It was a rare occasion when a true sportsman becomes a promoter of the game in a big way. It was witnessed when the sponsors of the Observer-Mobitel Schoolboy/Schoolgirl Cricketers of the Year found a versatile sportsman as Sri Lanka Telecom Chairman in Rohan Fernando.

Old Thomian Fernando, as President of the Sri Lanka Rowing Association and ex-Vice President of the National Olympic Committee of Sri Lanka, was a superb rower during his day who has been appointed the Chairman of the Sri Lanka Telecom and SLT Mobitel.

Thus, it is going to be a successful new era for telecommunication as well as sports in Sri Lanka as the giant company is in safe hands. The Mega Show is sponsored by Sri Lanka’s national mobile service provider, Sri Lanka Telecom Mobitel.

Under his new vision as the Chairman of Sri Lanka Telecom and SLT Mobitel Fernando and the backing of the Chief Executive Officer of SLT Mobitel Nalin Perera, the Mother of all Show is sure to blossom to play a key role towards the success of the event during the past 12 years.

With the long-standing association of the Sri Lanka Schools Cricket Association (SLSCA), the Sri Lanka Cricket Umpires and Scorers Association and Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), the Observer-Mobitel Schoolboy Cricketer of the Year contest has gone from strength to strength since its inception way back in 1979.

Ever since its inception as the Observer Schoolboy Cricketer of the Year 42 years ago, it was Ranjan Madugalle who opened the innings for a galaxy of stars to follow by becoming the first ever Observer Schoolboy Cricketer of the Year in 1978/79.

Since then, he has come a long way, captaining NCC and the Sri Lanka team with distinction before finally holding his current position as the Chief Match Referee of the ICC for almost two decades. It was a singular honour for Sri Lanka as a country to have one of its greatest cricketers in that elite position.

In a previous interview with the ‘Sunday Observer’, Madugalle lavishly praised the Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Limited (ANCL – Lake House) and the country’s flagship English newspaper for promoting school cricket.

Madugalle, who turned 60 on April 22 last year, represented Sri Lanka in 21 Tests, aggregating 1,029 runs with a top score of 103 against India. He has played in 63 ODIs to aggregate 950 runs. He made a debut half century in Test cricket, scoring 65 runs against England in Sri Lanka’s inaugural Test, minutes after Arjuna Ranatunga had become the country’s first ever half centurion in Tests. Madugalle returned to the ‘Observer Schoolboy Cricketer’ presentation podium on its 40th anniversary in 2018 as the chief guest. “I stand here with a great sense of nostalgia and I can still remember the day I received the Observer Schoolboy Cricketer of the Year award in the inaugural show hosted by the Sunday Observer. The award is a lasting memory and I will treasure that moment forever,” Madugalle said in his special address as the chief guest.

“Cricket is a noble game. It moulds one’s character and makes it a way of life to the individual concerned. The great game of cricket is governed by laws. Although the laws have changed from time to time to suit modern demands, one has to play the game within the laws because no one is greater than the game and its laws of cricket,” he said.

“While playing the game within the laws of the game, the players must respect their opponents. All are human beings and we must learn to take victory and defeat in the same spirit. In cricket what I have learnt all these years is to treat the opposite side players not as opponents, but as friends. There are many things that one has got to learn from the game. Team strategy and leadership will ultimately bring success and rejoicing and a disciplined mind and body.” These were Madugalle’s special words of advice to the schoolboy cricketers present on that occasion. When the success story of the mega event is spoken about, one cannot forget the lavish contribution made by Sri Lanka Telecom Mobitel which has been the proud sponsor of the Observer-Mobitel Schoolboy Cricketer of the Year show since 2008.

With Mobitel’s support, the standard of the event entered a new era with lavish cash incentives and high quality trophies to the outstanding schoolboy cricketers. Even their coaches and masters-in-change, who have done a silent job behind the scenes, too have been richly rewarded.

Besides Madugalle, several legendary Sri Lanka cricketers including the world’s highest Test wicket taker Muttiah Muralitharan, star all-rounder Sanath Jayasuriya and World Cup winning captain Arjuna Ranatunga have entered the big league after their graduation at the Mega Show.

Sri Lanka’s World Cup winning captain Ranatunga, who had won the Observer Schoolboy Cricketer of the Year twice in 1980 and 1982, said it is the dream of any schoolboy cricketer to win the Observer Schoolboy Cricketer of the Year award.

“It’s great to conduct the Schoolboy Cricketer of the Year Contest since 1979 to encourage the budding schoolboy cricketers,” he said in an interview. “I am happy at the improvement of outstation cricket as the game has spread far and wide in the country”.

Many Sri Lankan cricketing giants of the past and the present are those who have either won the prestigious and coveted Schoolboy Cricketer of the Year Award or won other awards at the contest,” Ranatunga added. Former Sri Lanka captain and ex-ICC Match Referee Roshan Mahanama, who had won the main title in successive years in 1983 and 1984, said the Observer Schoolboy Cricketer of the Year contest has always motivated schoolboy cricketers.

“These events had motivated us as emerging players. It is always a great motivation when you know your achievements are recognized at the end of the season. It was a great honour a schoolboy cricketer could win. I was privileged to achieve one of my dreams during a school career,” he said.

Former Nalanda College captain tuned Sri Lanka cricketer Asanka Gurusinha, the winner of the Observer Schoolboy Cricketer of the Year title in 1985, said witnessing his school senior Roshan Mahanama, who won this award twice in 1983 and 1984, was a great inspiration to him.

