Action from the match between St. Peter’s College and Royal College
Captain of St. Peter’s College, Dulaj Navodya, receiving the Cup Champion Trophy from Harsha Samaranayake - Vice President, Brand & Media, Dialog Axiata PLC, and Kamal Ariyasinghe – President of Sri Lanka Schools Rugby Football Association
Also, in Picture (L-R): Nirodha Wijerama – All-Tournament Secretary, SLSRFA, Chanaka Dananjaya – Treasurer, SLSRFA, D.A.D. Wanaguru – Vice President, SLSRFA, Manuja Nimmana - General Secretary, SLSRFA, Dishan De Saa – Senior Product Manager, Papare, Media and Content, Dialog Axiata PLC, Suresh Perera – Senior Manager, George Steuart Health
By Shamseer Jaleel
St. Peter’s College stamped their class when they beat Royal College 10-5 in the Dialog Schools Rugby Sevens 2024 final, which was worked off at the Royal Sports Complex yesterday.
At the short break, it was the lads from Bambalapitiya who led 10-5.
Royal scored first, but the boys from Bambalapitiya replied with two tries. Towards the last minute of the game, Royal almost scored but was pushed to touch by the Peterites.
Referee: Raveen Alexander
This was the second Sevens win this year for the Peterite outfit, after accounting for the Zahira Sevens earlier. Emith Jayaweera of St. Peter’s was adjourned Best Player of the Tournament.
Vidyartha accounted for the Plate, while Ananda took away the Bowl, and Sri Piyarathne won the Shield encounter. Nearly 10 leading schools kept away from this tournament, citing injuries and ordinary-level examinations.
Results
Shield semi-final:
Sri Piyarathne beat St. Aloysius 17-10, Sumangala Panadura beat Richmond 39-10
Shield final:
Sri Piyarathne beat Panadura Sumangala 12-7
Bowl semi-finals:
Ananda beat St. Benedict’s 10-5, Lumbini beat Maliyadeva 19-5
Bowl final:
Ananda beat Lumbini 24-0
Cup/Plate quarter-finals:
Isipathana beat Prince of Wales 43-0, Royal beat Dharmaraja 33-0, Science beat Piliyandala Central 17-5, St. Peter’s beat Vidyartha 29-0
Plate semi-finals:
Dharmaraja beat Prince of Wales 22-7, Vidyartha beat Piliyandala Central 38-0
Plate final:
Vidyartha beat Dharmaraja 24-12
Cup semi-finals:
Royal beat Isipathana 15-7, St. Peter’s beat Science 21-7
Cup final:
St. Peter’s beat Royal 10-5
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Action from the match between St. Peter’s College and Royal College
Captain of St. Peter’s College, Dulaj Navodya, receiving the Cup Champion Trophy from Harsha Samaranayake - Vice President, Brand & Media, Dialog Axiata PLC, and Kamal Ariyasinghe – President of Sri Lanka Schools Rugby Football Association
Also, in Picture (L-R): Nirodha Wijerama – All-Tournament Secretary, SLSRFA, Chanaka Dananjaya – Treasurer, SLSRFA, D.A.D. Wanaguru – Vice President, SLSRFA, Manuja Nimmana - General Secretary, SLSRFA, Dishan De Saa – Senior Product Manager, Papare, Media and Content, Dialog Axiata PLC, Suresh Perera – Senior Manager, George Steuart Health
By Shamseer Jaleel
St. Peter’s College stamped their class when they beat Royal College 10-5 in the Dialog Schools Rugby Sevens 2024 final, which was worked off at the Royal Sports Complex yesterday.
At the short break, it was the lads from Bambalapitiya who led 10-5.
Royal scored first, but the boys from Bambalapitiya replied with two tries. Towards the last minute of the game, Royal almost scored but was pushed to touch by the Peterites.
Referee: Raveen Alexander
This was the second Sevens win this year for the Peterite outfit, after accounting for the Zahira Sevens earlier. Emith Jayaweera of St. Peter’s was adjourned Best Player of the Tournament.
Vidyartha accounted for the Plate, while Ananda took away the Bowl, and Sri Piyarathne won the Shield encounter. Nearly 10 leading schools kept away from this tournament, citing injuries and ordinary-level examinations.
