England Tour of Sri Lanka 2026

All-rounders Milan Rathnayake and Dunith Wellalage are set to make their return to Sri Lanka’s One-Day International squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series against England, which is scheduled to begin in the coming days.

Sri Lanka selectors have opted for a well-balanced squad that blends experienced campaigners with emerging talent as the hosts prepare for a demanding home series against a strong England side.

Charith Asalanka will continue to lead the ODI team as captain, with his role in the middle order expected to be pivotal. Asalanka’s ability to absorb pressure and accelerate when required will be key against England’s varied bowling attack.

At the top of the order, Pathum Nissanka and Kamil Mishara are expected to open the batting. Nissanka’s consistency and sound technique remain central to Sri Lanka’s ODI plans, while Mishara will be eager to convert starts into meaningful contributions. Their partnership will be crucial in providing solid foundations.

Wicketkeeper-batter Kusal Mendis adds experience and aggression to the middle order, offering Sri Lanka flexibility in both tempo and shot selection. Sadeera Samarawickrama and Janith Liyanage further strengthen the batting unit, with both players capable of anchoring the innings or playing decisive roles when momentum is needed.

The squad features strong all-round depth, with Kamindu Mendis offering versatility with both bat and ball. The return of Wanindu Hasaranga significantly enhances Sri Lanka’s all-round options, with his leg-spin expected to play a decisive role on home pitches. Dunith Wellalage’s inclusion adds another spin-bowling all-rounder capable of controlling the middle overs.

Milan Rathnayake’s likely return boosts the seam-bowling all-round resources, while the pace attack will be led by Asitha Fernando, supported by Eshan Malinga and Pramod Madushan. The spin department is further reinforced by Maheesh Theekshana and Jeffrey Vandersay, both expected to be influential under Sri Lankan conditions.

The first ODI of the series is scheduled to be played on Thursday (22) at the R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo.

Probable Sri Lanka ODI Squad vs England

Charith Asalanka (Captain), Kusal Mendis, Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Pavan Rathnayake, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Janith Liyanage, Kamindu Mendis, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Milan Rathnayake, Asitha Fernando, Eshan Malinga, Pramod Madushan, Maheesh Theekshana, