The Dambulla-based Lanka Premier League (LPL 2024) franchise has a new lease on life thanks to its acquisition by an American civil engineering company. Sequoia Consultants Inc., based in Los Angeles, California, now owns the squad through its subsidiary DeSilva Holdings.
The principal owner of Sequoia is Priyanga de Silva, a chartered civil engineer with a strong passion for cricket. De Silva now plays for the United States Masters Over 60 cricket team. He played first-class cricket for Sri Lanka U19 in 1983.
“I purchased the Dambulla Sixers team because I wanted to play cricket, especially in Sri Lanka. Over the last four years, the LPL has grown as a league, which is impressive for a small nation like ours. According to a statement released by Sri Lanka Cricket, “I am thrilled to be a part of this expansion and be able to contribute to the development of cricket in our nation,” De Silva said.
We are overjoyed that the new owner is taking over Dambulla. Samantha Dodanwela
The team will become the “Dambulla Sixers” under the new ownership. The LPL organisers are happy that De Silva was acquired, stating that his experience playing cricket will be beneficial. The new owner of Dambula is notable because he used to play first-class cricket on Sri Lanka’s local circuit.
The LPL Tournament Director, Mr. Samantha Dodanwela, stated, “We are very happy to have the new owner taking over Dambulla. Mr. De Silva’s background as a former first-class cricketer definitely adds value to this ownership, as he understands the cricketing pulse of our nation.”
Additionally, the CEO of IPG Sports, who holds the rights to the LPL franchises, Anil Mohan, thinks that the new owner will undoubtedly provide the team greater security.
“The new owner will undoubtedly have a significant impact on the Dambulla Sixers, as they provide the necessary stability for the team,” Mohan stated.
De Silva has companies in the US and Sri Lanka in addition to his business endeavours. He also coaches young cricket players in California as a volunteer. It appears that his devotion to the game in his home country was what motivated this most recent investment.
When the fifth LPL season begins on July 1 at the three venues—Kandy, Dambulla, and Colombo, respectively—the redesigned Dambulla Sixers will take to the pitch. With a new logo and ownership, the franchise will be eager to start over. With a five-wicket loss against B-Love Kandy in the finals, the Dambulla-based team finished as the runner-up in the 2023 season.
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