Who tops the list of most popular athletes from Sri Lanka?
From cricket pitches to athletic tracks, which stars shine the brightest?
Discover the most popular athletes hailing from Sri Lanka and explore how they’ve made a significant impact in their respective sports.
Also check out our post about the most popular soccer players from Sri Lanka.
Most popular athletes from Sri Lanka:
- Muttiah Muralitharan
- Kumar Sangakkara
- Mahela Jayawardene
- Sanath Jayasuriya
- Lasith Malinga
- Arjuna Ranatunga
- Angelo Mathews
- Susanthika Jayasinghe
- Chaminda Vaas
- Duncan White
- Damayanthi Darsha
Table of Contents
#1 Muttiah Muralitharan
- 🏆 Sport(s): Cricket
- 🎂 Born in: 1972
- 🥇 Biggest Achievement: 800 Test Wickets
Muttiah Muralitharan, known as one of the greatest bowlers in cricket history, has left an unforgettable mark on the sport. With his exceptional spin bowling and ability to turn matches, he’s won the hearts of cricket fans worldwide.
His dedication and sportsmanship on and off the field have made him an icon in Sri Lankan cricket and beyond.
#2 Kumar Sangakkara
- 🏆 Sport(s): Cricket
- 🎂 Born in: 1977
- 🥇 Biggest Achievement: Most International Runs as a Wicketkeeper-Batsman
Kumar Sangakkara, a prolific wicketkeeper-batsman, is regarded as one of the best cricketers to have represented Sri Lanka. His elegant batting and sharp wicketkeeping skills have made him an indispensable part of the national team throughout his career.
Sangakkara’s leadership, both as a team captain and an ambassador for the sport, has earned him respect and admiration from fans and fellow players alike.
#3 Mahela Jayawardene
- 🏆 Sport(s): Cricket
- 🎂 Born in: 1977
- 🥇 Biggest Achievement: Over 10,000 Runs in Both Test and ODI Cricket
Mahela Jayawardene, known for his stylish and consistent batting, is considered one of Sri Lanka’s finest cricketers. His calm demeanor and tactical acumen helped him lead the national team to numerous victories.
Off the field, Jayawardene’s sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct make him a respected figure in the cricketing world.
#4 Sanath Jayasuriya
- 🏆 Sport(s): Cricket
- 🎂 Born in: 1969
- 🥇 Biggest Achievement: 1996 ICC Cricket World Cup Winner
Sanath Jayasuriya, renowned for his explosive batting and threatening left-arm spin, is a legendary figure in Sri Lankan cricket. He played a crucial role in Sri Lanka’s 1996 Cricket World Cup victory, which catapulted the team to global prominence.
Jayasuriya’s aggression on the field and humble attitude off it have endeared him to fans and peers alike.
#5 Lasith Malinga
- 🏆 Sport(s): Cricket
- 🎂 Born in: 1983
- 🥇 Biggest Achievement: Most Hat Tricks in T20 Internationals
Lasith Malinga, known for his unique bowling action and deadly yorkers, is one of the most feared fast bowlers in modern cricket. His ability to bowl in the death overs and pick up wickets consistently has made him a vital part of Sri Lanka’s cricket team.
Malinga’s resilience and never-say-die attitude have inspired many young cricketers in Sri Lanka and beyond.
#6 Arjuna Ranatunga
- 🏆 Sport(s): Cricket
- 🎂 Born in: 1963
- 🥇 Biggest Achievement: Captain of Sri Lanka’s 1996 ICC Cricket World Cup Winning Team
Arjuna Ranatunga, known for his astute leadership and gritty batting, is a revered figure in Sri Lanka’s cricket history. As the captain of the 1996 World Cup-winning team, he led the nation to its greatest sporting triumph, forever etching his name into the annals of cricket.
His ability to handle pressure situations and understand team dynamics makes him a role model for aspiring cricketers.
#7 Angelo Mathews
- 🏆 Sport(s): Cricket
- 🎂 Born in: 1987
- 🥇 Biggest Achievement: Youngest Sri Lankan Test Captain
Angelo Mathews, an all-rounder known for his consistent performances across formats, has been a mainstay in the Sri Lankan cricket team. His ability to score crucial runs and pick up vital wickets make him a valuable asset for the team.
Mathew’s cool-headed approach and leadership qualities have earned him respect from teammates and opponents alike.
#8 Susanthika Jayasinghe
- 🏆 Sport(s): Athletics
- 🎂 Born in: 1975
- 🥇 Biggest Achievement: 2000 Sydney Olympic Games, Silver Medal in Women’s 200m
Susanthika Jayasinghe is recognized as one of Sri Lanka’s most accomplished track and field athletes. Her success in international competitions, including an Olympic silver medal, earned her a prominent place in Sri Lankan sports history.
Her determination and dedication to athletics have inspired many young Sri Lankan athletes to pursue their dreams on the track.
#9 Chaminda Vaas
- 🏆 Sport(s): Cricket
- 🎂 Born in: 1974
- 🥇 Biggest Achievement: 400+ Test Wickets
Chaminda Vaas, known for his lethal left-arm swing bowling, is one of Sri Lanka’s greatest cricketers. His ability to pick up early wickets and maintain pressure on the opposition made him a key component of the national team’s success for many years.
Vaas’s passion and commitment to the sport have garnered him immense appreciation from both fans and teammates.
#10 Duncan White
- 🏆 Sport(s): Athletics
- 🎂 Born in: 1918
- 🥇 Biggest Achievement: 1948 London Olympic Games, Silver Medal in Men’s 400m Hurdles
Duncan White stands as a legendary figure in Sri Lankan athletics history. His Olympic silver medal in the men’s 400m hurdles during the 1948 London Games remains one of Sri Lanka’s greatest sporting achievements.
White’s performance on the global stage paved the way for future Sri Lankan athletes to believe in their potential for success.
#11 Damayanthi Darsha
- 🏆 Sport(s): Athletics
- 🎂 Born in: 1974
- 🥇 Biggest Achievement: 4 Gold Medals at Asian Athletics Championships
Damayanthi Darsha is a respected figure in Sri Lankan athletics, best known for her dominant performances in Asian competitions. Winning multiple gold and silver medals in the 1990s, she remains a highly accomplished sprinter in Sri Lanka’s sporting history.
Darsha’s career serves as an example of dedication and hard work for aspiring athletes in the country.
FAQ
Who is the greatest athlete in the history of Sri Lanka?
Cricket player Muttiah Muralitharan is viewed as Sri Lanka’s greatest athlete.
Who is the most popular female athlete from Sri Lanka?
Netball player Tharjini Sivalingam is Sri Lanka’s most popular female athlete.
Which sport has the most popular athletes from Sri Lanka?
Cricket is the sport that has produced the most popular athletes in Sri Lanka.
Which athlete from Sri Lanka is the most popular internationally?
Muttiah Muralitharan, a cricketer, is Sri Lanka’s most internationally renowned athlete.