“I knew how prestigious the award is and the importance of winning the Observer Schoolboy Cricketer of the Year award. It is not an award that everybody could win. One has to perform exceptionally well and be consistent right throughout a season to win that – work really hard to reach the pinnacle of a school career.

“The Observer Schoolboy Cricketer of the Year show has not only produced top cricketers but an ICC elite panel umpire such as Kumara Dharmasena,” Gurusinha said in his previous interview.

Former Sri Lanka captain and ex-Chairman of Selectors Sanath Jayasuriya, who was an architect of Sri Lanka’s World Cup triumph in 1996, had won the Observer-Mobitel Schoolboy Cricketer of the Year – Outstation title in 1988. Jayasuriya said that it is hard to express that great feeling he got after winning the title exactly 30 years ago.

“Not only me but also my parents, brother, relatives, coaches and school masters, they all enjoyed that cherished moment.

It was a great feeling. All past winners before me, be it the All-island or Outstation, had made their mark in Sri Lanka cricket.

So, when I won the title, I felt that I am getting closer to earning a place in the national squad,” Jayasuriya said.

ICC Elite Panel umpire, Kumara Dharmasena, the winner of the Observer Schoolboy Cricketer of the Year award in 1989, said that it was one of the greatest moments in his career as a cricketer.

Kandy had its baptism in football during World War One when the British units were stationed there with the onetime Commander in Chief of the Allied Forces stationed in South East Asia, Admiral Lord Louis Mountabatten having his headquarters in the hill capital. Several top British footballers displayed their versatility, representing the Kingstown and Queenstown regiments, the Royal artillery and also the West African Rifles, which had quite a few Negro stars in it. Football was the main sport at that time in the hills.

The game increased in popularity day by day, because it was played with great interest. The sport with foreign flavor was getting popular and it was played everywhere. Some were seen playing it in the streets and also where any space was available football was played. The late doyen of sports M. S. Jainudeen, was the kingpin, and the man behind the scene who formed the Kandy Amateur Football league with support from the Foreign Military men and some other keen men of Kandy in the early 1940’s.

The KAFL subsequently changed its name to Kandy District Football League and also served football in Matale, Nawalapitiya, Gampola, Kurunegala and Kegalle. As the years rolled by these towns formed their own leagues. When football in Colombo and elsewhere received a setback as far as Ceylonese exponents of the game were concerned, the game was more or less confined to the permanent population as well as to the Services. Early in 1942, however, there appeared to be a lack of interest in the game and the efforts made by S.C. Traill, the then secretary to call a meeting of the League having failed was compelled to return the trophies to the donors.

Then came the Kandy Football Referees Association with pioneers like Philip Buultjens, Kingsley Abeyasinghe, R. Jaymon, S. A. C. “Gunner” Mohideen as active referees and later A. J. M. Yusuf, M. E. Marikar, Tom Ossen, A. Razak, B.D. Alfred, J. Jinadasa, T.T. Jamal, M. K. Mohamed, M. Jamaldeen and K.L.H. Suriman Wickremasinghe,

During that time Col. V. H. L. Anthonis, A. C. L. Ratwatte and E. L. Senanayake former Mayor and Minister gave a big hand with Jainudeen as the secretary. In mid 1970’s Dr. C. D. L. Fernando took over the presidency and held it till his death in the mid 1980’s. From him William Premaratne took over and in the 1990’s football was almost dying until Police officer B.M. Liyanage came on the scene and once again football hit the top by winning the Everyday trophy for the first time. At that time Liyanage was in UK on a mission and Hafiz Marikar acted as its president. That is the time the Kandy Football League won a title for the first time - the inter-league plum by beating the strong Police SC at Ratnapura in 1992. That win earned them a tour to Nepal and they also won there. Later through the Kandy league, Liyanage became the president of the FFSL and Hafiz Marikar was one time, Secretary Administration, Team Manager and Secretary General - both were firsts from Kandy to hold these positions.

Till the year 2001, the keen football lover kept the game going strong, and the sport was at its best. Today it is difficult to say, if the game is of the same standard as in the good old days. Will Kandy’s football reach its past glory? It is sad to note how Kandy has forgotten their football. For many years no AGM or tournaments at club level have been played.

The Saints go marching in for another year of excitement, comradery, and outstanding sportsmanship, as the 86th annual cricketer encounter between traditional rivals, St. Joseph’s College and St. Peter’s College, sponsored by Dialog, will play for the Rev. Father Maurice J. Le Goc Trophy, on March 6 and 7 at the P. Sara Oval in Colombo.

In the 2020 encounter, the lads from Darley Road will be led by all-rounder Johanne De Zilwa, while the team from Bambalapitiya will be under the captaincy of wicket-keeper and batsman Shannon Fernando.

Speaking at a media conference, Rev. Fr. Ranjith Andradi, the Rector of the hosting school of the 86th ‘Battle of the Saints’, St. Joseph’s College, said, “the fierce but friendly rivalry between Sri Lanka’s two leading catholic schools for the Rev. Fr. Maurice J. Le Goc Trophy is one of the most looked forward to events in Sri Lanka’s sporting calendar that draws both the young and old. I give my blessings to both schools.”

Rev. Fr. Rohitha Rodrigo, Rector of St. Peter’s College, Colombo, said, “The annual cricket encounter has a rich history of tradition and comradery for over eight decades. The playing fields of the ‘Battle of the Saints’ have forged many players who have represented the game at the highest level and brought much honour to Mother Lanka. The ‘Big Match’ between our two institutions is one of the most looked forward to events in the Sri Lanka schools cricket calendar and this year will be no exception. I wish both schools the very best to deliver 2 days of exhilarating cricket!”

