Veteran driver Kamil Hussain has been elected uncontested for a second term as the president of the Sri Lanka Association of Racing Drivers And Riders (SLARDAR) during the recently held Annual General Meeting at the Mercedes-Benz auditorium.

Muditha Adikari has been appointed the Secretary while Mahinda Jayawardena and Suminda de Silva have been elected uncontested vice presidents.

Saranga Gunawardena was elected treasurer and Prashan Wijenayaka was elected assistant secretary.

Office bearers of SLARDAR for 2019

President: Kamil Hussain

Vice Presidents: Mahinda Jayawardena

Mr. Suminda De Silva

Honorary Secretary: Muditha Adikari

Assistant Secretary: Prashan Wijayanayake

Honorary Treasurer: Saranga Gunawardena

Assistant Treasurers: Chanaka Hettiarachchi,Shameera Abeynayake

Committee Members: Rodney Mason, Pubudu Wickrama, Gamini Kavikara, Mahiman Perera, Nishan Wasalathanthri, Shane Gunawardena, Andreas Klaus

District Secretaries: Dewaka De Silva, Haren Yatawaka, Gayan Sandaruwan, Dan De Silva

The invitational seven-a-side cricket tournament organized by the ‘Thomian Api Uyanwatta Old Boys’ to celebrate 175 anniversary of Matara St. Thomas’ College will be worked off on February 16 from 8.30 a.m. at the Uyanwatta football grounds.

Teams from ST. Thomas, St. Servatius, Rahula, Richmond-Galle, Mahinda - Galle, Vidyaloka-Galle, ST. Aloysius - Galle, St. Sebastien’s - Moratuwa, St. Sylvester’s-Kandy, Lumbini- Colombo, Dharmapala - Pannipitiya, Dharmashoka-Ambalangoda will participate in the tournament.

The opening ceremony will be held on February 15, 4.00p.m. with Thomian old boy Brayan Ranasinghe and school principal B. Piyatissa being the guests.

The 23rd Eliyakanda Hill Climb organized and conducted by the Southern Motor Sports Club (SMSC) will take place next Sunday (17) at Browns Hill Matara. Sri Lanka Telecom are the main sponsors this year and the sponsorship check was handed over to Ashshar Hameem President of SMSC and Prasanna Wijewickrema Treasurer SMSC by Rohana Ellawala, General Manager Branding SLT at a press conference held in Matara on Sunday.

Speaking at the event Ashshar Hameem President SLMC thanked Sri Lanka Telecom for agreeing to come in as the main sponsor for the 23rd Eliyakanda Hill Climb. He also said that the Eliyakanda Hill Climb which was the first event of Sri Lanka’s motor racing calendar and an event of the 2019 SLAS National Championship and that this year’s event had attracted about 250 entries from drivers and riders.

The 540-meter Eliyakanda track is famous for its unique competitiveness and comprises of some difficult corners including Single Tree Corner, Residency Corner, Southern Corner and Tower Corner which are a challenge for both man and machine. Dilan Senevirathne has been the fastest to cover the course on four wheels clocking 32.422 seconds while Dushan Mudalige who clocked 35.07 seconds is the fastest on two wheels.

Sri Lanka Telecom’s General Manager Branding, Rohana Ellawala said that SLT would be continuing to sponsor the Eliyakanda Hill Climb and would be looking forward to the participation of foreign drivers and riders in the years to come.

All competitors will be allowed two practice runs on Saturday (16th).

In addition to Sri Lanka Telecom, Mobil Lubricants, MBSL, CEAT.Wurth and Harischandra Mills are co- sponsoring this years event.

InGame Esports - an Esports organisation focussed on growing Esports in South Asia - organised the first-ever INGAME Esports South Asia Cup at the Sri Lanka Exhibition & Convention Centre (SLECC). The League of Legends championship brought together the best teams representing five South Asian countries – Bangladesh, India, Maldives, Pakistan and Sri Lanka who faced each other in a round-robin format and the top 2 from the group playing a grand-finals for a total prize pool of USD 5,000. The event was hosted with the support of the Sri

Lanka Esports Association and the National Olympic Committee of Sri Lanka.

WIth over a decade of experience in organising events that draw massive crowds in the Sri Lanka, this is the first event organised by InGame Esports which saw the participation of foreign teams that arrived in the country to take part in the tournament. The IGE South Asia Cup was aimed at growing the South Asian Esports scene which saw a boost with Esports being included in the Asian Games last August.

The National Esports Associations of Pakistan and Maldives conducted qualifiers to choose the best League of Legends team to represent their respective countries. The qualified team then arrived in Sri Lanka where they spent 3 days competing in the Esports cup. Direct invites were sent to the best teams in India and Bangladesh.

The Pakistan Esports Federation held local qualifiers in order to choose the best League of Legends team to represent the country. Portal Esports emerged as country representatives and went into the IGE South Asia Cup as favorites, following their clean sweep at the Asian Games regional qualifiers. Portal completed the event without conceding a single game, including a 2-0 clincher in the grand finals that saw them walk away with USD 3,000 to their name.

Following their performance at the Asian Games, Ruthless Gaming from India was given a direct invite to take part in the IGE South Asia Cup. The team was acquired by Indian Esports juggernaut Entity Gaming and played under their banner in Sri Lanka. Entity Gaming secured a solid second place slot by beating all teams, with only Portal denying them a win. The team took home USD 1,500 for their runner-up placement at the championship.

DURBAN, Tuesday - South African captain Faf du Plessis will be seeking to find Sri Lanka’s “breaking point” as early as possible when the first of two Tests starts at Kingsmead on Wednesday.

With Sri Lankan coach Chandika Hathurusingha admitting that recent upheavals in Sri Lankan cricket had affected the players, Du Plessis vowed to apply pressure on the tourists.

“They have had a tough time in Australia and there have been a lot of things happening away from their team,” Du Plessis said on Tuesday.

“It’s not ideal for them but I will always respect the opposition we play against. Our preparation doesn’t change.” Referring to a losing series in Sri Lanka last year, Du Plessis said: “They beat us 2-0 in their own conditions which hurt us quite a bit.

“It’s important for us to keep them under pressure to make sure they don’t start the series well. If we can do that, possibly their breaking point will be a little bit sooner than it would (normally) be because of all the stuff that’s happening away from the game.”

