By Jessica Matthiasz

Back in 2004, a 17-year-old Sripali caught the 2 AM bus from Kandy to Colombo for cricket practice every day for a year. In 2024, she carries that same determination to her ladies-only gym: Rebuild. The discipline is the same, only now she’s helping women rebuild their confidence, not chasing a cricket score. 

At Rebuild, every woman has a great story to tell: mothers regaining strength, professionals overcoming stress, and women discovering they're capable of more than they imagined. 
We spoke to Sripali to understand more about her initiative, and this is her story and message to all women in Sri Lanka. 

Let's start at the beginning. Can you tell us about your cricket career and what those 17 years with the national team taught you?
Cricket taught me discipline, resilience, and the power of teamwork. I started at just 17, the youngest player at the time, travelling from Kandy at 2 AM every day just to train. That grind shaped me. When I made my debut in 2006 against Pakistan, I realised how much mental strength mattered. By the time I retired in 2018, I knew I wanted to channel that same energy into something meaningful. 

What was the transition like from being a professional athlete to entering the fitness industry?
After retiring in 2018, my fitness journey started. I studied fitness in Australia, where I got my Master Trainer certification. When I was back in Sri Lanka, I started training men and women. But with the help of one of my clients, Nazreem, I noticed something in Sri Lanka that changed my perspective.  A lot of women felt uncomfortable training in usual gym spaces. I saw how fitness spaces could be transformative rather than intimidating. That’s when I realised women needed a safe, judgment-free zone.

Now, at Rebuild, everyone from trainers to admin staff is female. It’s about total comfort and empowerment.

What exactly is Rebuild, and what makes it different from other gyms?
At Rebuild, we don't believe in one-size-fits-all fitness. Our approach is simple. We meet you where you are. Whether you're a busy mom who needs stress relief, a young athlete building strength, or someone navigating menopause, our trainers design sessions just for you. 

All our trainers are national-level sportswomen who have dedicated a significant amount of their time to fitness, so you are in good hands. This isn't a gym where you're left to figure out machines alone. Our athletes-turned-trainers actually watch your form, adjust workouts, and also make it fun.
What truly sets Rebuild apart is the atmosphere, a positive, uplifting space where women feel empowered, not intimidated. Here, fitness is about feeling strong, happy, and confident. It is a community of women coming together to support each other. 

Why is it important for women to stay fit? 
Fitness is very important to women. It isn't about looking a certain way, it's about being strong enough for your life. Whether it's keeping up with kids, managing work stress, or simply feeling confident in your own body, movement gives us that power.  As women, we often put everyone else first, but when we're physically strong, we're better equipped to handle whatever comes our way. Your health is the foundation for everything else you want to do.

Walk us through a typical day at Rebuild. What kind of sessions do you offer?
We mix things up to keep both your body and mind engaged. You might start with kickboxing to burn stress, switch to cycling for endurance, then finish with core work, because strong abs and legs change everything for women, especially after 30.
Most of our clients are women navigating the natural changes that come with age, which is why we focus so much on leg and core strength.

What are some common health issues of your clients? 
Most of the women who come to us are dealing with health challenges that don't get enough attention. Weight gain (especially around the belly), low energy, and new aches that appear after 30. For mothers, this often includes pregnancy-related changes that never fully went away, like weakened core muscles and that mum tummy that dieting alone won't fix.
We also see lots of menopause symptoms like joint pain, plus the back problems that come from years of carrying kids (and stress!). These are real quality-of-life issues.
The good news is that the right kind of movement helps with all of it. 

What's been the biggest surprise since opening Rebuild?
The biggest surprise was how much women loved and embraced this concept. All these amazing women who are my clients are happy and trust me with the process. That is truly my goal. The love and support are overwhelming and rewarding.  

What misconceptions about women's fitness do you encounter most often?
So many women conclude that they're 'too old' or 'too out of shape' to start. Here's what I wish everyone knew. You shouldn’t punish your past choices, you should embrace what your body can do now. Those 'impossible' belly fat areas respond to strength training. That 'inevitable' menopause weight gain is not so inevitable with the right movement. Your body's always ready to rebuild.

Beyond the gym, what other things are you passionate about?
I am very passionate about nature and all things natural. I want to work towards reconnecting people with nature, especially through food. I grew up eating mostly natural food like jackfruit, murunga, kola kenda, meals that fueled my cricket career. Today, we’ve swapped these power foods for processed substitutes and wonder why we’re tired and unfit. 

What's next for Rebuild? Any big dreams you're working toward?
My next mission is linked to your previous question. My goal is to make natural eating simple and desirable again. I want to show my clients and anyone who is interested how to turn local, seasonal ingredients into quick meals. To encourage people to make it themselves. Some might say, ‘Where’s the time?’ Look, boiling an egg and whipping up a salad takes 10 minutes or less. Peeling a banana takes just seconds of your time. We’ve been convinced healthy means complicated, but it’s really NOT! 
And for those still thinking, ‘Sounds like too much effort,’ don’t worry, Rebuild’s upcoming café will serve delicious, wholesome meals and juices. You just have to stop by and pick it up. 

Finally, what's your one piece of advice for women who think they're "too old" or "not athletic enough" for fitness?
Fitness isn't about being 'ready', it's about starting where you are. Walk around your neighbourhood. Do bodyweight exercises at home. Join a women's gym like Rebuild if that motivates you. If you think you’re too old, think again. Our client Tamara started at 70, she loves it and is stronger than ever. The magic happens when you begin somewhere and let that confidence grow.