“We would like to thank the management of Dialog Axiata for the generous gesture to sponsor the 86th encounter of the Annual ‘Battle of the Saints’” were the words echoed by both Rectors.

St. Joseph’s College leads the series tally with 12 wins, their last win coming under the captaincy of Ruwantha Fernandopulle in 2008, while St. Peter’s College were the worthy winners of the 2016 encounter under Vinu Mohotty, bringing their tally to 10 wins, which ensured the Rev. Father Maurice J. Legoc Trophy was kept securely in the trophy cabinet in Bambalapitiya.

Nirmalal Perera, Captain of the Josephian XI in 1981, will grace the Big match as the Chief Guest, while Damian Perera who skippered the Peterite XI in 1994, will be the Chief Guest at the limited over game.

Further, the members of the 1970 team, led by Hector Perera of St. Joseph’s and Rory Inman of St. Peter’s will grace the 86th edition of the ‘Battle of the Saints’ as the Guests of Honour.

The two schools have the distinction of having produced several players to the National Team, with current Sri Lanka test skipper Dimuth Karunaratne, Angelo Mathews, Chaminda Vaas, Thisara Perera, Ashley De Silva, Michael Van Dort, Roshen Silva, Priyamal Perera, and Sadeera Samarawickrama having represented St. Joseph’s College, while Roy Dias, Rumesh Ratnayake, Russell Arnold, Vinodhan John, Amal Silva, Kaushal Lokuarachchi, Malinda Warnapura, and Angelo Perera have represented St. Peter’s College.

The Sri Lanka Under 16 Girls cricket team formed in Adelaide, South Australia known as ‘Muthuhara Girls Cricket Team’ has entered for the T20 Adelaide Strikers Girls Cricket League.

They will be playing cricket matches with the following clubs from 15 February: Walkerville Club and Penham & Hopevalley Clubs – each team will play two matches against each other.

The Sri Lanka Under 16 Girls team is coached by Old Nalandian Duminda Kottahachchi and the match co-ordinator is Rebecca Lee, former student University of Adelaide, SA. The manager of the team is Kumudini Silva, Chief Organiser of ‘Muthuhara’ in Adelaide, SA.

Old foe, Nawaloka Hospitals and Maliban Biscuits (the 2019 MCA ‘E’ division finalist) advanced to the final of the 1st ‘CBL-Munchee’ Trophy –MCA ‘D’ division 40 Over League Tournament 2020.

In the semifinals that took place recently, unbeaten, Maliban Biscuits scored a comprehensive 92 run win over DPMC, whilst Nawaloka Hospitals romped to a comfortable 80 run victory over debutants and giant killer, Mode Engineering.

Maliban’s remained to be the only unbeaten team in the tournament, this win superbly carved out by centurion, Anjula Perera, who hit a belligerent 101 in 63 balls inclusive of 3 sixes and 12 fours and the brilliant bowling performance by right-arm medium pacer, Lahiru Dushantha who grabbed 6 wickets for 22 runs in 7.1 overs.

The match winners for Nawaloka Hospitals were half centurions, Deshan Fernando (57 in 77 balls with 1 six & 4 fours) and Samila Nadeesh (56 in 50 balls with 8 fours) and bowlers, Sanka Poorna (4 for 27 in 6 overs which one of them was a maiden) and Thiwanka Kakulawela (4 for 29 in 7.3 overs, which two of them were maidens)

Both finalists played in the same group in the league stage and Maliban had the satisfaction of beating Nawaloka by 9 wickets in their league outing on December 15 at Mattegoda.

The final between Maliban Biscuits and Nawaloka Hospitals will take place this Sunday, February 16 at the MCA grounds, commencing at 10.00 am.

Match Results

* Top Half Semifinal at MCA : Maliban Biscuit beat DPMC by 92 runs

Maliban Biscuit - 233/9 (40) (Anjula Perera 101, Nethminda Perera 34, Gihan Anurudda 28, Dilan Chathuranga 28, Lakshan De Silva 5/12, Manjula Gannile 3/43 )

David Pieris Motor Company - 141 (33.1) ( Lakshan De Silva 50, Lahiru Dushantha 6/22, Venura Gayashan 2/28 )

* Bottom half Semifinal at Mattegoda : Nawaloka Hospitals beat Mode Engineering by 80 runs

Nawaloka Hospitals - 228 (38.1) ( Deshan Fernando 57, Samila Nadeesh 56, Thiwanka Kekulawala 26, Gayan Prasanga 22, D S N Ruberu 20, Manoj Bandara 3/54, Maheesh Theekshana 2/26, Asanga Kularathne 2/40 )

Mode Engineering - 148 (34.3) ( Maheesh Theekshana 42, Gagana Kumarage 41, Sanka Poorna 4/27, Thiwanka Kekulawala 4/29 )

Match tickets to witness the matches of the West Indies tour of Sri Lanka 2020 can now be purchased via online by visiting www.cricket.lk states a media release from Sri Lanka Cricket.

Apart from the online selling of tickets, the public will also be able to purchase tickets from the following ticket counters, starting from the given days:

15thFebruary, 2020 – SLC Headquarters

25th February, 2020 – MRICS, Hambantota

27th February, 2020 – Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Kandy

The respective ticket counters will be kept opened from 9.30 am to 5.00 pm.

East London, Tuesday: Dale Steyn is determined to be part of South Africa’s squad for the T20 World Cup in Australia in October and November after switching his focus from Test cricket to the shortest form of the game.

South Africa’s all-time leading Test wicket-taker will be 37 by the time the global showpiece starts and has not played international cricket since last March.

But he said on Tuesday he was looking forward to his comeback in the first Twenty20 international against England at Buffalo Park on Wednesday.