Results
Shield semi-final:
Sri Piyarathne beat St. Aloysius 17-10, Sumangala Panadura beat Richmond 39-10
Shield final:
Sri Piyarathne beat Panadura Sumangala 12-7
Bowl semi-finals:
Ananda beat St. Benedict’s 10-5, Lumbini beat Maliyadeva 19-5
Bowl final:
Ananda beat Lumbini 24-0
Cup/Plate quarter-finals:
Isipathana beat Prince of Wales 43-0, Royal beat Dharmaraja 33-0, Science beat Piliyandala Central 17-5, St. Peter’s beat Vidyartha 29-0
Plate semi-finals:
Dharmaraja beat Prince of Wales 22-7, Vidyartha beat Piliyandala Central 38-0
Plate final:
Vidyartha beat Dharmaraja 24-12
Cup semi-finals:
Royal beat Isipathana 15-7, St. Peter’s beat Science 21-7
Cup final:
St. Peter’s beat Royal 10-5
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Viren Nettasinghe stressing a point to the media in the presence of SLB President Rohan de Silva (left) and Director General Dr. Shemal Fernando (right)
By Susil Premalal
“My Olympic Medal target is not 2024, but my dream is to win an Olympic Medal in 2028 or 2032,” Sri Lanka’s badminton sensation Viren Nettasinghe said yesterday.
The 20-year-old became the first Sri Lankan to directly qualify for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games from July 26 to August 13 in France.
Currently ranked 72nd internationally, Nettasinghe earned an impressive 24,030 ranking points throughout the season, placing himself in the 32nd spot among the qualified players for this year’s Olympic Games.
A remarkable highlight is that Nettasinghe, at just 20 years old, is the youngest player on the list of qualifiers, showcasing his exceptional talent and promising future in the sport.
Nettasinghe is coached by his father, Roshan Dhammika, whose main goal is to reduce the World Rankings to below 50 after the Paris Olympic Games.
Nettasinghe made these observations during a media briefing jointly organised by the Ministry of Sports and Sri Lanka Badminton (SLB) and held in Colombo under the patronage of President SLB Rohan de Silva and the Director General of the Department of Sports Development of the Ministry of Sports, Dr. Shemal Fernando.
Nettasinghe has qualified for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games badminton events following the heroics of Niluka Karunaratne, who represented the country at the 2012 London Games.
58 sportsmen and women are vying for a place at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games from 12 different disciplines, and Nettasinghe is the first to reach the elite mark.
Dr. Fernando said that the Sports Ministry has already allocated LKR 8.2 million on behalf of Nettasinghe and for his preparations for the Paris Olympic Games.
Nettasinghe had the opportunity to participate in nine Olympic Qualification international events from January 1 to April 7, including the Yonex International Tournament (Estonia), Victor Swedish Open Tournament (Sweden), 32nd Faji International Challenge (Iran), Uganda International Challenge (Uganda), Dutch International (Netherlands), Orien Polish Open (Poland), Toyota International Challenge (Thailand), Condensate International Challenge (Kazakhstan), and Badminton Asia Championship (China).
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Viren Nettasinghe stressing a point to the media in the presence of SLB President Rohan de Silva (left) and Director General Dr. Shemal Fernando (right)
By Susil Premalal
“My Olympic Medal target is not 2024, but my dream is to win an Olympic Medal in 2028 or 2032,” Sri Lanka’s badminton sensation Viren Nettasinghe said yesterday.
The 20-year-old became the first Sri Lankan to directly qualify for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games from July 26 to August 13 in France.
Currently ranked 72nd internationally, Nettasinghe earned an impressive 24,030 ranking points throughout the season, placing himself in the 32nd spot among the qualified players for this year’s Olympic Games.
A remarkable highlight is that Nettasinghe, at just 20 years old, is the youngest player on the list of qualifiers, showcasing his exceptional talent and promising future in the sport.
Nettasinghe is coached by his father, Roshan Dhammika, whose main goal is to reduce the World Rankings to below 50 after the Paris Olympic Games.
Nettasinghe made these observations during a media briefing jointly organised by the Ministry of Sports and Sri Lanka Badminton (SLB) and held in Colombo under the patronage of President SLB Rohan de Silva and the Director General of the Department of Sports Development of the Ministry of Sports, Dr. Shemal Fernando.
Nettasinghe has qualified for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games badminton events following the heroics of Niluka Karunaratne, who represented the country at the 2012 London Games.
58 sportsmen and women are vying for a place at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games from 12 different disciplines, and Nettasinghe is the first to reach the elite mark.
Dr. Fernando said that the Sports Ministry has already allocated LKR 8.2 million on behalf of Nettasinghe and for his preparations for the Paris Olympic Games.
Nettasinghe had the opportunity to participate in nine Olympic Qualification international events from January 1 to April 7, including the Yonex International Tournament (Estonia), Victor Swedish Open Tournament (Sweden), 32nd Faji International Challenge (Iran), Uganda International Challenge (Uganda), Dutch International (Netherlands), Orien Polish Open (Poland), Toyota International Challenge (Thailand), Condensate International Challenge (Kazakhstan), and Badminton Asia Championship (China).
