The Up Country Lions Sports Club was launched on 3 January 2012 at Galle Face Hotel, Colombo.
Other announcements were that the coach of the team would be former Air Force SC and National 7s coach, Imthisan Marikkar, the club chairman, Siva Subramanium, and the team manager, former Isipatana Rugby Chairman, Hassan Sinhawansa.
The principal team sponsor was Crysbro, a leading poultry company based in Nawalapitiya.
[2] In their next game the Up Country Lions registered their maiden victory overcoming CH & FC by a convincing margin 42-10.
[3] They finished the season in fourth place and reached the semi-finals of the Clifford Cup, losing a close match 33 points to 32 against Havelock Sports Club.