Steyn said he had discussed some options for life after cricket but that was something for the future.

Steyn was selected for the 2019 Cricket World Cup in England and Wales but didn’t play a game before returning home with a shoulder injury.

He announced his retirement from Test matches in August and said he would devote the rest of his career to limited overs cricket.

But he didn’t play in the three-match one-day series against England which ended on Sunday and he indicated on Tuesday that his focus had narrowed to the 20-overs format.

Steyn said that he planned to play in T20 leagues in Pakistan and India in the coming months.

He said his decision to quit Tests, after taking a South African record 439 wickets in 93 matches, was because of the workload.

He said that in Test cricket he had prided himself on being able to bowl at high pace throughout a long day.

Steyn said he hoped to perform well himself but also to impart some of his knowledge to the young bowlers in South Africa’s line-up.

England stars Ben Stokes, Jos Buttler and Mark Wood return for the three-match T20 series after being rested during the one-day matches. - AFP

All-rounder Thisara Perera who at the beginning of the year joined the Gajaba Regiment of the Sri Lanka Army as a Major has been recalled to the Sri Lanka cricket squad of 20 named for the One-Day International (ODI) and Twenty20 International (T20I) series against West Indies starting later this month.

The West Indies ODI cricket team led by hard hitting all-rounder Kieron Pollard arrived in Sri Lanka on Monday for a series of 3 ODIs and 2 T20Is.

Perera, a match-winning cricketer on his day fell out of favour with the national selectors after the Bangladesh ODI series in July last year and spent most of his time playing in T20 league around the world in the Caribbean League for St Lucia Zouks and in the Bangladesh Premier League for Dhaka Platoon and also in the Abu Dhabi T10 where he captained Bangla Tigers to third place.

Perera (30) will fight for a place for the number seven spot with another all-rounder Dasun Shanaka in both the ODI and T20I formats.

The national selectors have picked a 20-member squad to play in both series with Dimuth Karunaratne leading Sri Lanka in the three-match ODI series starting at the SSC on February 22 and old warhorse Lasith Malinga retaining the T20I captaincy for yet another series which commences at Pallekele on March 4.

Apart from Perera’s recall there are no major changes to the squad named for the two formats.

Malinga whose leadership has been under scrutiny has been given another opportunity to redeem himself as a player and a captain. He had a poor series in India where he failed in both areas and the chief selector and head coach it is learnt has spoken to him and told him that he must pull up his socks at training and improve his leadership and performances at matches.

Since Malinga was reappointed T20 captain in January 2019, Sri Lanka has lost 10 matches under him and has won just once. The chief selector and head coach are ready to accept the fact that other members of the team too should chip in with contributions if the team is to win, but Malinga as a leader has to set an example.

The core issue with Sri Lanka has been their top order batting in white ball cricket where the batsmen have failed to put up competitive totals to give the bowlers a fair chance of bowling or restricting the opposition.

The coaching staff under new head coach Mickey Arthur has been working with the boys trying to iron out the weak areas and we have been told by the chairman of selectors that there will be a big improvement by the team during the West Indies series.

The 20-member squad commenced training at the R Premadasa Stadium yesterday in preparation for the series. They will train at this venue till February 17 before moving into the team hotel on February 19.

In the last ODI series played in Pakistan Danushka Gunathilaka and Avishka Fernando opened the batting in the third and final match, but with Karunaratne returning to the side as captain – he missed the Pakistan tour on grounds of security concerns – there is going to be a keen tussle for the openers’ berth.

Gunathilaka in fact scored his maiden ODI hundred in Sri Lanka’s last ODI against Pakistan played at Karachi in October.

In the 2019 World Cup Karunaratne who led the side opened the batting with Kusal Perera who is now expected to bat at number three with Kusal Mendis at four, Angelo Mathews at five, Dhananajaya de Silva at six and either Dasun Shanaka or Thisara Perera at seven.

The wicket-keeper’s position is also interesting with Niroshan Dickwella being named in the squad. It will be either Dickwella or Kusal Perera who will take on the gloves.

THARANGA, THIRIMANNE TO LEAD

Former Sri Lanka ODI captain Upul Tharanga will lead a Sri Lanka Cricket XI side for West Indies’ opening warm-up game one-day game at the P Sara Oval on February 17, and Lahiru Thirimanne will captain Sri Lanka Cricket President’s team in the one-day warm-up game at Katunayake on February 20. Thirimanne in fact led the Sri Lanka ODI team to Pakistan in the absence of Karunaratne where they lost the 3-match series 0-2 (1 NR).

Sydney, Wednesday: Glenn Maxwell’s hopes of returning to international cricket were dashed Wednesday when it was announced the big-hitting batsman will miss Australia’s tour to South Africa this month through injury.

Maxwell -- who stepped back from Australia duties in October saying he needed a break to deal with mental health issues -- had been named in the one-day and Twenty20 squads to face the Proteas from February 22.

Maxwell will have arthroscopic surgery on his left elbow on Thursday to fix loose fragments of bone and is expected to be out for between six and eight weeks.

“Representing Australia is the highest honour in cricket and something I cherish,” Maxwell said in a statement.

“I was not confident that I could perform at international level with my elbow in its current state and have decided to undergo surgery straight away to fix the issue.”

Cricket Australia announced he will be replaced by D’Arcy Short in both formats.

Maxwell had been picked after blistering form with the Melbourne Stars in the Big Bash League, where he has scored 398 runs at an average of 39.80.

The 31-year-old has played 110 one-dayers and 61 Twenty20s for Australia.