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From left: Ganendra Subramaniam (Sponsorship Consultant, SLTA), Pradeep Gunasekera (Secretary, SLTA), Iqbal Bin Issack (President, SLTA), Shashya de Alwis (Senior Designer, MAS), Amjad Azeez (Innovation Leader, MAS), Jayalath Wijesiri, and Sankha Athukorale
By Susil Premalal
The Sri Lanka Tennis Association (SLTA) received a huge boost as MAS stepped up to be the clothing sponsor for their wheelchair tennis team, preparing for the BNP Paribas World Team Cup World Group Event 2024.
This mega event is set to take place from May 4 to May 12 in Antalya, Turkey.
The Sri Lanka Wheelchair Tennis Team will include Suresh Dharmasena, Gamini Dissanayake, Jayalath Wijesiri, and Coach Sankha Athukorale.
MAS Holdings will provide the Sri Lanka wheelchair tennis players with clothing during major international team events in the future.
This support from MAS was warmly appreciated by SLTA President Iqbal Bin Issack, who extended gratitude for their generosity in backing Sri Lankan tennis.
“I want to express our heartfelt gratitude to MAS for their generous support,” said President Issack, emphasising the significance of such partnerships in advancing Sri Lankan tennis.
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From left: Ganendra Subramaniam (Sponsorship Consultant, SLTA), Pradeep Gunasekera (Secretary, SLTA), Iqbal Bin Issack (President, SLTA), Shashya de Alwis (Senior Designer, MAS), Amjad Azeez (Innovation Leader, MAS), Jayalath Wijesiri, and Sankha Athukorale
By Susil Premalal
The Sri Lanka Tennis Association (SLTA) received a huge boost as MAS stepped up to be the clothing sponsor for their wheelchair tennis team, preparing for the BNP Paribas World Team Cup World Group Event 2024.
This mega event is set to take place from May 4 to May 12 in Antalya, Turkey.
The Sri Lanka Wheelchair Tennis Team will include Suresh Dharmasena, Gamini Dissanayake, Jayalath Wijesiri, and Coach Sankha Athukorale.
MAS Holdings will provide the Sri Lanka wheelchair tennis players with clothing during major international team events in the future.
This support from MAS was warmly appreciated by SLTA President Iqbal Bin Issack, who extended gratitude for their generosity in backing Sri Lankan tennis.
“I want to express our heartfelt gratitude to MAS for their generous support,” said President Issack, emphasising the significance of such partnerships in advancing Sri Lankan tennis.
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Champion Nadesan Krishnakumar (L) and runner-up Ganeshan Jayasekaran
By Shamseer Jaleel
The prestigious Earnest Ringlet Cup 2024, played under the Stableford method, concluded on a high note at the scenic Nuwara Eliya Golf Club (NEGC) when Nadesan Krishnakumar emerged victorious with an impressive score of 37 points, showcasing his class form in the recent past in the Hill Country, winning trophies in tandem. Krishnakumar’s skill, precision, and strategic approach paved the way for his well-deserved victory.
Ganeshan Jayasekaran, who accumulated 32 points, finished runner-up. Jayasekaran’s display of talent and determination made him a formidable competitor throughout the event.
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Champion Nadesan Krishnakumar (L) and runner-up Ganeshan Jayasekaran
By Shamseer Jaleel
The prestigious Earnest Ringlet Cup 2024, played under the Stableford method, concluded on a high note at the scenic Nuwara Eliya Golf Club (NEGC) when Nadesan Krishnakumar emerged victorious with an impressive score of 37 points, showcasing his class form in the recent past in the Hill Country, winning trophies in tandem. Krishnakumar’s skill, precision, and strategic approach paved the way for his well-deserved victory.
Ganeshan Jayasekaran, who accumulated 32 points, finished runner-up. Jayasekaran’s display of talent and determination made him a formidable competitor throughout the event.
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Dr.Nagalingam Ethirveerasingam, one of the greatest sportsmen born in Sri Lanka and who won Sri Lanka’s first Gold Medal at the Asian Games, passed away in the United States of America (USA).The late Ethirveerasingam, who was 89 years old, held the Sri Lankan high jump record for nearly four decades, since 1953.
He won the gold medal at the third Asian Games held in Tokyo, Japan, in 1958 by setting a new Asian Games record of 2.03m and won the Silver Medal in the same event in 1962.
Later, he made a great contribution to the development of athletics in this country and launched several programmes for the development of athletics, especially in the North and Eastern Provinces.
He contributed immensely to the international achievements of Manjula Kumara, who was another high jumping champion born in this country and was constantly associated with the Sri Lanka Athletics Institute until his death.
The late Ethirveerasingam also represented Sri Lanka in the 1952 Helsinki and 1956 Melbourne Olympic Games. He is an alumnus of Jaffna Central High School and St. Joseph’s College, Colombo.
