Sri Lankan shooters delivered a strong performance at the Senator Bato Cup 2026 held in Davao City, Philippines, securing a total of four medals, including one gold and three silvers. The team’s standout athletes were siblings Rael and Kael Liyanage, both students of the British School in Colombo, who played a pivotal role in the country’s success at the international competition.

Kael Liyanage claimed Sri Lanka’s sole gold medal by winning the PCC Optics Grand Junior category. His brother Rael, despite undergoing surgery on a separated tendon in his hand just two weeks prior to the event, captured a silver medal in the PCC Optics Super Junior category. Rael’s return to competition so soon after surgery was widely regarded as a remarkable display of resilience and determination. In addition to his silver medal, he was also recognized as the PCC Overall and Super Junior international champion, underscoring his exceptional performance.

Other members of the Sri Lankan contingent added to the medal tally as well. Daniel Kao secured a silver medal in the Handgun Open Division Super Junior category, also earning the title of Handgun Open Super Junior international champion. Kao narrowly missed extending his medal count, finishing fourth in the PCC Optics Super Junior event. Veteran shooter Janaka Ritigahapola contributed to the team’s haul by winning silver in the Handgun Open Super Senior category and was likewise named the Handgun Open Super Senior international champion.

The Sri Lankan team competed against strong competitors from the Philippines, Thailand, Macau, and Sweden, navigating a challenging field to achieve the country’s most successful international medal haul in shooting to date. The campaign also included participation in the Bali Open in Indonesia and events at the Kadayawan Festival in the Philippines, marking a significant period of international exposure for the team.

Upon their return to Sri Lanka, the shooters were warmly welcomed by officials from the National Rifle Association, the International Practical Shooting Confederation (IPSC), as well as family members and supporters. The team’s achievement has been seen as a major boost for the sport in Sri Lanka, highlighting the growing talent and competitive presence of Sri Lankan shooters on the global stage.