“An opportunity has now presented itself for D’Arcy and we’re confident he’ll make the most of whatever opportunities come his way in South Africa,” said selector Trevor Hohns. AFP

AHMEDABAD, Wednesday: More than 100,000 people are expected to pack into the world’s biggest cricket stadium later this month when it is formally opened during a visit to India by US President Donald Trump, officials said.

Workers in Ahmedabad are rushing to finish the 110,000-capacity Sardar Patel Stadium, which will overtake the 100,000-seater Melbourne Cricket Ground as the world’s biggest cricket venue.

Trump is due for a two-day visit to India on February 24, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi wants to host him in his home state of Gujarat. The spectacle has been dubbed “Kem Chho Trump”, or “How Are You Trump”, according to officials.

Last year Trump was guest of honour at Houston’s NRG Stadium in Texas at a rally for the Indian premier called “Hello Modi”, attended by 50,000 people from the sub-continent’s vast diaspora. Modi has a long tradition of hosting world leaders in his home state, which is one of the wealthiest in the country of 1.3 billion people.

China’s President Xi Jinping went there in 2014, and visits followed by Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Israeli premier Benjamin Netanyahu and then UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. – AFP

KATHMANDU, Wednesday - The United States were bowled out for 35 by Nepal on Wednesday and joined Zimbabwe in making the lowest total in a 50 over international.

Nepal leg spinner Sandeep Lamichhane was wrecker-in-chief, taking six for 16 as the American side were finished off in 12 overs in the World Cup league two match in Kathmandu.

West Indies-born opener Xavier Marshall was the only US batsman to get into double figures, making 16. Spinner Sushan Bhari took the other four wickets for just five runs.

Nepal, playing their first international series on home soil, reached the target in just 5.2 overs after losing both their openers in the second over.

Timil Patel hit a four, a six and a four of straight balls to complete the rout by eight wickets.

Zimbabwe were also bowled out for 35 by Sri Lanka in 2004 at Harare.

The US were awarded ODI status last year after taking part in a World Cricket League Division Two event in Namibia. Nepal, the United States and Oman are taking part in the series in Kathmandu.

AFP

Samith Isuru steered Karandeniya Central College to win over Holy Cross College Kalutara by 4 runs in their ‘Singer Trophy’ Under 19 inter Schools Cricket tournament match at Maggona yesterday.

Revatha Balapitiya beat Royal Panadura by innings and 32 runs and Bandarawela Central College beat Sri Sumangala Kandy by innings and 13 runs.

St. Mary’s Matugama beat Gamini NS Bentota by 4 wickets and Skandavarodaya Jaffna beat St. Xavier’s Maravila by innings and 10 runs. Othe matches were drawn.

* At Moratuwa (Match drawn)

Prince of Wales Moratuwa: 137 and 215 (58.5) (Kavinda De Mel 83, Pasindu Pathum 48, Naduka Fernando 32 n.o., Punthila Samanthakumara 4/55, Vihas Thewmika 4/78)

Thurstan Colombo: 284/7 decl. (131/5 o/n) (78) (Sanud Randinu 102 n.o., Yohan Liyanage 63, Lakmal Sandun 55 n.o., Kunchana Gihan 2/33, Kavindya De Mel 2/70) and 43/3 (4) (Yohan Liyanage 22)

* At Kandana (Match drawn)

St. Benedict’s Kotahena: 212 and 115/1 (31) (Sanoj Perera 64 n.o., Vihanga Ruwanara 41)

De Mazenod Kandana: 315/9 decl. (80/2 o/n) (85) (Saliya Jude 62, Senash Fernando 63, Sahan Kosala 50, Nimna Fernando 47, Mithul Senarath 24, Akindu Karunarathne 4/69)

* At Kadirana (Match drawn)

St. Joseph Vaz Wennappuwa: 121 and 186/9 decl. (59.3) (Kavindu Maduranga 43, Onel Ilangasekara 31, Anudith Wickramasinghe 2/7, Nimthaka Adhikari 2/16)

Wesley Colombo: 152 (148/9 o/n) (53.4) (Rahul Gunasekara 38, Buddhima Wijesundara 27, Lakshan Ruwantha 24, Menusha Perera 4/55, Nipun Dhanjaya 4/55) and 120/5 (31) (Buddhima Wijesundara 52, Saheel Dias 30, Nimthaka Adhikari 21, Kaushan Chamalka 2/24, Nipun Dhananjaya 2/53)

* At Maggona (Karandenya Central won by 4 runs)

Karandeniya Central: 62 and 149 (123/7 o/n) (43.2) (Samith Isuru 87, Dilshan Madusanka 3/35, Arosh Bhagya 3/53, Hansaja Byayan 2/11123/7 (33.1) (Samith Isuru 69 n.o., Dilshan Madusanka 3/36, Arosh Bhagya 2/43)

Holy Cross Kalutara: 92 (38.5) (Nilakshasha Kusun 36, Samith Isuru 5/23, Maneesha Madubashitha 2/20, Hansamana Silva 2/23) and 115 (42.2) (Aseek Siddik 32, Samith Isuru 6/40, Maneesha Madubashitha 4/31)

* At Police Park Kandy (Bandarawela Central won by innings and 13 runs)

Bandarawela Central: 137 and 100 (36) (Pasindu Shamil 35 n.o, Yashika Heshan 31, Sunil Neradduwa 4/23, Thimira Akalanka 4/28)

Sri Sumangala Kandy: 79 (31.4) (Thimira Akalanka 20, Janeesha Hansaka 5/9, Avishka Hansana 5/19) and 146 (39.2) (Pasindu Malaka 31, Roshan Peiris 25, Shenel Neraddiya 25, Madush Bimsara 25, Chathum Wijesundra 5/21, Pamudu Sachintha 5/62)