(SP)
]]>Dr.Nagalingam Ethirveerasingam, one of the greatest sportsmen born in Sri Lanka and who won Sri Lanka’s first Gold Medal at the Asian Games, passed away in the United States of America (USA).The late Ethirveerasingam, who was 89 years old, held the Sri Lankan high jump record for nearly four decades, since 1953.
He won the gold medal at the third Asian Games held in Tokyo, Japan, in 1958 by setting a new Asian Games record of 2.03m and won the Silver Medal in the same event in 1962.
Later, he made a great contribution to the development of athletics in this country and launched several programmes for the development of athletics, especially in the North and Eastern Provinces.
He contributed immensely to the international achievements of Manjula Kumara, who was another high jumping champion born in this country and was constantly associated with the Sri Lanka Athletics Institute until his death.
The late Ethirveerasingam also represented Sri Lanka in the 1952 Helsinki and 1956 Melbourne Olympic Games. He is an alumnus of Jaffna Central High School and St. Joseph’s College, Colombo.
(SP)
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Udara Lakmal, with a consistent performance throughout the tournament, steered Holiday Plan DMC to emerge as the new Gold winner in the 21st Travel Trade Sports Club mixed Bowling Championships 2024, sponsored by Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts, concluded at the Strikes Cosmic Bowling Centre, Excel World, Darley Road, on Saturday, April 20th.
Lakmal, with a top score of 169 points in the first round, continued his good form in the final round, which helped Holiday Plan DMC (365) nudge the 2023 Silver winner, Exotic Holidays International “C” (364) by the skin of their teeth. 48 teams from 24 TTSC member firms participated in three rounds of bowling, comprising 79 matches on seven lanes.
- BM
Udara Lakmal, with a consistent performance throughout the tournament, steered Holiday Plan DMC to emerge as the new Gold winner in the 21st Travel Trade Sports Club mixed Bowling Championships 2024, sponsored by Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts, concluded at the Strikes Cosmic Bowling Centre, Excel World, Darley Road, on Saturday, April 20th.
Lakmal, with a top score of 169 points in the first round, continued his good form in the final round, which helped Holiday Plan DMC (365) nudge the 2023 Silver winner, Exotic Holidays International “C” (364) by the skin of their teeth. 48 teams from 24 TTSC member firms participated in three rounds of bowling, comprising 79 matches on seven lanes.
- BM
Chamari Atapattu was at her brutal best as Sri Lanka stunned South Africa with a record run-chase in Potchefstroom on Wednesday to level the three-match ICC Women’s Championship One Day International (ODI) series and end a highly successful bilateral tour to the Rainbow Nation.
Chasing 302 to win, Atapattu led Sri Lanka’s fightback with a stunning hundred and remained unbeaten on 195, the third-highest score in Women’s ODIs, as the visitors overhauled the target with 33 balls to spare.
Atapattu’s innings was also the second highest individual score in a successful run chase in ODI cricket - both Men’s and Women’s - marginally behind the magnificent 201 not out that Glenn Maxwell put together for Australia against Afghanistan at last year’s ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup.
Earlier, Laura Wolvaardt continued her stellar run in the bilateral series against Sri Lanka with a second ODI hundred in as many matches.
The opener smashed an unbeaten 184 to take South Africa to 301 in the third and final ODI of the series.
Wolvaardt’s knock is the highest score by a South African in Women’s ODIs and was also the fourth-highest in Women’s ODIs for a brief while going past Atapattu’s 178 not out against Australia in 2017.
Wolvaardt, who had made a hundred in the T20I leg of the tour, also smashed a century in the second ODI in Kimberley on Saturday. On Wednesday, she added another ton to her tally with a spectacular knock.
But her brilliance was overshadowed by her opposite number, Atapattu, who stole the limelight with a stunning hundred to seal the first-ever successful run-chase of over 300 in Women’s ODIs.
Australia had held the record for the highest run-chase in Women’s ODIs for more than a decade.
In 2012, Australia chased down a target of 289 against New Zealand. Last year, they also chased down 283 against India at the Wankhede in Mumbai. ICC
Chief scores
South Africa Women: 301/5 in 50 overs (Laura Wolvaardt 184, Lara Goodall 31, Marizanne Kapp 36, Nadine de Klerk 35, Kavisha Dilhari 2/47)
Sri Lanka Women: 305/4 in 44.3 overs (Vishmi Gunaratne 26, Chamari Atapattu 195 n.o, Nilakshika Silva 50 n.o, Ayabonga Khaka 2/54).
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Chamari Atapattu was at her brutal best as Sri Lanka stunned South Africa with a record run-chase in Potchefstroom on Wednesday to level the three-match ICC Women’s Championship One Day International (ODI) series and end a highly successful bilateral tour to the Rainbow Nation.
Chasing 302 to win, Atapattu led Sri Lanka’s fightback with a stunning hundred and remained unbeaten on 195, the third-highest score in Women’s ODIs, as the visitors overhauled the target with 33 balls to spare.
