Hockey final halted after violent conduct by St. thomas' Matale players

14 August 2025 11:03 pm Views - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}} 21 Bookmark

A A A

By: Shane Seneviratne

During the Central Province Schools Sports Competition, the U-19 Hockey final between Vidyartha College and St. Thomas' College, held at the University of Peradeniya hockey grounds, was halted midway due to the violent and unsportsmanlike behavior of St. Thomas' players, who struck opposing players with hockey sticks in a deliberate and aggressive manner.

Two players were injured from the attack and admitted to Peradeniya Teaching Hospital, with one player receiving stitches on the head. Gayan Dharmarathna, the hockey coach of Vidyartha College, stated that about 12 minutes into the match, after Vidyartha players scored a goal, St. Thomas’ players began attacking their opponents by striking them with hockey sticks and deliberately throwing them to the ground. At the same time Palitha Wasala, the hockey coach of St. Thomas’ reportedly did not control his players and instead incited further aggression. The match was stopped after the referee determined it was impossible to continue. During the match, complaints regarding the violent behavior of St. Thomas' players were submitted by several schools, including Trinity College. The Peradeniya Police are currently investigating the incident.

Comments - 21

Patcitz Friday, 15 August 2025 01:22 AM

Suspend the Matale St. Thomians immediately without ruling impartial manner. The incident is a tremendous foul play

2 26

Mark Andrew Perera - [Old Trinity College. Hockey Player] Friday, 15 August 2025 01:48 AM

This matter has to be dealt with seriously because of the bad behaviour of St. Thomas College, Matale Team. They should not think that they can be the Champions always, there are many talented players in the Vithiatha Team this season. All the players who were involved in this nasty act should be severally punished.

2 26

D.M. Dammika Perera - Journalist Friday, 15 August 2025 01:52 AM

This is a bad show anyway. Kandy boys played very well than the Matale boys. I watched the match. Stern action should be taken against the Matale boys who created an ugly act on this crucial match.

2 20

Chams Friday, 15 August 2025 05:33 AM

What are you doing ministers in charge of education and sports?

30 8

Insider Friday, 15 August 2025 10:33 AM

Hey you think the two ministers should referee the match?? Every time a coconut falls from a tree, a minister is held responsible by the bankrupt opposition.

6 15

Moada hutans Friday, 15 August 2025 10:38 AM

You're right, they should've got there immediately materialising from wherever they were, leaving whatever they were doing and sorted this out. It's totally their fault.

4 33

Schoolboy Friday, 15 August 2025 10:39 AM

School discipline is for the coach, staff and Principal of the school. Ministers are for discipline and sports policy of the country and you think they have nothing to do but look into stupid complaints from you.

2 13

Jude Friday, 15 August 2025 05:43 AM

Sakkkkiiliiii have crept into schools sports activities!!!

2 21

Herman Perera Friday, 15 August 2025 05:46 AM

School Sports have gone to the Dogs. No Discipline at all. Sorry State of Affairs. Nip it in the BUD or else face very serious consequences.

0 26

Darcey Friday, 15 August 2025 06:43 AM

It’s truly disappointing. I believe that, in addition to the coach, the referee should also be investigated for allowing the player to remain on the field for the entire game. This player should be permanently removed from the team, as their actions bring disrespect to the game and tarnish the reputation of the institution they represent. What a shame.

2 13

Hara Manis Friday, 15 August 2025 09:36 AM

Future SLPP, SJB, UNP leaders in the making.

5 51

Dr Tissa Fernando Friday, 15 August 2025 05:47 PM

No, they are the current Pacha Party members. They only know violence and destruction. Once civilised they will join other parties.

1 1

Jagath Perera Friday, 15 August 2025 09:49 AM

I thought it was St. Peter's. Any way, ban them for an year.

7 32

මෝඩ කැලුම් Friday, 15 August 2025 10:03 AM

That's unfair. They were invited to a fencing competition - you know "kadu fight?"

2 43

Victor Friday, 15 August 2025 10:04 AM

Maybe some of these that go to university and then we know what happens to other children. If they don’t know how to behave in school how would they behave in society.

0 13

Parents Friday, 15 August 2025 10:24 AM

THAKKADI PARENTS SONS.

0 12

Arrest the coach Friday, 15 August 2025 10:27 AM

For tolerating this kind of behavior and not intervening. The couch should be arrested and banned from coaching for 5years. Because he could be the one inciting violence. We Srilankans will do anything by following orders. No wonder why the police system in the previous regimen was not in order.

0 7

A.K.M. Samsudeen (Hockey Player) Friday, 15 August 2025 10:53 AM

In addition to the usual punishment the boys get, the Principal of St. Thomas College, Matale should suspend the coach and the boys involved in the nasty act for atleast 5 years. St. Thomas College Hockey Team also should be banned for 3 years.

1 8

Fact Friday, 15 August 2025 12:55 PM

These days most schools teach level headedness and pseudo pride more than values. Hooliganism has become regular in sports activities.

0 4

TG Friday, 15 August 2025 02:42 PM

You need to know the purpose of sports. Winning is not everything. Back in the days these sames coaches were there. And they were not really guiding children, with the correct motive. Winning in one way or the other was planted in the player's head. So what better can you expect

0 1

Sammy Friday, 15 August 2025 03:38 PM

Student indiscipline has gone from bad to worse in recent years. The ruckus during St. Peter's vs Trinity a few days ago is another example.

0 1

222

Add comment
Comments will be edited (grammar, spelling and slang) and authorized at the discretion of Daily Mirror online. The website also has the right not to publish selected comments.