* At Balapitiya (Revatha Balapitiya won by innings and 32 runs)

Revatha Balapitiya: 272

Royal Panadura: 97 (29.1) (Achintha Ramesh 5/22, Lakshan Sudesh 4/33) and 143 (37/2 o/n) (42.2) (Tharusha Nethsara 30, Lahiru Maduranga 22, Achintha Ramesh 4/48, Lakshan Sudesh 3/69)

* At Anuradhpaura (Match drawn)

Anuradhapura Central: 215 and 240 (65.4) (Lahiru Geethanjana 106, Lankesh Savinda 40, Pahan Brito 3/54, Tiran Lahiru 2/22, Ashan Wagarachchi 2/24, Vikum Klahara 2/61)

President’s Kotte: 150 (107/5 o/n) (53) (Dineth Senavirathne 77 n.o., Dimuthu Dhananjaya 4/18, Wageesha Vihanga 3/31, Yohan Chathuranga 2/34) and 34/1 (6) (Yuneth Senevirathne 27 n..o.)

* At Bentota (St. Mary’s Kalutara won by 4 wickets)

Gamini NS Bentota: 117 and 217 (44.3) (Uvesh Dinujaya 60, Sakun Adeesha 40, Akash Lochana 37, Kavishka Bhawantha 32, Haritha Sandaruwan 6/90, Heshan Welgama 4/86)

St. Mary’s Matugama: 178 (177/8 o/n) (62) (Heshan Welgama 64, Sahan Pansilu 6/51) and 161/6 (37) (Pasindu Malshan 54, Randiw Senevirathne 36 n.o., Ovin Janitha 27 n.o., Omila Nilupul 6/49)

* At Kalutara (Match drawn)

Carey Colombo: 238 and 257/6 (72) (Theekshana Abeyrathne 89, Aveesha Weerarathne 79 n.o., Anuhas Silva 2/28, Lahiru Sasmitha 2/50)

Welapura MV Kalutara: 173 (124/5 o/n) (68.2) (Kavindu Malhara 42, Adeesha Nethmina 31, Maneesha Sahan 27, Venura Kumara 26, Dinura Wanigasekara 3/29, Viranga Yeshan 2/38)

* At Gannoruwa (Match drawn)

Wickramabahu NS Gampola: 205 and 213 (51.3) (Tharusha Sampath 107 n.o., B. Rathish 5/59, T. Monishan 3/51)

Ranabima Royal Kandy: 320 (160/2 o/n) (66.4) (Manula Kulathunge 51, Ashen Rathnayake 45, Ithum Premarathne 34, Dulan Sandaruwan 43, Kavinda Gunawardane 33, Bathiya Udawatta 31, Sampath Bandara 3/21, Yohan Ranamelamulla 3/86, Herath Mudiyanselage 3/90)

* At Jaffna (Skandavarodaya Jaffna won by innings and 10 runs)

Skandavarodaya Jaffna: 201

St. Xavier’s Maravila: 81 (22.5) (Navodya Nimasha 24, K. Reksan 4/22, J. Gowryshnkar 3/12, S. Dhamsam 2/32) and 110 (26/2 o/n) (35) (Chanuka Fernando 40, J. Gowryshankar 4/24, K. Rekson 2/27)

Day one scores

* At Lake View Kandy. Dharmaraja Kandy: 227/9 (59) (Yasitha Samararathne 42 n.o., Janith Gunathunge 41, Isuru Dayananda 28, Dinuka Pathiraja 27, Dulaj Bandara 24, Dinith Nelumdeniya 3/64, Pasindu Hiruditha 2/36) Vs Dharmapala Pannipitiya

* At Yakkala. Veluwana Colombo: 136 (36.5) (Kalana Kaumina 41, Vinuka Denuwan 3/26, Prabash Akalanka 2/06, Pramuditha Surirachchi 2/28, Vimukthi Peiris 2/39) and 54/2 (16) (Milindu Kaveesha 30 n.o)

Anura Central: 144 (37.4) (Pasindu Madushan 32, Hasindu Tharushka 31, Sanchana Ishad 25, Vinuka Denuwan 22, Kalana Kaumina 5/11, Ashan Udayanga 2/30, Kasun Niwanjana 2/43)

* At Veyangoda. Bandaranayake Central Veyangoda: 97 (24.5) (Avishka Koshila 51, Chathura Sirikumara 6/36, Avindu Hansika 3/27) and 41/4 (12) (Dilsha Malhara 23 n.o.)

Pothuwila MV Kalutara: 206 (53.5) (Chathura Kumara 52, Ransika Dewmith 32, Ranmina Hansamal 28, Arana Dabare 6/61)

* At Padukka. Siri Piyarathana Padukka: 293 (57.4) (Madushan Peirs 82, Omesh Udara 42, Janith Yomal 39, Kavinda Eeshwara 30, Savin Dewmina 29, Kavishka Dananjaya 28, Sahan Puwakpitiya 5/42, Kanishla Malinga 3/61)

Bandaranayake Gampaha:113/8 (36) (Dinujaya Hettiachchi 49, Kavindu Pathirana 21, Madushan Peris 4/43)

* At Ambepussa. Wesswood International School Kandy: 74 (30) (A. Crise 21, Ishan Avinda 4/10, Narada Kanchana 2/4, Yuwaneth Madusanka 2/20) and 60/1 (27.5) (A. Kaif 28)

Bandaranayake MV Meerigama 217/8 decl. (42) (Ravindu Nipun 102, Manessha Lakshan 37, Rasal Dananjaya 24, A. Sarnam 3/63)

* At Godigamuwa. Galahitiyawa Central: 244 (53) (Sandaruwan Chinthaka 70, Subhan Sanuka 47, Tharul Lochana 38, Minsara Sadushka 32 n.o., Ranindu Arunochana 26, Lucas James 23, Nikil Shashmika 6/54, Danuka Nishad 2/78)

Tissa Central Kalutara: 21/2 (7). YK

Shanghai, Wednesday: The fate of the Chinese Grand Prix is expected to be announced on Thursday as reports said it will not take place as planned on April 19 because of the new coronavirus.

