🔥 Trending Upali Dharmadasa: Former SLC President Passes Away

Upali Dharmadasa was a prominent Sri Lankan businessman and a significant figure in the country's cricket administration. He recently passed away on July 25, 2026, at the age of 72 ⁷.

Family Background and Business Ventures

Upali Dharmadasa was the youngest son of Deshamanya H. K. Dharmadasa, also known as Nawaloka Mudalali ¹. H. K. Dharmadasa (1920-2011) was a renowned business magnate, philanthropist, and the founder of the Nawaloka Group of companies, one of Sri Lanka's leading private sector organizations ⁴. Upali Dharmadasa was the brother of Jayantha Dharmadasa, who serves as the Chairman of the Nawaloka Hospitals Group, and sisters Malini, Rukmani, Pushpa, and Priyani ¹. As a member of the Nawaloka family, he was deeply involved in the family's extensive business interests ².

Contributions to Sri Lankan Cricket

Dharmadasa made substantial contributions to Sri Lankan cricket. He served as the President of Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) on two separate occasions:

• First Term: 1996 to 1998 ²
• Second Term: 2012 ²

His leadership was widely recognized for its impact on the sport in the country ⁶⁸. He was a prominent figure in the administration of Sri Lankan cricket ⁶.

Passing

Upali Dharmadasa passed away at a private hospital, reportedly at Kings Hospital, following a sudden heart attack ²⁸. His passing on July 25, 2026, marked the end of a life dedicated to both business and sports in Sri Lanka ⁷.