Atapattu’s innings was also the second highest individual score in a successful run chase in ODI cricket - both Men’s and Women’s - marginally behind the magnificent 201 not out that Glenn Maxwell put together for Australia against Afghanistan at last year’s ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup.
Earlier, Laura Wolvaardt continued her stellar run in the bilateral series against Sri Lanka with a second ODI hundred in as many matches.
The opener smashed an unbeaten 184 to take South Africa to 301 in the third and final ODI of the series.
Wolvaardt’s knock is the highest score by a South African in Women’s ODIs and was also the fourth-highest in Women’s ODIs for a brief while going past Atapattu’s 178 not out against Australia in 2017.
Wolvaardt, who had made a hundred in the T20I leg of the tour, also smashed a century in the second ODI in Kimberley on Saturday. On Wednesday, she added another ton to her tally with a spectacular knock.
But her brilliance was overshadowed by her opposite number, Atapattu, who stole the limelight with a stunning hundred to seal the first-ever successful run-chase of over 300 in Women’s ODIs.
Australia had held the record for the highest run-chase in Women’s ODIs for more than a decade.
In 2012, Australia chased down a target of 289 against New Zealand. Last year, they also chased down 283 against India at the Wankhede in Mumbai. ICC
Chief scores
South Africa Women: 301/5 in 50 overs (Laura Wolvaardt 184, Lara Goodall 31, Marizanne Kapp 36, Nadine de Klerk 35, Kavisha Dilhari 2/47)
Sri Lanka Women: 305/4 in 44.3 overs (Vishmi Gunaratne 26, Chamari Atapattu 195 n.o, Nilakshika Silva 50 n.o, Ayabonga Khaka 2/54).
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Bhanuka Rajapaksa makes a return after recovering from injuries
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Young leg-spinner Vijayakanth Viyaskanth is named in the squad
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By Darshana Sanjeewa Balasuriya
The Sri Lankan preliminary T20 Cricket Squad, consisting of 32 players selected by the National Cricket Selection Committee, has commenced training ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in the West Indies and USA in June 2024.
The players are currently training at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo and the final squad will be announced by mid-May.
The initial 32-player squad will then be pruned down to 20, ultimately leading to the selection of the final 15-member squad for the T20 World Cup.
Several players included in the 32-member preliminary squad are currently participating in the ongoing IPL in India.
Several experienced players have been included in the preliminary squad including Angelo Mathews, Dasun Shanaka, Dinesh Chandimal and Kusal Janith Perera.
Also, Binura Fernando, Chamika Karunaratne and Promod Madushan are among the others alongside rising talents like Nuwan Thushara and Matheesha Pathirana.
Meanwhile, an attacking left-handed batsman Bhanuka Rajapaksa makes a return to the squad after recovering from injuries.
Of particular interest is the inclusion of young leg-spinner Vijayakanth Viyaskanth, recently named for the Sunrisers Hyderabad Team, replacing the injured Wanindu Hasaranga.
The selectors plan to include these players in the upcoming T20 domestic tournaments to identify and nurture talent before the final World Cup selections.
Despite missing the ongoing IPL season due to injury, Hasaranga is expected to play a pivotal role as the Captain of the Sri Lankan T20 Team.
Charith Asalanka will be the Vice-Captain with Sadeera Samarawickrama and Kamindu Mendis adding depth to the squad.
Meanwhile, new additions to the coaching staff include Sri Lanka’s Fast Bowling Coach Anusha Samaranayake and former Pakistan pace bowler Aqib Javed, who will be with the team until the completion of the T20 World Cup.
Sri Lanka is placed in Group ‘D’ alongside South Africa, Bangladesh, Netherlands and Nepal with their opening match against South Africa on June 3 in New York.
The 32 member preliminary T20 Squad: Wanindu Hasaranga (Captain), Charith Asalanka (Vice-Captain), Kusal Mendis, Pathum Nissanka, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Angelo Mathews, Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka, Chamika Karunaratne, Janith Liyanage, Avishka Fernando, Dinesh Chandimal, Lasith Croospulle, Sahan Arachchige, Niroshan Dickwella, Kusal Janith Perera, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Dhananjaya de Silva, Akila Dhananjaya, Dunith Wellalage, Dushmantha Chameera, Dilshan Madushanka, Asitha Fernando, Promod Madushan, Mahesh Theekshana, Matheesha Pathirana, Lahiru Kumara, Lahiru Madushanka, Binura Fernando, Nuwan Thushara, Jeffrey Vandersay and Vijayakanth Viyaskanth.