Several British media outlets ran unsourced reports on Wednesday saying the Shanghai race, the fourth of the new season, will be either postponed or cancelled. It would be the latest -- but easily most high-profile -- sports event to fall victim to the virus outbreak which has killed more than 1,100 people in China, where it emerged at the end of last year. AFP understands that an announcement about the race will be made on Thursday, but according to the BBC, it is “expected to be postponed”.

It also throws into doubt the inaugural race in Vietnam, which takes place two weeks before Shanghai but where there have also been cases of the virus, officially named COVID-19.

Formula One’s managing director Ross Brawn said last week that they will look to reschedule the Shanghai race if it does not go ahead in April.

“We will leave open the opportunity to see if the race can run later in the year,” he said, according to the BBC.

“China is an enthusiastic, growing market so we’d like to have a race in China.”

China has been forced to cancel or put off a host of sporting events due to the coronavirus epidemic, from suspending all football in the country to postponing the first badminton tournament of the 2020 world tour season. AFP

England threw away the opportunity to defeat South Africa in the first Twenty20 international, losing a dramatic contest by one run in East London.

The tourists needed three from the final delivery of the match, but Adil Rashid could only manage a single.

England were cantering to their target of 178 as Jason Roy plundered 70 from 38 balls, only for his dismissal to spark South Africa's resurgence.

Even then, Eoin Morgan's 52 meant England needed just seven from the final over, yet the brilliant Lungi Ngidi had Tom Curran caught at deep mid-wicket and bowled Moeen Ali.

Rashid was asked to be the hero from the only ball he faced, but an inside edge to mid-wicket meant he was run out coming back for a second run which would have forced a super over.

It was cruel on Rashid who, along with fellow spinner Moeen, earlier helped England recover from a dreadful start with the ball and in the field to limit South Africa to 177-8 on a superb batting pitch.

The second in the three-match series is in Durban on Friday.


(Source:BBC Sports)

The Akkaraipattu Divisional team emerged champions of the Ampara district table tennis championship held at the Sammanthurai Presidential Secretariat Sports Complex recently.

The Akkaraipattu Divisional team retained championship for the eighth consecutive year beating Nintavul Divisional Team 3:1 in the final. The tournament was organized by the Ampara District Sports Officer M. I. M. Ameer Ali under the guidance of Sports Ministry. The champion Akkaraipattu Divisional team was captained by M.H.Jainydeen and the team comprised I. L. Serifdeen, M. Azahin, M.Musarraf and M. Y. Mihiry. The champion players of this competition will have to compete at Provincial level competition which will be conducted by the Eastern Provincial Department of Sports.

Amal International School conducted their Sports Meet at the Havelock Grounds Colombo. It was held under the patronage of Principal of the School M.N.M. Riza.

Head of National Action Plan on Preventing and Countering Radicalization, Violent Extremism and Terrorism in Sri Lanka Major General Dharshana Hettiarrachchi was the chief guest. The overall championship was won by the Aqsa House (287 points), Arafath House (258 points) won second place, Arqam House (227 points) secured the third place and Azeez House (159 points) won the fourth place.

Chairman of the Board of Directors Ashroff Roomi, Secretary M.Z.M. Ashfaaq, Treasurer M.R.M. Zarook and Director M.A.M. Hakeem, Spots Coordinator and Committee Chairman Greshan Anthany Silva, Vice Principals, Teachers, Students, Parents and Old Boys were also present.

Commercial Credit & Finance inflicted the first defeat on Nations Trust Bank and Morisons notched up their first win beating DFCC Bank in the ongoing 01st National Development Bank (NDB) Trophy – MCA 'C' division, 50 Over League Tournament 2020, continued over last week-end.

In a match that went right to the wire, Commercial Credit & Finance piped Nations Trust Bank by 03 runs , to remain unbeaten in Group 'A' with 03 wins on the trot.

NTB, thus completed the round –robin stage with 03 wins and 01 loss. Commercial Credit now has one more game, Vs. Morison February 15 at Moratuwa. In another Group 'A' match, Morison’s kept their chances alive on entering the final round when they beat DFCC Bank by 04 wickets, thus pushing the bankers out of contention in the final round.

Morisons, chasing a total of 242 runs in 50 overs set up by DFCC Bank, was spear headed to their first win by centurion, Sachin Dewage (112) and half centurion, Heshan Madushanka (59), as they reached 245/6 in 48.1 overs. Sri Lanka Telecom registered two good wins over Commercial Bank (by 04 wickets) and PABC (by 55 runs)

* At MCA : Commercial Credit beat Nations Trust Bank by 03 runs.

Commercial Credit - 223 (50) Venusha Uththamadasa 41, Anura Dias 46, Malith Fernando 27, Chalana Sankalpa 21, Dulanja Silva 2/21, Sachin Silva 2/25)

Nations Trust Bank – 220/9 (50) (Malshan Fernando 66, Avishka Liyanage 42, L. Rodrigo 25 not out, Chalana Sankalpa 4/55, G. Hettiarachchi 2/25)

* At Moratuwa – Sri Lanka Telecom beat Pan Asia Bank by 55 runs.