Hathurusingha told the espncricinfo.com website that a losing streak, going back to last October and culminating in two heavy Test defeats in Australia, has put a lot of strain on everyone”.

The coach said he was shocked at the axeing of Dinesh Chandimal as captain, which happened without him being consulted, and disappointed at a lack of communication from the board before he was stripped of his own role as a tour selector.

He added that match-fixing allegations and changes in selectors and coaching staff had all had an impact.

“When the selectors changed, the leadership changed,” he told the website. “There was a change of coaching staff as well. And that created uncertainty.

“Everything happened in public. There's enough pressure on the players in the middle for them to concentrate on. Suddenly the players have nowhere to turn. They don't know whom to trust or whose instructions to take.”

Hathurusingha said the players were doing their best. “They are trying. But in any high-performance environment, successful teams have direction, strong leadership and continuity.”

Dimuth Karunaratne, named as stand-in captain for the tour, acknowledged: “It’s not easy when you play cricket and there is other stuff coming from the outside. The changes and everything are up to the selectors. As a team we are trying to focus on the game.”

Karunaratne said he would concentrate on trying to produce good performances in his role as an opening batsman. Several of his players had experience of South African conditions and his message to the team was: “We must try and compete in every session.”

With Sri Lanka having an inexperienced bowling line-up, Du Plessis hinted that South Africa might go into the match with six batsmen, including wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock, and five bowlers.

Du Plessis said left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj was likely to play on a ground where spin bowling has been a factor – but he liked the option of continuing with a battery of four fast bowlers following a successful recent series against Pakistan, even though he did not expect the pitch to offer much help to pace bowlers.

– AFP

Following the instructions given by Sports Minister Harin Fernando the Auditor General’s Department has now commenced a forensic audit on the financial transactions of Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) from 2016-2018, SLC competent authority and Sports Ministry secretary Chulananda Perera said yesterday.

“Minister Fernando gave instructions to conduct a forensic audit at the end of January this year and the forensic audit commenced work on it last Sunday,” said Perera at a media conference held at the Sports Ministry premises yesterday related to the SLC elections which is due to be held on February 21.

While observing that the forensic report was due within two weeks’ time from the day the instructions were given, Perera said the submission date of the report will perhaps exceed the given deadline since the audit commenced a little later than expected.

“We took some time to discuss this matter with the AG. Accordingly I held a round of discussions with the AG last week. We wanted the AG’s Department to conduct this forensic audit, without us having to give it to a private firm. As a government servant, it is the most reliable option I have. AG in return, showed much enthusiasm and accepted the task.” Perera explained.

Perera also expressed his confidence that the forensic report will be an extensive and a detailed one. Asked if the AG’s Department had not already audited the report, Perera said that a forensic audit differs from a regular audit in both nature and methodology.

“These are two different investigations. The methodology is different, the officers involved in it are different and the way it is conducted is also different,” Perera furthered stated.

A forensic accounting is a specialized branch of accounting that requires training in fraud detection. A forensic audit examines the audited institute’s system of internal control to identify any weakness in the control designed to safeguard assets and to determine whether anyone in the company has exploited control weaknesses to misappropriate assets for personal gain.

Perera said that they will be able to hold the SLC election on February 21 at 10.00 a.m. at the ministry premises as planned.

“If we are unable to hold the election on February 21, we may have to seek legal advice or the Ministry will have to discuss the matter with the ICC. We held a round of discussions with the police and observers. We will be holding the final round of discussions with the elections committee today,” he further stated.

Speaking of the candidates who had their nominations rejected by the Sports Ministry appointed Appeal Committee, Perera said they have the right to seek legal counsel and the ministry will abide by whatever decision the judiciary gives.

When questioned on the Sports Ministry appointed Appeal Committee’s composition, Perera assured that the composition and the conduct of the committee is credible and transparent.

NEW DELHI, Tuesday - India captain Virat Kohli is well ahead his contemporaries and destined for greatness, former Sri Lankan batting stalwart Kumar Sangakkara has said.

Run-machine Kohli capped a memorable 2018 by becoming the first to win the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) cricketer, test and one-day international (ODI) player of the year awards last month.

Considered part of the elite group also featuring Kiwi Kane Williamson, Australian Steve Smith and England’s Joe Root, Kohli has surged ahead after a stupendous 2018 and is currently the top ranked test as well as one-day batsman.

“Everything about Virat’s game stands out. I think he is head and shoulders above anyone else in world cricket today,” Sangakkara told India Today news channel.

“And I think going forward, he will be one of the greatest ever cricketers, if not the greatest ever,” said the Sri Lankan batting great.

With 39 centuries from 222 one-day matches, Kohli is second only to compatriot Sachin Tendulkar - who scored 49 from 463 - in the 50-over century makers’ list.

He has also scored 25 hundreds in 77 tests.

Sangakkara is amazed by Kohli’s ability to success across formats without tinkering his basis game.

“He has this incredible knack of scoring runs and has a very, very solid method that he believes in...” said the former Sri Lanka captain.

“... if you see the tempo which he bats with, it hardly changes. He does read the situation very well. “He is a very passionate guy, you see that in his expressions on the field... it’s the overall aspect of both the person and how he has sorted his batting and his attitude.”

Sangakkara’s former team mate Mahela Jayawardene lauded how Kohli handled the pressure of leading the team of a cricket-mad nation of 1.3 billion.

“It’s not just about the ability Virat has but to understand the way to handle pressure not just on the field but also off the field and the expectations,” said the former Sri Lanka captain.

“We grew up with Sachin who had to perhaps experience the same thing. And for the next generation, it’s probably on Virat’s shoulders...” Jayawardene said. – Agencies

Vidyaloka College Galle emerged champion of the Singer Trophy Under 13 division II inter-schools cricket tournament when they won the final against S. Thomas’ Preparatory School Colombo on first innings at Sri Sumangala College grounds Hikkaduwa yesterday.

Scores: S. Thomas’ Preparatory School Colombo: 110/9 decl. in 58.1 overs (Lian Tirimanne 47, Ramitha Ellawala 23, Lidula Nuwanga 4/13, Seniru Niduwara 2/15)

Vidyaloka Galle: 112/4 in 32 overs (Prabath Kumara 24 n.o., Yathindra Siriwardhane 3/30) - (YK)

Kavishka Senadheera captured a match bag of 13 wickets to help Trinity College beat Kingswood College in their ‘Singer Trophy’ under 19 inter-schools cricket match played at Asgiriya yesterday.