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Bhanuka Rajapaksa makes a return after recovering from injuries
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Young leg-spinner Vijayakanth Viyaskanth is named in the squad
|
By Darshana Sanjeewa Balasuriya
The Sri Lankan preliminary T20 Cricket Squad, consisting of 32 players selected by the National Cricket Selection Committee, has commenced training ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in the West Indies and USA in June 2024.
The players are currently training at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo and the final squad will be announced by mid-May.
The initial 32-player squad will then be pruned down to 20, ultimately leading to the selection of the final 15-member squad for the T20 World Cup.
Several players included in the 32-member preliminary squad are currently participating in the ongoing IPL in India.
Several experienced players have been included in the preliminary squad including Angelo Mathews, Dasun Shanaka, Dinesh Chandimal and Kusal Janith Perera.
Also, Binura Fernando, Chamika Karunaratne and Promod Madushan are among the others alongside rising talents like Nuwan Thushara and Matheesha Pathirana.
Meanwhile, an attacking left-handed batsman Bhanuka Rajapaksa makes a return to the squad after recovering from injuries.
Of particular interest is the inclusion of young leg-spinner Vijayakanth Viyaskanth, recently named for the Sunrisers Hyderabad Team, replacing the injured Wanindu Hasaranga.
The selectors plan to include these players in the upcoming T20 domestic tournaments to identify and nurture talent before the final World Cup selections.
Despite missing the ongoing IPL season due to injury, Hasaranga is expected to play a pivotal role as the Captain of the Sri Lankan T20 Team.
Charith Asalanka will be the Vice-Captain with Sadeera Samarawickrama and Kamindu Mendis adding depth to the squad.
Meanwhile, new additions to the coaching staff include Sri Lanka’s Fast Bowling Coach Anusha Samaranayake and former Pakistan pace bowler Aqib Javed, who will be with the team until the completion of the T20 World Cup.
Sri Lanka is placed in Group ‘D’ alongside South Africa, Bangladesh, Netherlands and Nepal with their opening match against South Africa on June 3 in New York.
The 32 member preliminary T20 Squad: Wanindu Hasaranga (Captain), Charith Asalanka (Vice-Captain), Kusal Mendis, Pathum Nissanka, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Angelo Mathews, Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka, Chamika Karunaratne, Janith Liyanage, Avishka Fernando, Dinesh Chandimal, Lasith Croospulle, Sahan Arachchige, Niroshan Dickwella, Kusal Janith Perera, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Dhananjaya de Silva, Akila Dhananjaya, Dunith Wellalage, Dushmantha Chameera, Dilshan Madushanka, Asitha Fernando, Promod Madushan, Mahesh Theekshana, Matheesha Pathirana, Lahiru Kumara, Lahiru Madushanka, Binura Fernando, Nuwan Thushara, Jeffrey Vandersay and Vijayakanth Viyaskanth.
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Harsha Samaranayake (third from left), Vice-President, Brand and Media, Dialog Axiata PLC handing over the sponsorship to M. B. B. Attanayake, Deputy President of the (SLSRFA). Also in the picture are (from left): D. R. C Dhananjaya (Treasurer SLSRFA), Pubudu Aluthgedara (Senior General Manager/Head of Business, Dialog Television, Dialog Axiata PLC), Mohamed Trizvi (Vice-President SLSRFA and D. W. M. Nimmana (General Secretary SLSRFA)
Dialog Axiata PLC, announced its corporate sponsorship for the Dialog Schools Rugby – Under-19 Elite Rugby Sevens 2024, organised by the Sri Lanka Schools Rugby Football Association (SLSRFA) on April 20 and 21 at the Royal College Sports Complex in Colombo.
The participating schools include Isipathana College, St. Peter’s College, Royal College, Vidyartha College, Dharmaraja College, Science College, Prince of Wales College, Piliyandala Central College, Lumbini College, Maliyadeva College, Ananda College, St. Benedict’s College, Carey College, St. Aloysius’ College, Sumangala College, Panadura, Sri Rahula College, Richmond College, Nalanda College and Siri Piyarathna College, Padukka.
The defending champions Isipathana are grouped with St. Benedict’s in Group ‘A’ while in Group ‘B,’ Prince of Wales and Sumangala Central are poised for a showdown.
Group ‘C’ will witness a clash between two Olcott schools - Dharmaraja and Ananda. Royal, the favourites, will face off against Carey and Nalanda in Group ‘D’, setting the stage for intense battles on the field.
The Group ‘E’ will showcase Science College, Lumbini and Richmond, each eager to exhibit their prowess.
Piliyandala Central, St. Aloysius’ and Siri Piyarathana will compete in Group ‘F’ for a chance to advance.
Meanwhile, Group ‘G’ will feature Kandy schools - Vidyartha and Sri Rahula - striving for victory.
St. Peter’s, the Cup Champions of the recent Zahira Centenary Sevens, will square off against Maliyadeva - the winners of the Shield Championship.
