Janith Liyanage

Kongala Liyanage Janith Vimukthi is a Sri Lankan international cricketer who operates as a right-handed middle-order batter and right-arm fast-medium bowler. Educated at Lalith Athulathmudali Maha Vidyalaya and St. Peter’s College, Colombo, Liyanage honed his cricketing skills from a young age. He went on to build a formidable reputation in domestic cricket, gradually evolving into one of Sri Lanka’s most dependable white-ball finishers and crisis men. Recognized for his composure under scoreboard pressure, calculated strokeplay, and ability to shepherd the lower order during run chases, he has established himself as an indispensable fixture in Sri Lanka’s 50-over middle order.

Liyanage made his first-class debut for Ragama Cricket Club in January 2015 during the 2014-15 domestic season, marking the start of a prolific domestic career. Over the years, he went on to represent numerous teams across various competitions, including Badureliya Sports Club, Bloomfield Cricket and Athletic Club, Mannar District, SLC Blues, SLC Greens, Jaffna, and the Sri Lanka A team. In the Lanka Premier League, he made his breakthrough with the Dambulla Giants, winning the Emerging Player of the Tournament award in 2021. He later featured for other franchise sides such as Dambulla Aura, Dambulla Sixers, Galle Marvels, Kandy Falcons, and Colombo Kaps.

His international career began in February 2022 when he made his T20I debut against Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. His true international breakthrough came in the One Day International format, where he debuted against Zimbabwe in Colombo in January 2024. In just his second ODI, he orchestrated a thrilling chase with a match-winning 95, earning the Player of the Match award and eventually securing the Player of the Series award. Two months later, in March 2024, he reinforced his reputation as a cool-headed anchor by scoring 67 in the first match against Bangladesh, followed by his maiden ODI century, an unbeaten 101 off 102 balls, in the third match in Chattogram.

Liyanage continued to solidify his position in the national setup throughout 2025 and 2026, crossing the 1,000-run milestone in ODIs. He consistently contributed crucial runs and useful medium-pace overs in the middle phase across international fixtures against opponents like New Zealand, Zimbabwe, Pakistan, England, and the West Indies.

Janith Liyanage honed his craft primarily on the domestic circuit with Ragama Cricket Club, making his first class debut during the 2014–15 season, and later went on to represent Bloomfield Cricket and Athletic Club. Across first class and List A competitions, he has amassed over 7,000 runs and claimed more than 120 wickets, highlighted by a commanding List A top score of 165 for Bloomfield.

In the Lanka Premier League, he announced his arrival with the Dambulla Giants by winning the Emerging Player of the Tournament award in 2021. He subsequently expanded his franchise footprint across the tournament, going on to represent Dambulla Aura, Galle Marvels, and Colombo Kaps.