Viraj Ekanayake of Nugawela Central College scored a double century (218 off 95 balls with 22 sixes and 17 fours) against Maliyadeva Model School Kurunegala at Nugawela.

RESULTS:

* At Campbell Place: Nalanda won by inns & 45 runs.

Lumbini: 44 and 96 (51/2 o/n) in 38.2 overs (Chamindu Wijesinghe 4/26, Maheema Weerakon 2/02, Kaveesh Madurapperuma 2/27)

Nalanda Colombo: 185/9 decl.

* At Ananda Mawatha: Match drawn.

St. Thomas’ Matara: 291 (205/5 o/n) in 120.3 overs (Nipun Ruchira 62, Mihisal Amoda 52, Harindu Jayasekara 43, Gisanthika Jayaweera 39, Hirusha Divajith 29 n.o., Kavindu Rithmal 29, Dasun Tharuka 2/38, Saviru Bandara 2/64, Janidu Jayawardane 2/78)

Ananda: 255/6 in 67 overs (Daminda Reshan 74 n.o., Kanishka Ranthilakage 71, Sudeepa Agulugaha 39, Kalana Wijesiri 38, Chamika Ranasinghe 2/22, Sineth Sithara 2/49)

* At Colts: President’s Kotte won by 20 runs.

President’s Kotte: 119 and 148 (92/4 o/n) in 47.2 overs (Akila Roshan 60, Vikum Kalhara 50, Madushika Sandaruwan 4/59, Savindu Uthsara 2/36)

Isipathana:130 and 117 in 40 overs (Mandeepa Gunasekara 22, Dinuk Nelumdeniya 4/51, Tashika Nirmal 4/49)

* At Pannipitiya: Match drawn.

Wesley: 207 and 25/3 in 12 overs

Dharmapala Pannipitiya: 344 (84/5 o/n) in 111 overs (Ashen Egodage 162 n.o., Shevon Nadeeja 72 n.o., Sanchana Lanka 32, Sidath Dharmasiriwardane 3/37, Shenal Dangalle 2/38, Thenuka Perera 2/55)

* At Lake View: Dharmaraja won by inns & 10 runs.

St. Mary’s Kegalle: 150 and 135 in 53.5 overs (Gajitha Kotuwegoda 43, Sineth Weerasooriya 30, Upendra Warnakulasooriya 6/46, Thushan Hearth 3/27)

Dharmaraja: 295 (203/5 o/n) in 71.4 overs (Kasun Gunawardane 50, Isuru Dayananda 48, Yasith Samararathne 47, Sachintha Senanayake 41, Thushan Herath 26, Dulaj Bandara 24, Mithila Gayashan 21, Gihan Abeywardane 6/85, Akalanka Pethiyagoda 2/36)

* At Moratuwa: Match drawn.

St. Sebastian’s: 149 and 268/8 in 98.4 overs (Nuwanidu Fernando 74, Janishka Perera 50 n.o., Tashik Perera 56 n.o., Dunith Jayathunge 33, Rashan Avishka 3/38, Eran Hansamal 3/97)

Moratu Vidyalaya: 174 (173/9 o/n) in 44.5 overs (Nishan Madhushka 84, Nadith Mishendra 57, Nadeera Fernando 3/12, Janishka Perera 2/18, Kalana Sandeepa 2/23, Vinuja Ranasinghe 2/56)

* At Asgiriya: Trinity won by 271 runs.

Trinity: 264 and 165/6 decl. in 29.1 overs (Abishek Anandakumar 100 n.o., Shene Gunathilake 26, Dumindu Damshika 3/27, Deegayu Bandara 3/48)

Kingswood: 125 (64/5 o/n) in 49.4 overs (Harshana Wickramasinghe 34, Kavishka Senadeera 7/46, Avishka Senadeera 2/24) and 33 in 14.5 overs ( Kavishka Senadeera 6/14, Abishek Anandakumar 3/12)

* At Panadura: Sri Jayawardenapura MV Kotte won by 3 wickets.

Royal Panadura: 79 and 240/8 (102/4 o/n) in 65.5 overs (Akila Senesh 115, Dhananjaya Prasad 32, Dinesh Rashmika 22, Gishantha Madusanka 20, Ravishka Kaluarachchi 3/65, Lishuka Dinasara 2/32) 102/4 in 30 overs (Akila Senesh 41 n.o., Dinesh Rashmika 22, Gishantha Madusanka 20)

Sri Jayawardanapura MV: 129 and 193/7 in 54.5 overs (Chamod Supun 76, Buddhika Chaminda 30 n.o., Ishara Shamindika 21, Dineth Rashmika 3/62, Chanchala Lakindu 2/23)

* At Kalutara: Siri Piyaratana Padukka won by 42 runs.

Siri Piyaratana Padukka: 198 and 184 in 59.3 overs (Heshan Fernando 31, Yasiru Dineth 27, Ruchika Pramod 27, Kosala Ravindu 5/50, Heshan Uminda 2/28, Rohan Sanjaya 2/48)

Tissa Central Kalutara: 234 (135/7 o/n) in 55.4 overs (Harsha Zoysa 47, Heshan Uminda 38 n.o., Ramesh Madushanka 31, Kosala Ravindu 31, Kavinda Ishwara 4/97, Yasiru Dineth 2/19) and 106 in 30.5 overs (Avishka Silva 31, Kosala Ravindu 26 n.o., Madushan Peiris 5/37, Kavinda Ishwara 4/55)

* At Railway grounds: Match drawn.

President’s Maharagama: 266;

Carey: 129 (40/1 o/n) in 39.3 overs (Dinura Wanigasekara 37, Theekshana Abeyrathne 21, Tharindu Dananjaya 6/52, Chandeepa Tharin 3/22) and 226 in 72.5 overs (Viranga Yeshan 68, Abdul Rahman 43, Theekshana Abeyrathne 33, Mohommed Nabil 23, Dinura Wanigasekara 21, Tharindu Dhananjaya 6/88, Nipun Pramoda 2/14)

* At Matugama: Match drawn.