“The SLSRFA has been continuously giving opportunities for the players to showcase their talents and to make them ready for national duty by organising tournaments of this nature,” said M. B. B. Attanayake, Deputy President of the SLSRFA.
“School rugby holds a special place as one of the most passionately followed sports events in Sri Lanka. We are delighted that the SLSRFA is organising the Dialog Schools Under-19 Elite Rugby Sevens tournament, providing a significant uplift to the sport,” said Harsha Samaranayake, Vice-President - Brand and Media at Dialog Axiata PLC.
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Harsha Samaranayake (third from left), Vice-President, Brand and Media, Dialog Axiata PLC handing over the sponsorship to M. B. B. Attanayake, Deputy President of the (SLSRFA). Also in the picture are (from left): D. R. C Dhananjaya (Treasurer SLSRFA), Pubudu Aluthgedara (Senior General Manager/Head of Business, Dialog Television, Dialog Axiata PLC), Mohamed Trizvi (Vice-President SLSRFA and D. W. M. Nimmana (General Secretary SLSRFA)
Dialog Axiata PLC, announced its corporate sponsorship for the Dialog Schools Rugby – Under-19 Elite Rugby Sevens 2024, organised by the Sri Lanka Schools Rugby Football Association (SLSRFA) on April 20 and 21 at the Royal College Sports Complex in Colombo.
The participating schools include Isipathana College, St. Peter’s College, Royal College, Vidyartha College, Dharmaraja College, Science College, Prince of Wales College, Piliyandala Central College, Lumbini College, Maliyadeva College, Ananda College, St. Benedict’s College, Carey College, St. Aloysius’ College, Sumangala College, Panadura, Sri Rahula College, Richmond College, Nalanda College and Siri Piyarathna College, Padukka.
The defending champions Isipathana are grouped with St. Benedict’s in Group ‘A’ while in Group ‘B,’ Prince of Wales and Sumangala Central are poised for a showdown.
Group ‘C’ will witness a clash between two Olcott schools - Dharmaraja and Ananda. Royal, the favourites, will face off against Carey and Nalanda in Group ‘D’, setting the stage for intense battles on the field.
The Group ‘E’ will showcase Science College, Lumbini and Richmond, each eager to exhibit their prowess.
Piliyandala Central, St. Aloysius’ and Siri Piyarathana will compete in Group ‘F’ for a chance to advance.
Meanwhile, Group ‘G’ will feature Kandy schools - Vidyartha and Sri Rahula - striving for victory.
St. Peter’s, the Cup Champions of the recent Zahira Centenary Sevens, will square off against Maliyadeva - the winners of the Shield Championship.
“The SLSRFA has been continuously giving opportunities for the players to showcase their talents and to make them ready for national duty by organising tournaments of this nature,” said M. B. B. Attanayake, Deputy President of the SLSRFA.
“School rugby holds a special place as one of the most passionately followed sports events in Sri Lanka. We are delighted that the SLSRFA is organising the Dialog Schools Under-19 Elite Rugby Sevens tournament, providing a significant uplift to the sport,” said Harsha Samaranayake, Vice-President - Brand and Media at Dialog Axiata PLC.
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FSL President Jaswar Umar (second from left) presenting a memento to AFC President Salman Bin Ibrahim Al-Khalifa
By Susil Premalal
Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President Salman Bin Ibrahim Al-Khalifa will be in Sri Lanka from today on a two-day observation tour at the invitation of Football Sri Lanka (FSL).
This is the first visit to Sri Lanka by the AFC President since 2018 and also the first visit following the country’s football crisis.
The AFC President is set to meet the FSL Executive Committee Members and have discussions on the progress of Sri Lanka’s football development plan for 2024-25.
The AFC President is also set to launch the Sri Lanka Under-19 Football League, FSL President Jaswar Umar told the Daily Mirror yesterday.
The FSL have made arrangements to commence the Sri Lanka Under-19 Football League from June 2024.
In addition, the AFC President has decided to increase the annual development grants allocated to FSL from US $500,000 to US $650,000.
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FSL President Jaswar Umar (second from left) presenting a memento to AFC President Salman Bin Ibrahim Al-Khalifa
By Susil Premalal
Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President Salman Bin Ibrahim Al-Khalifa will be in Sri Lanka from today on a two-day observation tour at the invitation of Football Sri Lanka (FSL).
This is the first visit to Sri Lanka by the AFC President since 2018 and also the first visit following the country’s football crisis.
The AFC President is set to meet the FSL Executive Committee Members and have discussions on the progress of Sri Lanka’s football development plan for 2024-25.
The AFC President is also set to launch the Sri Lanka Under-19 Football League, FSL President Jaswar Umar told the Daily Mirror yesterday.
The FSL have made arrangements to commence the Sri Lanka Under-19 Football League from June 2024.
