Sri Lanka's rapidly growing combat sports industry has reached a significant milestone, with Karma Fight League (KFL) and Ruhunu Hospital formalising a multi-event partnership, beginning with KFL's 8th event on 18 July at SLECC (Sri Lanka Exhibition and Convention Centre, Colombo).
The agreement, signed at an official ceremony attended by representatives from both organisations including Dr. Hasara Kulatunga, Assistant Medical Director and Specialist in Family Medicine at Ruhunu Hospital, marks the first time a private hospital of this standing has entered a structured, long-term partnership with a combat sports organisation in Sri Lanka.
Ruhunu Hospital brings considerable institutional weight to the table. Established in 1995 and operating out of Karapitiya, Galle, the hospital is the largest private healthcare facility in the Southern Province, with over 150 specialist consultants, four operating theatres, and a nine-unit ICU facility.
The institution is currently executing a national expansion strategy anchored around preventative healthcare, and its alignment with a high-performance sport reflects that strategic direction.
For KFL, founded in 2023, the partnership represents a maturation of the league's commercial and operational framework.
Sanctioned by the International Sport Kickboxing Association (ISKA) and featuring competitors across the region, KFL has established itself as South Asia's largest K-1 fight night organisation, with plans to expand into MMA and other combat sports formats.
Ruhunu Hospital joins as title sponsor of KFL 008, and the formal integration of a medical institution of Ruhunu Hospital's calibre into its event infrastructure elevates athlete welfare standards and strengthens the broader combat sports ecosystem in Sri Lanka, signalling to the corporate market that the sport is experiencing significant growth in viewership and commercial interest.
Dr. Hasara Kulatunga, speaking at the signing, underscored the hospital's philosophy behind the agreement: "As Ruhunu Hospital expands its national footprint, we are proud to support platforms that champion human potential. This partnership reflects our vision of advancing health, performance, and community impact across Sri Lanka."
The partnership will officially commence at KFL 008, where the organisation expects its largest audience to date.
The event is headlined by Sonam Zomba, India's reigning MFN Champion and the number one ranked pound-for-pound female fighter in South Asia, who faces a Pakistani opponent in an anticipated matchup that the region is watching closely.
The fight night reflects KFL's growing regional ambitions and its ability to attract international competitive talent at the highest level.
KFL 008 will be broadcast live on KFL's official YouTube channel.
To experience it live at SLECC, tickets are available from LKR 3,000 at KFL's official website: tickets.karmafightleague.com.
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