Ananda Sastralaya Matugama: 218 and 122/8 in 44 overs (Chathura Lakmal 48, Kavindu Theekshana 34 n.o., Kavindu Theekshana 30 n.o., Nishad Chamuditha 6/45)

C.W.W. Kannangara Central Matugama: 257 (111/3 o/n) in 88.1 overs (Kavindu Dewmina 91, Ushan Maheepala 28, Vishma Nayanathara 25, Chamod Dilshan 22, Dilsara Pramod 2/28, Enula Avishka 2/35, Yasiru Dilhara 2/47)

* At Nugawela: Match drawn.

Nugawela Central: 201 and 355/4 decl. in 38 overs (Viraj Ekanayake 218, Hasintha Polkotuwa 100, Mahesh Jayasinghe 2/72)

Maliyadeva Model School Kurunegala: 235 (194/6 o/n) in 51.5 overs (Praveen Tennakon 70, Chathurya Sooriyabandara 58, Lahiru Wijerathne 31, Rasika Chathuranga 5/76, Kavishka Kapugoda 2/33) and 319/8 in 49 overs (Imesh Senavirathne 106, Praveen Tennakoon 60, Chathurya Sooriyabandara 50, Mahesh Jayasinghe 38, Yohan Wijesooriya 21, Hasintha Polkotuwa 2/63)

* At Madampagama: Bandaranayake Central Veyangoda won by 8 wickets.

Madampa Central: 114 and 264 (71/6 o/n) in 76.2 overs (Kavindu de Zoysa 135, Kavishka Dilshan 38, Sasindu de Silva 27, Movindu Lomitha 3/48, Chathushka Kalunayake 3/54, Prashan Mayantha 3/60)

Bandaranayake Central Veyangoda: 195 and 184/2 in 33.5 overs (Kalindu Kawbeesha 77 n.o., Anjana Tharanga 55 n.o., Shalinda Hapuarachchi 24)

* At Sandalankawa: Ibbagamuwa Central won by 9 wickets.

Sandalanka Central: 147 and 78 in 30.1 overs (Chalith Chamod 33, Tharanga Premarathne 6/15, Shehan Devlika 3/43)

Ibbagamuwa Central: 168 (143/8 o/n) in 62 overs (Prabudda Premalal 41, Nisal Thivanka 22, Prasad Herath 20, Induwara Wijethilake 7/62, Saumya Niwarthaka 2/55) and 58/1 in 8.1 overs (Ravindu Sandamina 25 n.o.)

* At Dalupotha: C.W.W. Kannangara MV Colombo won by 26 runs.

C.W.W. Kannangara MV: 72 and 136 (48/4 o/n) in 45.5 overs (Chamodya Kumara 40, Niroga Thathsara 37, Jevan David 6/32, Malindu Perera 2/29)

St. Thomas’ Kotte: 96 and 86 in 45.1 overs (Malindu Perera 21, Viboothi Ushan 4/32, Heshan Shanaka 2/16, Damith Kavinda 2/18)

* At Diyatalawa: Match drawn.

Loyola Bopitiya: 393/9 decl. (345/5 o/n) in 81.4 overs (Tharusha Dulanjana 208, Vinulaka Pasadul 89, Shenal Charuka 45, Pasan Hirudika 4/91, Leshan Diluksha 3/105) and 65/2 in 11 overs (Shenal Charuka 51)

St. Joseph’s Bandarawela: 261 in 51 overs (Randunu Roshan 73, Malith Thilanka 39, Sithija Chamindu 30, Chamindu Ashen 27, Pasan Hirudika 26, Vinulaka Pasadul 3/21, Amila Shan 3/37, Sanka Prasad 3/42)

* At Kotte: Ananda Sastralaya Kotte won by inns & 52 runs.

Ananda Sastralaya: 267 in 86.3 overs (S. A. Azeem 84, Danaja Sandalindu 38, Dulanja Pehesara 34, Dhananja Viduranga 3/21, Nisala Akesh 2/40)

Gonsalves Pamunugama: 154 in 58.1 overs (Duvindu Jayawardane 38, Pethum Priyasad 35, Dilshan Perera 21, Venuk Hettiarachchi 6/39, S. A. Azeem 4/25) and 61 in 21.1 overs (Venuk Hettiarachchi 6/27)

* At Balapitiya: Vidyartha won by inns & 72 runs.

Revatha Balapitiya: 99 and 188 in 32 overs (Gimhan de Silva 71, Chathun Kawya 53 n.o., Shashika Lakshan 26, Medunaka Wijethilaka 4/38, Kasun Karunathilaka 4/67)

Vidyartha Kandy: 359/9 decl. (266/7 o/n) in 81.5 overs (Medunaka Wijethilake 115, Dumindu Imantha 76, Shamal Priyadarshana 56, Kasun Karunathilaka 36, Sudesh Kumara 4/64, Malsha Ashen 2/58)

* At Hikkaduwa: Sri Sumangala Hikkaduwa won by 82 runs.

Sri Sumangala Hikkaduwa: 175 in 47 overs (Himal Hansaka 68, Sahan Madhusanka 37, Rukshan Nadeesha 2/7, Janindu Pasan 3/7) and 207 in 49 overs (Himal Hansaka 59, Sahan Madhusanka 34, Praveen Manupriya 26, Rasindu Kumara 23, Kokila Ashan 4/31, Janindu Sahan 3/51)

Dharmaraja Piliyandala: 137 in 30 overs (Evan Hasintha 60, Erosh Sulochana 5/32, Rasindu Kumara 2/15, Chathuranga Sampath 2/24) and 163 in 41 overs (Kokila Ashan 59, Sasindu Subhodha 28, Rukshan Nadeesha 28, Vihanga Denuwan 4/40, Chathuranga Sampath 3/21)

* At Moratuwa: Match drawn.

Defence Services School Colombo: 319 in 66.2 overs (Thiwanka Hashan 84, Dinal Charuka 53, Hasitha Navanjana 43, Dayanaka Hesara 36, Kaveesh Nadun 3/30, Rusira Rasanga 3/53)

Christ King Pannipitiya: 83 in 31.4 overs (Yewesh Deeshan 23, Lakshitha Dilshan 22, Chavintha Nipuna 20 n.o., Hasitha Navanjana 4/19, Thiwanka Hashan 3/17) and 378 in 91 overs (Lakshitha Dilshan 175, Tharindu Nirmal 76, Yewsh Deeshan 36, Uvindu Anjana 4/73, Aryan Achintha 3/46)

DAY ONE SCORES

Matches will be continued today on day two.

