RUZAIK FAROOK
COLOMBO – The Mercantile Athletics Federation (MAF) will host the Mercantile Annual Athletics Championships 2026 on August 21, 22 and 23 at the Diyagama Mahinda Rajapaksa Stadium in Homagama, bringing together a large contingent of working professionals representing companies from across Sri Lanka’s mercantile sector.
This year’s championship will feature 333 athletics events, 46 participating companies and 1,824 athletes, making it a major corporate athletics platform in Sri Lanka.
MAF President Prasanna Indika and General Secretary Mahesh Guraratne announced details of the championships at a recent media briefing held at the Mercantile Cricket Association on Wednesday August 19.
The three-day competition is aimed not only at winning medals but also at encouraging employees in the mercantile sector to take part in athletics and maintain a healthy, active and balanced lifestyle.
According to the Federation, athletics can play an important role in promoting physical fitness, mental well-being, discipline, teamwork and leadership among employees.
The championships also provide an opportunity for employees of different organisations to meet and build relationships outside their usual working environment. Through sporting participation, employees can develop friendships, strengthen professional networks, improve teamwork and foster greater cooperation among companies.
MAF believes that stronger relationships among employees and organisations can contribute to improved networking, cooperation and teamwork, ultimately supporting business growth and corporate success.
The Federation also has a broader vision for Sri Lankan athletics. It plans to work with companies in the mercantile sector to identify and support talented national-level and emerging athletes, providing them with opportunities to progress towards international-level competition.
At the media briefing, sponsorship support was formally handed over to MAF President Prasanna Indika. People’s Leasing Chief Manager Chaminda Dharmarathna and Chief Manager – Branch Network Samantha Senevirathen represented People’s Leasing at the occasion and other sponsors.
MAF said the championships reflect its commitment to developing a healthier workforce while building a stronger and more connected corporate community through athletics.
