According to the NOCSL, the link-up will position the country as the "hub" for esports in South Asia.

Large international events are planned for Sri Lanka, combining Gamer.LK's esports expertise with the "traditional sports background" occupied by the NOCSL.

"While it is a partnership, we feel it is also a very strategic move in a larger context," said NOCSL general secretary Maxwell de Silva. 

"The International Olympic Committee is taking serious note of esports and it will be a part of the mainstream of affairs sooner than later. 

"So, as far as we are concerned, we have made a well-calculated move at the ripe moment."

Esports has been recognised as a sport in Sri Lanka, and the country sent a team to the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta and Palembang where it appeared on the programme as a demonstration event.

More than 150 schools took part in an Inter-School Esports Championship in the country in September.

"With this partnership, we are strengthening Sri Lanka's position in the region as a leader in esports," said Raveen Wijayatilake, the chief executive of Gamer.LK and also the founding President of the Sri Lanka Esports Association.

"We're happy that the NOCSL leadership is forward-thinking, which enables us as a country to be competitive in what is going to be the biggest revolution in sport in the coming years – esports."