*At Darley Road: Devapathiraja Ratgama: 124 in 45.3 overs (Pawan Sandesh 47, Kalpa Chethiya 25, Ashan de Alwis 5/32)

St. Joseph’s: 124/4 in 44 overs (Johann de Silva 30, Pethum Madusanka 3/47)

* At Matale: S. de S. Jayasinghe Central Dehiwala: 271/9 decl. in 81.4 overs (Rangana Lakshan 93, Isuru Ushantha 45, Chamindu Hansaka 37, Chanaka Rajapakse 4/44, Isuru Dodanthanna 3/59)

St.Thomas’ Matale: 2/0 at close in 2 overs

* At Moratuwa: Prince of Wales: 188 in 47.2 overs (Pasindu Pathum 46, Vinuja Ranpul 28, Kavindu Dilshan 22, Imthiyas Slaza 6/82, M. Rifath 2/33)

Zahira Colombo: 127/5 at close in 49 overs (Dilsara Shaminda 40 n.o., Imthiyas Slasa 26, Naduka Fernando 2/20, Kaumal Nanayakkara 2/29)

* At Reid Avenue: Sri Sumangala Panadura: 131 in 62.5 overs (Sisindu de Silva 27, Janidu Induwara 21, Gishan Balasooriya 6/29)

Royal: 138/3 at close in 36 overs (Kamil Mishara 47, Ishiwara Dissanayake 39, Pasindu Sooriyabandara 29 n.o., Anuka Jayasinghe 2/35)

* At Katunayake: Mahanama: 220 in 79.2 overs (Pawantha Weerasinghe 53, Dhanuka Nimmana 34, Chamikara Peiris 28, Sonal Gamage 21, Nipun Dhananjaya 3/66, Kanishka Gamage 2/27)

St. Joseph Vaz Wennappuwa: 98/6 at close in 26 overs (Nipun Dhananjaya 53 n.o., Yohan Maduwantha 23 n.o., Dhanuka Nimmana 3/21)

* At Badulla: S.Thomas’ Bandarawela: 119 in 40.4 overs (Thevin Amarasinghe 41, Dinuka Palandegedara 20, Shakthi Udara 5/31, Dhanuka Lakshan 4/45)

Rajasinghe Central Hanwella: 39/0 at close in 11 overs (Chamindu Dhananjaya 33 n.o.)

* At Poregedara St. John’s Nugegoda: 165 in 56.2 overs (Pasindu Jayawardhane 66, Sadishan Samarasighe 35, Osanda Waravita 37, Dulana Perera 3/5, Sisira Thennakoon 3/41, Isuru Perera 2/32)

Lyceum International Panadura: 9/0 at close in 4 overs

*At Horana: Sri Palee Horana: 108 in 49.2 overs (Isuru Pethum 47, Hashen Lalindra 4/32, Stephan Surindu 2/24, Samindu Sahen 2/29) and 23/0 at close in 5 overs

Loyola Negombo: 146 in 43.1 overs (Hansaja Hiruna 67, Samindu Sahen 24, Dinuka Wanniarachchi 5/62, Kavindu Himansa 3/23, Chamath Chavpathi 2/22)

* At Boyagane: D. S. Senanayake NS Ampara: 209 in 59.4 overs (Kalpa Adithya 81, Harshaka Madusanka 36, R M H Madura 23, M. I. Amanda 20, C. P. Dissanayake 6/60, K. M. Werasooriya 4/30)

Sir John Kotalawala Central Kurunegala: 104/9 at close in 35 overs (T. K. Jayalath 37, M. I. Amanda 6/13, K. C. Sadushka 2/20)

* At Chilaw: St.Mary’s Chilaw: 268 in 63 overs (Charuka Tharindu 74 n.o., Dilushan Jayasanka 66, Shashika Dilshan 26, Dilesh Shenal 23, Sandalu Sathyanga 23, Yugeesha Dishan 7/74)

Sri Dharmaloka Kelaniya: 125/6 at close in 30 overs (Yugeesha Dishan 44, Pasindu Lakshika 21, Charuka Tharindu 4/42)

* At Darga Town: Sri Gnanissara MV Darga Town: 312/8 decl. in 57 overs (Vishwa Tharanga 97, Harsha Sandaruwan 41, Sithum Kalpa 67, Udith Rashan 38, Pasindu Dilshan 6/99)

Sripathi MV Wathugedara: 120/7 at close in 40 overs (Thimoth de Silva 53, M. Mafad 3/32)

* At Wadduwa: Wadduwa Central: 282 in 63.1 overs (Amila Thuruwan 116, Dasith Niwantha 37, Shehan Akshana 31, Dhanuja Rukshan 25, Gayan Sanjaya 7/83)

Sedawatta Siddhartha MMV Wellampitiya: 95 in 38.2 overs (Avishka Prasanna 22, Ruchira Koshitha 5/5, Haritha Thushan 2/25) and 8/1 at close in 4 overs.

- (YK)

Piliyandala Central’s dashing right hand batsman Chamod Sandaru, playing in the under 19 division II cricket tournament has reached the magical 1000 run mark this season.

How Chamod reached his 1000

Vs .Kagalu Vidyalaya Kegalle 1, 75

Vs Asoka Vidyalaya Colombo 90

Vs St Johns College Jaffna 1, 2*

Vs Galahitiyawa Central College 6, 29*

Vs Royal College Panadura 29

Vs Bandarawela Central College 12

Vs St.Johns College Panadura 58, 42

Vs Devananda College Ambalangoda 104

Vs Sri Dharmaloka College Kelaniya 10, 102

Vs Tissa Central College Kalutara 36, 39*

Vs Vidyartha College Kandy 1, 14

Vs St. Peters College Negombo 104, 114*

Vs .Sri Piyarathna College Padukka 1, 25*

Vs. Sri Jayawardanapura Vidyalaya Kotte 42, 63*

(* denotes not out)

Former Ananda College leg spinner Sajith Rupasinghe passed away in Australia and his funeral will take place in Melbourne, Australia. The 40-year-old Rupasinghe, the Vice Captain of the Ananda College Colombo under 19 team was the main spinner of the team during 1997-1998 school cricket season.

