The Lanka Premier League (LPL) 2026 features five franchise teams, each backed by different ownership groups and investors. These owners come from a range of business and sporting backgrounds and are responsible for the management and strategic direction of their respective franchises.
Here is a look at the ownership structure behind each of the five teams competing in the Lanka Premier League 2026.
Colombo KAPS: Saranyan Palaniswamy & K.C. Shyam Kangayan
Witness Sports Alliance LLC, led by directors Saranyan Palaniswamy and K.C. Shyam Kangayan, has acquired the Colombo franchise, which will compete under the name Colombo KAPS. Palaniswamy, an entrepreneur with investments across multiple industries, has been actively involved in supporting the development of professional sports ecosystems across South Asia.
His business partner, K.C. Shyam Kangayan, brings significant experience in cricket franchise management. He previously served as CEO and Executive Director of the Ruby Trichy Warriors in the Tamil Nadu Premier League, overseeing the team for seven seasons. The pair also co-own the Ruby White Town Legends in the Pondicherry Premier League.
Dambulla Sixers: Priyanga De Silva
Priyanga De Silva, a U.S.-based investor and Director of Desilva Holdings, continues to strengthen his involvement in cricket through ownership of the Dambulla Sixers.
De Silva has built a career around business leadership, corporate strategy, and international investment, with interests spanning multiple sectors. Since becoming associated with the franchise in 2024, he has played a role in shaping its strategic direction and commercial development.
The ownership's stated objective is to combine strong governance and sustainable business practices with long-term sporting success while enhancing the global profile of Sri Lankan cricket.
Galle Gallants : Kiran Mantripragada & Uday Kiran Namballa
The Galle Gallants are owned by Gallant Sports and Media LLC, a company established to pursue opportunities in sports franchising, media, and commercial development.
The venture is led by Kiran Mantripragada, who oversees cricket operations, commercial strategy, and media partnerships, alongside co-owner Uday Kiran Namballa, who supports the organization's strategic and operational planning.
The ownership group says its approach is built around disciplined operations, talent development, and sustainable commercial models aimed at creating long-term value in the sports and entertainment sector.
Jaffna Kings: Manjot Kalra & Mayank Goel
Sports Commune FZC, founded by Manjot Kalra and Mayank Goel, has entered franchise ownership through the SC Jaffna Kings. Kalra is a former Indian Under-19 international cricketer best known for his unbeaten century in the ICC Under-19 World Cup final against Australia, where he was named Player of the Match. His playing career also includes domestic cricket appearances and selection by the Delhi franchise in the Indian Premier League.
Goel is an entrepreneur and the founder of companies operating in cybersecurity and insurance services. Together, the duo aims to combine professional cricketing experience with entrepreneurial leadership to build a competitive franchise while supporting grassroots and youth talent development.
Kandy Royals: Sandhya Ajjarapu
U.S.-based investor and entrepreneur Sandhya Ajjarapu is set to take ownership of the Kandy Royals, bringing experience from investments across healthcare, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, information technology, media, and other emerging industries.
Based in Florida, Ajjarapu holds equity interests in several publicly traded companies and has spent more than a decade building her investment portfolio alongside entrepreneur and corporate executive Suren Ajjarapu.
In addition to her business activities, she has been involved in philanthropic initiatives focused on community health and education in the United States and India.
Her entry into the LPL reflects a broader vision of using sport as a platform for community engagement while supporting the long-term growth of cricket through strategic investment and business leadership.
Here is a look at the ownership structure behind each of the five teams competing in the Lanka Premier League 2026.
Colombo KAPS: Saranyan Palaniswamy & K.C. Shyam Kangayan
Witness Sports Alliance LLC, led by directors Saranyan Palaniswamy and K.C. Shyam Kangayan, has acquired the Colombo franchise, which will compete under the name Colombo KAPS. Palaniswamy, an entrepreneur with investments across multiple industries, has been actively involved in supporting the development of professional sports ecosystems across South Asia.
His business partner, K.C. Shyam Kangayan, brings significant experience in cricket franchise management. He previously served as CEO and Executive Director of the Ruby Trichy Warriors in the Tamil Nadu Premier League, overseeing the team for seven seasons. The pair also co-own the Ruby White Town Legends in the Pondicherry Premier League.
Dambulla Sixers: Priyanga De Silva
Priyanga De Silva, a U.S.-based investor and Director of Desilva Holdings, continues to strengthen his involvement in cricket through ownership of the Dambulla Sixers.
De Silva has built a career around business leadership, corporate strategy, and international investment, with interests spanning multiple sectors. Since becoming associated with the franchise in 2024, he has played a role in shaping its strategic direction and commercial development.
The ownership's stated objective is to combine strong governance and sustainable business practices with long-term sporting success while enhancing the global profile of Sri Lankan cricket.
Galle Gallants : Kiran Mantripragada & Uday Kiran Namballa
The Galle Gallants are owned by Gallant Sports and Media LLC, a company established to pursue opportunities in sports franchising, media, and commercial development.
The venture is led by Kiran Mantripragada, who oversees cricket operations, commercial strategy, and media partnerships, alongside co-owner Uday Kiran Namballa, who supports the organization's strategic and operational planning.
The ownership group says its approach is built around disciplined operations, talent development, and sustainable commercial models aimed at creating long-term value in the sports and entertainment sector.
Jaffna Kings: Manjot Kalra & Mayank Goel
Sports Commune FZC, founded by Manjot Kalra and Mayank Goel, has entered franchise ownership through the SC Jaffna Kings. Kalra is a former Indian Under-19 international cricketer best known for his unbeaten century in the ICC Under-19 World Cup final against Australia, where he was named Player of the Match. His playing career also includes domestic cricket appearances and selection by the Delhi franchise in the Indian Premier League.
Goel is an entrepreneur and the founder of companies operating in cybersecurity and insurance services. Together, the duo aims to combine professional cricketing experience with entrepreneurial leadership to build a competitive franchise while supporting grassroots and youth talent development.
Kandy Royals: Sandhya Ajjarapu
U.S.-based investor and entrepreneur Sandhya Ajjarapu is set to take ownership of the Kandy Royals, bringing experience from investments across healthcare, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, information technology, media, and other emerging industries.
Based in Florida, Ajjarapu holds equity interests in several publicly traded companies and has spent more than a decade building her investment portfolio alongside entrepreneur and corporate executive Suren Ajjarapu.
In addition to her business activities, she has been involved in philanthropic initiatives focused on community health and education in the United States and India.
Her entry into the LPL reflects a broader vision of using sport as a platform for community engagement while supporting the long-term growth of cricket through strategic investment and business leadership.