Sri Lanka Telecom - 271 (49.5) (Adeesha Thilanchana 65, Lahiru Thambvita 59, Sachin Diwangala 36, Nirushan Ramachandra 30, Inshaka Siriwardana 28, Zenol Marc 3/39, Sarod Gamage 2/31, Ruwinda Thakshala 2/61 )

Pan Asia Bank - 216/9 (50) ( Sandaru Wickramarathna 83, Shanuka Madusha 28, Pasindu Rajapaksha 29, Ruwinda Thakshala 22 not out , Inshaka Siriwardana 5/34, Lasith Kumara 2/15)

* At Moors : Morisons beat DFCC Bank by 04 wickets

DFCC Bank - 241/8 (50) (Viraj Deepal 67, Amith Jayarathne 66, Ruchira Ekanayake 39,Janaka Wijeratne 2/41, Gayana Kahavita 2/45, Kasun Abesingha 2/45)

Morison - 245/6 (48.1) (Sachin Dewage 117, Heshan Madushanka 59, Tharindu Madushanka 21, Mahesh Senarathne 2/42)

* At Moors : HNB Finance beat Peoples Leasing by 100 runs.

HNB Finance - 251/9 (50) (Hasitha Nirmal 75, Kasun Ekanayake 50, Janith Perera 44 not out, Pathum Mendis 24, Ruchira Jayasekara 2/29, Isuru Gunasekara 2/41, Ruwan Fernando 2/45, Dineth Kaushalya 2/62)

Peoples Leasing - 151 (30.5) ( Isuru Perera 52, Sameera Sandaruwan 39, Umeshka Morais 3/24, Isuru Ayesh 3/45, Dilanka Udeshana 2/25)

* At MCA : Sri Lanka Telecom beat Commercial Bank by 04 wickets.

Commercial Bank - A - 252 (47.1) (Gimhan Ashirwada 68, Anurudhdha Rajapaksha 62, Lakshan Samarasena 46, Gihan Dissanayake 22, Anjana Maven 2/29, Dinuka Dilshan 2/34, Lasith Kumara 2/35, Adeesha Thilochana 2/43)

Sri Lanka Telecom - 257/6 (44.2) ( Dinuka Dilshan 79 Niroshan Ramachandra 75, Adeesha Thilochana 37 not out, Sachin Divangana 24, Sachinda Gunawardhane 4/44)

Sri Lanka has created history when they won gold and silver medals at the South Asian Games beach volleyball events in Nepal.

The eight-member Lankan beach volleyball team (4 men and 4 women) Comprised seven players from Defence Services Volleyball Association, four men's and three women's players. Six of these players (four men and two women) also participated in World Military Games in Wuhan, China. The seven Armed Forces players were felicitated during the Defence Forces Beach Volleyball tournament award ceremony recently. The tournament was conducted under the patronage of Army Sports Director, Brig. Lal Chandrasiri who was the chief guest at the award ceremony. Defence Forces Beach Volleyball Association chairman Brig. Mahesh Abeyratne, Air Force Sports Director Air Comodor Senaka Fernandopulle, Air Force Volleyball chairman Air Comodor Nishantha Thilakasiri and Navy high rankers were also present on the occation.

The tri forces members who were felicitated at the ceremony: Jayathilaka K.K.I.J (Army), Sanuj P.K.J (Army), Weerasinghe K.P.C.M (Army), Kumara M.L.A.P. (Air Force), Prasadeen J.H.W. (Air Force), Jayasinghe J.L.A.R (Air Force), Lakshani K.A.J. (Navy)

Rafa Sports Club, Pottuvil beat Power Boys Sports Club, Pottuvil in the final to emerge champions of the ‘Nidahas Trophy-2020’ limited 5 over’s softball cricket tournament conducted by Independence Day Cricket Group and Pottuvil Pradeshiya Sabha to mark Sri Lanka’s 72nd Independence Day at the public play grounds in Pottuvil Jalaldeen Square recently.

Altogether 23 sports clubs of the area took part in the tournament. Pottuvil Rafa Sports Club beat Pottuvil Power Boys Sports Club by 42runs in the final.

Pottuvil Rafa SC, won the toss and elected to bat first and scored 79 runs in their allotted five overs for the loss of one wicket. In reply Power Boys SC was skittled out for 37 runs in five overs.

M.H.M.Kiyas of Rafa Sports Club, Pottuvil was adjudged the Man of the match while Man of the Series award was won by Hasaan Mohamed of Power Boys SC.

Pottuvil Pradeshiya Sabha Chairman Dr. M.S.Abdul Wazeeth was the chief guest at the award ceremony.

Pottuvil Pradeshiya Sabha Members M.H.M.Kiyas and A.M.A.Majeed, Supervision Public Health Inspector(SPHI) M.S.M.Malik and many others were present on the occasion.

Dr. Nimal Lucas, who captained the Ceylon table tennis team from 1966 to 1971, brought honour and glory to Sri Lanka by winning three gold medals and two silver medals in table tennis at the New Zealand Masters Games held in Dunedin, New Zealand on February 1 and 2.

Dr. Lucas won gold medals in over 75 men’s singles, over 70 men’s singles and over 70 mixed doubles, partnered by Jeanette Boswell. He won silver medals in the over 75 and over 70 men’s doubles, partnered by Lindsay Mackay. As Dr. Lucas was the sole participant from Sri Lanka, he was partnered by New Zealand players in the men’s doubles and mixed doubles.

This is the third time that Dr. Lucas has participated in the New Zealand Masters Games. Previously he participated in 2016 and 2018 winning several medals.