After leaving school Sajith joined Ragama SC and Moratuwa SC. He played only 19 first class matches in the domestic tournament. Later he gave his service as a qualified coach. He has obtained Australia level one and level two qualification as a coach and served Melbourne clubs.

He was a dedicated coach and one time helped his school Ananda College as the under 19 Assistant coach.

He was one of the best leg spinners Ananda has produced under the guidance of veteran coach Anuruddha Polonnowita.

St. Anthony’s College, Katugastota with fifteen senior players in their ranks are hoping for better things in the coming inter-school rugby season. They took up to rugby long after the school introduced sports like cricket, boxing, hockey, football and athletics. Only in the 1950’s did the Antonians take to the oval ball and Bruce Winter became their first rugby captain. A big hand should go to their great coach of that era, old Trinitian Bobby Jayaweera who spared no pains to teach the Antonians how they should handle the oval ball. Later Maurice Perera helped in coaching the Antonians. From the day, they touched the oval ball, the game became very popular. In the early days, it remained just an introduction of the game for quite some time, with no signs of attracting the enthusiasm of youthful Antonians. Though they started rugby in the 1950’s it was only in 1961 that unprecedented enthusiasm was created and rugby received a big boost and backing from all quarters. Particularly at its inception, many of the leading schools provided the Antonians with 2nd XV fixtures. It was only in 1962 that the Antonians were able to play against the 1st XV teams.

In fact, that was the first time that Katugastota ruggerites played Trinity, Royal and S. Thomas’s senior teams. They were led by Win Chu Wei, the rest of players were Kenny Duff-Tytler, brothers Upali and Ranjith Fernando, Winston Vanderpooten, Chris Duff-Tytler, Barney Daniel, brothers Charlie and Michael Joseph, Franklyn Paul, Spencer Dias, Tutu Thenuwara, Christy Gomez, lan Fernando, Freddie Baptist. Then in 1963 and 1964 Antonians did well in rugby under Ranjith Fernando and Saliya Kulatunge. Both were selected to play for the Outstation Schools’ team against the Colombo Schools’.

Although the 1965 and 1966 teams, led by Michael Macky and Patrick Gunaratne respectively, did not fare well, they nevertheless maintained a high standard of rugby. Despite not having a regular coach, the 1967 team captained by Basil Hyde, fared quite well, winning only one game and losing eight. Four members of this 1967 team namely Basil Hyde, Malcolm Dias, H.M. Kuthdoos and Randy Sims, won their rugby colours for their outstanding performances during the season.

It was in 1968 that Antonian rugby showed real maturity, when, for the first time, the team led by H.M. Kuthdoos held the much fancied Trinitians to a 3-all draw at Peradeniya in a block-buster game. In that season St Anthony’s won 6 matches beating much fancied teams like St. Joseph’s, Royal, St. Peter’s, St. Benedict’s and S. Thomas’, and lost two matches and drew two.After quite a long wait, Antonian rugby enjoyed one of the finest years in 1972 when for the first time they beat Trinity College 13-7 in a nail-biting finish. That year the Antonians were coached by the famous Havelock SC, Kandy Lake Club and Sri Lanka center three quarter Maurice de Silva. Credit should go to E.W.Balasuirya for bringing Maurice to Kandy. The side led by Tuan Dole won seven games against, St. Joseph’s, St. Benedict’s, Kingswood, S. Thomas’, Thurstan and Trinity, and drew with St. Peter’s and lost to Royal.

Antonians have produce some top players with Priyantha Ekanayake standing tall above everyone.

He is first Antonian to captain the Sri Lanka rugby team, and that too for a record ten consecutive years. He also had the privilege of leading the national team to four consecutive Asiads a record yet to be broken.

Antonians this year are in Group II A with schools like St .Joseph’s College, Isipathana College, Trinity College, Zahira College, St. Anthony’s College and Science College. The groupings are based on last year’s positions in the Schools Rugby League. Their first game is with Isipathana at Nittawela, followed by Trinity at Pallekelle, Science at Nittawela and Zahira in Colombo,

According to their new coach, Ronnie Ibrahim who started his rugby at Kingswood College they are fielding a young and talented side. The seniors in their ranks are 5th year player Mohamed Makrim, the captain who is one of the best fly halveas, his deputy no. 8 forward Lashan Mahindaratna who is also in his 5th year. Others are 4th year players prop Shashika Wijewardeana, Ruvan Amarasinghe who can fit in as lock and flank forward, Suhail Waseem scrum half, Niranjan Ranaweera wing-three-quarter, Theeksha Gunasinha fly half, fullback or scrum half, Kavishka Jayasooriya center three quarter, and flank forward Nihan Perera.

The third year players are lock forward Mathish Amerasinghe, Thushara Ekanayake who can play as wing-three-quarter and fullback, and Roshan Selvaraj flank forward. Isuru Ariyapala flanker this will be in his 2nd year along with other second year players like prop forward Peresy Ambrose and Mathish Amarasinghe.

Their coaching staff comprises coach Ronny Ibrahim, Piyumal Manchanyake handling the forwards, and Pradeep Liyanage the backs.

The team manager will be Arunda Ranasingha and MIC Wasantha Jayasundara. They have formed a new rugby board where principal Rev. Fr. Henry Wijeratne is the patron and Priyantha Ekanayake the director rugby. The Board members are Christy Joshua, Jude Pillai, Annul Mendis, Rohan Daulagala, and Roshan Dhammika.

The invitational seven-a-side soccer tournament organized by the ‘Thomian Api Uyanwatta Old Boys’ to celebrate 175 anniversary of Matara St. Thomas’ College will be worked off on February 16 from 8.30 a.m. at the Uyanwatta football grounds.

Teams from St. Thomas, St. Servatius, Rahula, Richmond-Galle, Mahinda - Galle, Vidyaloka-Galle, St. Aloysius - Galle, St. Sebastien’s - Moratuwa, St. Sylvester’s-Kandy, Lumbini- Colombo, Dharmapala - Pannipitiya, Dharmashoka-Ambalangoda will participate in the tournament. The opening ceremony will be held on February 15, 4.00p.m. with Thomian old boy Brayan Ranasinghe and school principal B. Piyatissa being the guests.

The Travel Trade Sports Club will be quite busy for the next 03 weeks. Even before they held their AGM, the 2019 events calendar went into motion with the Archery Championships coming up on February 15.

