sportswear and strengthening school sport.”

The event is further supported by Sense Rehabilitation and Sports Hospital as the Official Healthcare Partner, The Papare.com as the Official Broadcasting Partner, Yeti as the Official Hydration Partner, and Dinemore Go as the Official Medal Sponsor. ISAC 2026 will be conducted in accordance with TISSL rules and regulations and the International Athletics Federation Competition Rules. All athletes will compete using a common identity card issued by TISSL, the association representing member international schools.

Participating TISSL member schools for ISAC 2026 include: Asian International School, Belvoir College International, The British School in Colombo, Burhani Serendib School, Colombo International School Colombo. Colombo International School Kandy, Elizabeth Moir School, Gateway College Colombo, Gateway College Kandy, Horizon College International, Ilma International Girls School, Leeds International School Panadura, Lyceum International School Nugegoda, Lyceum International School Panadura, Lyceum International School Ratnapura, Lyceum International School Wattala, OKI International School, Royal Institute, Stafford International School, St. Nicholas International School, Wycherley International School Colombo, Wycherley International School Gampaha.