A Rising Star in Sri Lankan Football
Sri Lanka is witnessing the emergence of a promising young football talent. At just 16 years old, Aditha Menuhas Wickramarathne, born in Italy to Sri Lankan parents, is making waves in the sport and is on the verge of becoming a historic figure in Sri Lankan football. His journey so far has been nothing short of remarkable.
Aditha has been selected for Sri Lanka’s Under-23 football pool for the upcoming AFC U-23 Asian Cup Qualifiers, which will take place in Uzbekistan in September. This makes him the youngest player ever chosen for the team. What adds to his achievement is that he is already part of the current Sri Lanka Under-17 national football team.
With bold ambition and quick feet, Aditha is now stepping into the world of senior international football. He is among the 25-member preliminary squad for the U-23s, which will be reduced to 20 players before their departure to Qatar on August 15. The team will play two warm-up games against Syria and Qatar before heading to Uzbekistan to compete against Uzbekistan, Palestine, and Kyrgyz Republic from September 1 to 9 in Group E action. The final squad will be announced on August 9.
Currently, Aditha is studying business and marketing for his A/Ls at Istituto Paci Seregno in Italy. He plays for Italian club UC Albinoleffe as a right midfielder, known for his creativity, speed, and goal-scoring ability. His style of play is inspired by his football idol, Cristiano Ronaldo, whom he credits with giving him the confidence to dream big.
Aditha’s football journey began at the age of five when he played for a village team in Italy. After nine years of grassroots football, he transitioned into club football, where his maturity and skills quickly caught the attention of selectors.
His family background is deeply rooted in sports. His mother, Pradeepa Herath, was a former Sri Lankan sprinting star. She won a gold medal in the 4x100m relay at the 2000 Jakarta Asian Athletics Championships, marking Sri Lanka’s first relay gold in 32 years. Later that year, she was part of Sri Lanka’s 4x100m women’s Olympic relay team at the Sydney 2000 Olympics, running alongside Damayanthi Darsha, Nimmi de Zoysa, and Thamara Samandeepika — one of the most celebrated quartets in Sri Lanka’s track and field history.
Aditha’s father, NS Wickramarathne, a Sri Lanka Army officer, has been a constant source of support throughout his son’s journey. Aditha expresses pride in his Sri Lankan heritage and aspires to follow in his parents’ footsteps in sports. “I believe one day I can play for the senior national team and even win a Football World Cup for Sri Lanka,” he says with youthful confidence. “Italy is a great place to grow as a footballer, but I want to wear the Sri Lanka jersey and bring pride to my country.”
He is also inspired by current Sri Lankan football stars such as midfielder Dillon de Silva and goalkeeper and captain Sujan Perera, who motivate him to work harder.
Sri Lanka Football officials are closely watching Aditha’s progress. Teenage breakthroughs at this level are rare, and his journey could mark the beginning of a new era for Sri Lankan football. With his talent, determination, and strong family support, Aditha is well on his way to making a lasting impact on the national stage.