The TTSC 43rd AGM is scheduled to be held on February 20 at Ramada Colombo, 4.30 pm.

Immediately after the AGM, the 06th Carom Championships will held on February 23 at the Galadari Hotel. Entries have been invited for Carom from the 170 strong TTSC Membership, closing on February 18 with Gayani Karunaratne, C/o Aitken Spence Travels, Vauxhall Tower II, 04 th Floor, Vauxhall Street Colombo 2.

At the previous tournament held on 24th March 2018 at Galadari Hotel’s roof top fine dining restaurant, the ‘California Grill’ – where, Cinnamon Lakeside won the Men’s Team Championship.

I remember with massive sentiment and compulsive emotions..the euphoric sensation of levitation as my club grabbed the triple. (the 7s, league Championship and Knockout Trophy.)

My immediate reaction was pure relief and the need absorb the raw energy of victory with my team ...to share the pleasure and pain of achieving the impossible.

.A crescendo of pumping endorphins saturating my vessels induced composure, particularly as this was the 2nd time we beat all contenders to the triple.

The mind was grinning from ear to ear ...the incredible achievement, a result of immense logistics, tremendous financial clout, fanatical club loyalists, phenomenal player workrate, natural talent and skills that beggared description.

Much credit to the club top brass for the support., and the rugby committee for the rock solid foundation and secure player welfare.

2019 is no different for the boys at Nittawela, Havelock park or maitland crescent.

It’s all down to survival at all costs, careful injury rehabilitation and wellness, plus vitally needed fuel to ignite muscle memory and enhance performance for the next few critical weekends.

Burning questions..can Kandy defend their league title?

Will Havelocks have power to force Kandy into submission?

Can this remarkable revival at CH stun the nation and shatter all records to win at last , ?

Pundits , experts , self appointrd social media specialists who openly challenge refs and teams of not having the basics ..or the right attitude.

They question the refs : they don’t aspire to much and consider the huge role they play in successful and consistent delivery of minimum error game that leaves us faithful fans , gasping for more and accumulated adrenaline to transform the brain and grey matter...

Of course the focus is on your captain and leader to drive the mind for more signficant and impact .

Scum time is beyond average beings ...and the forward 8 ,expected at every breskup opposite each other, and the mouth watering battle lines between all the top contenders.

Signature skills on display will be a delicious platter at the buffet ..we can marvel at the appetite and acknowledge the arrogant skill under pressure.

Only the coach who is patient under pressure will be able to marshal his team and key players to absorb the maximum, before they grind the opposing team into the turf.

Planning is all on your strengths and exploiting their weaknesses..a fact that becomes painfully obvious, as one team starts to wobble for lack of match fitness, unforced errors creeping up..and missed tackles clocking up at an alarming rate. These are huge signs to the trained eye and immediate response to up the pressure from your opponents bench.

The last quarter...a matter of strategy, endurance, fitness, skill and adrenaline available. Essentially the toughest place on the park. The mind for more now steps up ..and deliberately separating the men from the boys...enhances reaction time and anoints the strength and appetite of fitter survivor.

The game morphs into all sorts and composure for team and management....almost a surgical response under pressure...every decision essential and imperative for the anticipated results.

For CR ...Omalka and his impact yatds , has to be a value addition at right time and inside the opposing 22mn. 8f you run him into rucks and mauls in your own half..expect less work and even less tries.

Tarindu Ratwatte was the versatile ball player, mighty effective both in attack and defense....kicking intelligently for his breakaways to rip holes score tries and dominate the 2 halves.

Kavindu p captain. Rezae Raffai, Rahul De Silva, will lead CR’s challenge by example and coach Mushtaq handed the mopping up after Nilufer Ibrahim resigned last month.

To contemplate Kandy , CH.and Havelocks is a task for our experts on the big World rugby list ...to dissect and neatly map a performance indicator per half.

Kandy will be licking their battered bodies and K tape ice and balm for their bruised egos.

CH ‘did much damage in the tries scored ...the red and white sword cutting the Loins in stride , effective before they could hit the gain line.

Interesting to see if Nigel Ratwatte will control at fly half with Danu Ranjan at centre.

Thilina Wijey consistent as always available to finish with skipper Ritchie , Wilivera, Lavanga and Danush D.

Udangamuwa has been and effective weapon and massive gains ...formidable when the likes Lema Pathirana , Anthony Soy , and the beast Kalhara carve the workload up.

Coach Sean Wijey with some practical options to give the Lions plenty of confidence under lights at Havies and plenty of pressure to defend their lines against the Havies runners.

Captain Niroshan , Sandun Herath hopefully fully match fit, Dabere showing good pace on the counter and Reza with his educated boot , giving Havies a real shot at Kandys exposed passages...as CH did last Sunday with 33 points ...

The maitland machine has a grudge return vs Army ...and a bonus win is the dictate from coach Ronny ...pleasing to see Satya Ranatunga, Sajith Saranga, Melder,, Sasanka Ariya and Priyadarsh grinding away at the opposite pack, running at them and impact tackles to stifle effective gains.

Muthu as hungry as ever and hugely effective in attack and defense.

Yoshida hopefully fit to cause much confusion in the Havies ranks this Saturday.

Viraj Prashan getting a lot more work and discipline in the set plays. Scrum time for CH is 820kgs on the drive in 3rd gear ..an imposing sight for anyone ?

Rohita, Nishon, Herath, Gaouda having good gains and Navin off the bench is marvelous to have as options .

The most lethal Maduwantha method doing maximum damage , scoring tries, kicking effective from all.corners ..already clocked up 150points and still lots in that armory.

Sam Maduwan gets about his job in the middle with confident ease ...and is easily rated for effectiveness with the best no 10s in the game.

Sam does inspire and lines up an impressive list with the likes of Beauden Barret ,NZ... Johnny Sexton IRE ...Colin Farrel ENG..etc..

Magical weekends on the cards and huge impact pit stops till the league and super rounds are done and dusted.

Pack wise and practical.

If driving park early..

Be prepared for all conditions.

Charge up the vocals and drive the adrenaline to its capacity.

Bula bula big games and Sri islanders skills..

Durban, Wednesday: Vishwa Fernando took four wickets as underdogs Sri Lanka heeded new captain Dimuth Karunaratne’s call to “compete in every session” on the first day of the first Test against South Africa at Kingsmead on Wednesday.

