The Lanka Premier League (LPL) 2026 has encountered an unexpected delay, with organizers confirming that the highly anticipated player draft will not take place this month due to ongoing tensions in the Middle East. While the draft has been pushed back, the tournament itself remains firmly on schedule, set to run from 8 July to 8 August 2026.

Despite the setback, excitement around the sixth edition of the league continues to build. Several prominent international cricketers have already expressed their interest in participating, reinforcing the LPL’s growing stature in the global cricket calendar.

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) is also exploring the possibility of expanding the list of venues for this year’s competition. The Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC) Ground in Colombo has emerged as a strong candidate following the installation of floodlights, which now allow the historic venue to host day-night fixtures. If included, SSC would join the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, and Dambulla International Stadium, easing logistical challenges and giving fans in the capital another opportunity to witness the action.

Although no official confirmation has been made, discussions are ongoing, and SSC is increasingly seen as a likely addition to the venue lineup.

Kandy will host a unique charity event later this month as Run for Hope brings runners, families, and supporters together for a meaningful cause. The event, scheduled for March 29, aims to raise awareness and support for the development of Sri Lanka’s first residential training and empowerment center for single mothers and their children.

Organizers say the initiative is designed to provide a safe and supportive environment where single mothers can rebuild their lives while caring for their children. The proposed center will offer vocational training, skill development, and opportunities for financial independence, while also ensuring a secure space for children to grow and learn.

Across Sri Lanka, many single mothers face the challenge of raising families with limited resources and support. Run for Hope seeks to change that narrative by encouraging the community to participate in an event that promotes both fitness and social responsibility.

Participants will be able to compete in 2KM, 5KM, and 10KM races, making the event accessible for runners of different ages and fitness levels. The organizers note that every participant contributes directly to the effort of building a better future for families in need.

The event will also mark the first-ever Run for Hope to be held in Kandy, bringing together members of the community to run for a shared purpose.

Registration for the event is open through the PickMe app under the Events section or via the official online registration link. The registration fee is Rs. 2,500 for adults and Rs. 1,500 for children under the age of 12.

Competitors in the 5KM and 10KM categories will compete for prize money, with Rs. 25,000 awarded to the winners, Rs. 15,000 for second place, and Rs. 10,000 for third place in both the male and female categories. Participants will also receive gift packs sponsored by Nestomalt and LaPerfumerie.lk, while every registered runner will be given an official Run for Hope T-shirt, cap, and finisher medal.

Organizers emphasize that the event is about more than a race. Every runner who crosses the finish line becomes part of a larger mission—helping build a future of hope, dignity, and opportunity for single mothers and their children in Sri Lanka.

The 147th edition of the historic Battle of the Blues between Royal College Colombo and S. Thomas’ College Mount Lavinia ended in a draw at the Sinhalese Sports Club Ground, but it was Thomian skipper Jaden Amaraweera who stole the spotlight with a commanding second-innings century.

After winning the toss, S. Thomas’ compiled a solid 302 in their first innings, built around several steady contributions from the top and middle order. Amaraweera struck a patient 52 while Avinash Fernando added 50 and Reshon Solomons top-scored with 66. Dulith Indira Gunaratne chipped in with a valuable 44 to push the Thomians past the 300 mark. Royal’s bowlers fought back well, with Sehadu Sooryaarachchi and Gegan Gamage sharing six wickets between them.

Royal responded with 261 for 9 in 86 overs. Ramiru Perera led the charge with a well-compiled 82, while Rehan Peirissupported with an attractive 63. Dushan Uduwala contributed 33 in a steady middle-order effort. For S. Thomas’, Gimhan Mendis impressed with four wickets, while Abheeth Paranawidana claimed two.

The final day, however, belonged to Amaraweera. The Thomian captain produced a composed 100 off 160 deliveries, striking eight boundaries in a technically sound innings that anchored his side’s second innings. He shared useful partnerships with Fernando (20) and Gunaratne (21) as S. Thomas’ reached 176 for 6 before the match was called off, bringing another chapter of the famous encounter to a stalemate.