In addition, the AFC President has decided to increase the annual development grants allocated to FSL from US $500,000 to US $650,000.
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Viren Nettasinghe in action
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Sri Lankan badminton sensation Viren Nettasinghe has secured his spot in the Men’s Singles badminton event at the upcoming Paris Olympics, the qualification announced by the Badminton World Federation (BWF) on Wednesday.
Currently ranked 72nd internationally, Nettasinghe earned an impressive 24,030 ranking points throughout the season, placing himself in the 32nd spot among the qualified players for this year’s Olympic Games.
Under Olympic regulations, only two players per event are permitted to represent their country in badminton. Presently, 39 players have secured direct qualification, including Nettasinghe.
A remarkable highlight is that Nettasinghe, at just 20 years old, is the youngest player on the list of qualifiers, showcasing his exceptional talent and promising future in the sport.
The qualifying period for the badminton event at the Paris Olympics is set to conclude on April 28.
Nettasinghe has been an icon in badminton, consistently demonstrating exceptional skills and unwavering determination. “Through tireless training and a commitment to excellence, he has steadily climbed the competitive ladder, achieving remarkable feats at the national and international levels,” Sri Lanka Badminton (SLB) said yesterday.
“All of Sri Lanka is united in celebrating this momentous occasion. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Viren Nettasinghe for this incredible achievement.”
“The entire nation stands firmly behind you as you prepare to represent Sri Lanka on the biggest sporting stage in the world. We are confident that you will continue to shine brightly and make us all proud,” SLB added.
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Viren Nettasinghe in action
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Sri Lankan badminton sensation Viren Nettasinghe has secured his spot in the Men’s Singles badminton event at the upcoming Paris Olympics, the qualification announced by the Badminton World Federation (BWF) on Wednesday.
Currently ranked 72nd internationally, Nettasinghe earned an impressive 24,030 ranking points throughout the season, placing himself in the 32nd spot among the qualified players for this year’s Olympic Games.
Under Olympic regulations, only two players per event are permitted to represent their country in badminton. Presently, 39 players have secured direct qualification, including Nettasinghe.
A remarkable highlight is that Nettasinghe, at just 20 years old, is the youngest player on the list of qualifiers, showcasing his exceptional talent and promising future in the sport.
The qualifying period for the badminton event at the Paris Olympics is set to conclude on April 28.
Nettasinghe has been an icon in badminton, consistently demonstrating exceptional skills and unwavering determination. “Through tireless training and a commitment to excellence, he has steadily climbed the competitive ladder, achieving remarkable feats at the national and international levels,” Sri Lanka Badminton (SLB) said yesterday.
“All of Sri Lanka is united in celebrating this momentous occasion. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Viren Nettasinghe for this incredible achievement.”
“The entire nation stands firmly behind you as you prepare to represent Sri Lanka on the biggest sporting stage in the world. We are confident that you will continue to shine brightly and make us all proud,” SLB added.
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Vishwa Peiris and Skipper Yohan Fernando shared nine wickets between them to help Maris Stella College, Thimbirigaskatuwa record an easy nine-wicket win over President’s College, Kotte in their Under-19 Inter-Schools Division Two Tier ‘B’ Two-Day Cricket Tournament semi-final encounter concluded at Dharmapala MV Grounds in Pannipitiya.
Vishwa ended with a matchbag of 10 wickets while Yohan ended with six wickets to as President’s College were dismissed for 119 and 219 respectively.
Chief scores
Maris Stella: 333/8 decl and 6/1
President’s Kotte (0/0 overnight): 119 (Nadila Nethmitha 36, Daham Usindu 32, Vishwa Peiris 5/36, Yohan Fernando 4/34) and 219 (Nadila Nethmina 70, Dinesh Arosha 27, Punsara Nethmina 50 n.o, Vishwa Peiris 5/85, Yohan Fernando 2/60).
Vishwa Peiris and Skipper Yohan Fernando shared nine wickets between them to help Maris Stella College, Thimbirigaskatuwa record an easy nine-wicket win over President’s College, Kotte in their Under-19 Inter-Schools Division Two Tier ‘B’ Two-Day Cricket Tournament semi-final encounter concluded at Dharmapala MV Grounds in Pannipitiya.
Vishwa ended with a matchbag of 10 wickets while Yohan ended with six wickets to as President’s College were dismissed for 119 and 219 respectively.
Chief scores
Maris Stella: 333/8 decl and 6/1
President’s Kotte (0/0 overnight): 119 (Nadila Nethmitha 36, Daham Usindu 32, Vishwa Peiris 5/36, Yohan Fernando 4/34) and 219 (Nadila Nethmina 70, Dinesh Arosha 27, Punsara Nethmina 50 n.o, Vishwa Peiris 5/85, Yohan Fernando 2/60).