South Africa, overwhelming favourites against a team seemingly in disarray, were bowled out for 235. Sri Lanka were 49 for one at the close.

Left-arm opening bowler Fernando dismissed both South African opening batsmen cheaply as the hosts found themselves floundering at 17 for three after being sent in on a pitch which offered bounce and swing on a partially overcast morning.

Fernando, 27, playing in his fourth Test, went on to claim career-best figures of four for 62. Kasun Rajitha took three for 68.

Wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock, batting at number six because South Africa picked five specialist bowlers, gave the South African innings some respectability by hitting 80 off 94 balls before he was last man out.

Sri Lanka lost Lahiru Thirimanne, caught behind off Dale Steyn for nought, but Karunaratne batted confidently to be 28 not out at the close, while new cap Oshada Fernando went on the attack when South African captain Faf du Plessis turned to spin bowling as the light faded to finish on 17 not out.

Sri Lanka came into the match having lost six of their most recent seven Tests and with several changes in playing personnel, including the dropping of regular captain Dinesh Chandimal, and selectors.

Vishwa Fernando arguably owed his place in the team to the fact that three of Sri Lanka’s leading fast bowlers were missing because of injury. But he produced a superb opening spell, having Dean Elgar caught behind and bowling Aiden Markram with a ball which swung back into the stumps.

Fernando dismissed Elgar with his fourth delivery before a run had been scored and should have had the wicket of Hashim Amla two balls later. He appealed passionately for a leg before wicket decision and the Sri Lankans were ruled to have taken too long before asking for a review of umpire Aleem Dar’s decision.

Replays showed the ball had pitched in line and would have hit the stumps – and that Sri Lanka’s request for a review had come three seconds before the maximum 15 seconds allowed.

The lapse was inexpensive as Amla made only three before being caught low down at second slip by Kusal Mendis off Suranga Lakmal, who had an outstanding first spell of one for six in seven overs.

Temba Bavuma and Du Plessis rode out the early storm and gradually started to change the momentum in a 72-run partnership which was ended in the last over before lunch when Du Plessis was caught down the legside by wicketkeeper Niroshan Dickwella off Rajitha for 35.

Bavuma looked the most assured of the South African batsmen but was run out for 47 off 68 balls, with seven fours, when a straight drive by De Kock ricocheted off bowler Fernando’s boot into the stumps at the bowler’s end. After numerous replays television umpire Ian Gould decided Bavuma had narrowly failed to get his bat behind the crease. AFP

The main purpose of our alliance is to focus on two major tasks to bring back the glorious day of Sri Lanka cricket back and to stop corruption in cricket, said Sri Lanka Cricket presidential candidate Jayantha Dharmadasa at a media briefing held at Nawaloka Hospital Auditorium yesterday.

“In the past three years Sri Lanka cricket has been at its lowest state mainly due to corruption and mismanagement on an unprecedented scale by the previous administration who were elected in 2016,” said Dharmadasa.

“Opposing camps are blaming me that I was making money using SLC through the Health Care partner. We (at Nawaloka Hospital) became a Health Care partner with SLC after I left SLC and we are paying Rs. 2.8 million annually for the sponsorship,” he said.

Speaking further Dharmadasa said: “Holding the chairman’s post in 20 companies in Sri Lanka I do not need to depend on SLC money. I am a good administrator in the business field and we paid salaries during my time as SLC president.

“In the opposition only Ravin Wickramaratne is employed at a mobile service provider company the rest don’t have any business. You can see who dependent on the SLC.”

Dharmadasa further went onto state that the Mohan de Silva administration was removed by the then Minister of Sports due to the loss suffered by SLC but our team was dissolved by the former Sports Minister Navin Dissanayake in 2015 because our electing period expired.

“Due to numerous request from the stakeholders and cricket loving general public we have come forward as a group of experienced cricket administrators and past cricketers and financial experts to form a well-balanced professional team,” said Dharmadasa.

Speaking at the press conference Minister Arjuna Ranatunga said that the Sri Lanka team should be better motivated and psychologically prepared for the World Cup.

“I was not involved in any cricket matter for the past three years and it was the previous management that ran cricket. But after the ICC decided to appoint its first permanent anti-corruption representative in Sri Lanka we all felt guilty. This team requested me to join them and I clearly said that I will manage the cricket and for the rest to do the management part.

Everyone is a specialist in their field so I will assure after we get elected there is no room for corruption and match fixing,” said Ranatunga.

He further said that in the past cricketers endeavoured to ensure that Sri Lanka reached the pinnacle in all forms of cricket in the international arena through commitment, sacrifice and dedication toward the country but today players focus on their personnel gains not on the team’s development.

London, Wednesday: West Indies fast bowler Shannon Gabriel was Wednesday suspended for four one-day internationals after breaching the International Cricket Council’s code of conduct over comments made to England’s Joe Root.

Gabriel has been fined 75 per cent of his match fee for the incident during the third Test in St Lucia and handed three demerit points, taking his total to eight -- enough to be banned for four ODIs or two Tests.

The nature of the paceman’s words is not known but England captain Root was picked up on stump microphones telling Gabriel: “Don’t use it as an insult. There’s nothing wrong with being gay.” AFP

Defenders SC powered their way to a 3 goals to 1 win over Blue Stars SC Kalutara in the final of the Dialog league football championship played at the Sugathadasa Stadium yesterday.

MA Askoor Rahuman (2) and MNM Issadeen scored for the winners who led 2-1 at half time. Uwanaka Chinezie scored Blue Stars solitary goal. In the play-off for third place Colombo FC defeated Sri Lanka Navy 4-0. -BP

With the growing success as a surfing destination, Sri Lanka has received the opportunity to host the World’s most accomplished surfers in a World Qualifying Series competition in June at Arugam Bay.

This exciting opportunity is a perfect showcase for the growing world of surfing in Sri Lanka and would strengthen its place as a first-class surf tourism destination.

For many years’ surfers have travelled from far to experience the magical waves of Arugam Bay and now it may present itself on the world stage of competition surfing.

The World Surf League is the home of professional surfing. World Qualifying Series events are given Star Ratings and this particular event would be a 6-star event, the highest rating in this series, up with the Hawaiian events and attracting the very best of professional surfing’s top performers.