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About MAF

Our Founding

Born from a Shared Passion

The Mercantile Athletic Federation (M.A.F) was officially founded on 7th September 1982 at the Ceylon Tours office on Parsons Road, Colombo 02. The founding meeting was attended by representatives from over 30 leading mercantile sector firms who shared a common passion for athletics and sport.

The inaugural Mercantile Athletics Championship was held on November 6–7, 1982 at Shalika Grounds, Orugodawatta. The event attracted over 600 athletes representing 50+ firms — a remarkable turnout that demonstrated the enthusiasm of Sri Lanka's corporate community for athletics.

Over four decades, the MAF has grown into the country's most prestigious corporate athletics body, hosting annual championships, road races, netball tournaments, and representing Sri Lanka at international masters athletics competitions around the world.

A pioneering milestone came in 1985 when MAF became the first organisation in Sri Lanka to introduce Veterans (Masters) Athletics — opening the doors for older athletes to continue competing at the highest levels in age-group categories.

Athletes at the starting line
Purpose

Mission & Vision

Our Mission

To promote and develop athletics among employees of Sri Lanka's mercantile sector; to provide a structured competitive platform that fosters physical fitness, sportsmanship, and corporate camaraderie; and to represent Sri Lanka at regional and international masters athletics events.

Our Vision

To be the leading corporate athletics federation in South Asia — nurturing athletic talent within the mercantile community, producing international-calibre masters athletes, and building a culture of health and excellence across Sri Lanka's business sector.

History

Key Milestones

Four decades of growth, achievement, and athletic excellence.

7 September 1982
MAF is Founded
The Mercantile Athletic Federation is officially established at Ceylon Tours office, Parsons Road, Colombo 02, with 30+ founding member firms from Sri Lanka's commercial sector.
1982
1982
6–7 November 1982
Inaugural Championship
The first Mercantile Athletics Championship is held at Shalika Grounds, Orugodawatta — attracting 600+ athletes from 50+ firms in a landmark two-day event.
1985
Masters Athletics Pioneered
MAF becomes the first organisation in Sri Lanka to introduce Veterans (Masters) Athletics — creating age-group competition categories for older athletes and opening a new chapter in Sri Lankan athletics.
1985
1990s
1990s
International Representation Begins
MAF begins representing Sri Lanka at World Veterans Games and Asian Masters Championships, marking the Federation's entry onto the international stage and inspiring a new generation of masters athletes.
2000s
Netball Championships Added
The MAF expands its sporting portfolio to include Mercantile Netball Championships, welcoming a broader community of athletes and creating new opportunities for women in corporate sport.
2000s
2012
2012
MAF Road Race Launched
The inaugural MAF Road Race is held along the iconic Moratuwa to Mount Lavinia coastal route, instantly becoming one of the most popular events in the Sri Lankan corporate athletics calendar.
2022
40 Years of Excellence
MAF celebrates four decades of promoting athletics in Sri Lanka's mercantile sector. The 40th Annual Championship honours the Federation's legacy and the thousands of athletes who have competed under its banner.
2022
2025
2025 & Beyond
A New Chapter
With new leadership, a digital-first approach, and a refreshed identity, MAF continues its mission — expanding participation, nurturing young talent, and raising the profile of corporate athletics across Sri Lanka.
Recognition

Our Achievements

Milestones that define four decades of dedication to athletics excellence.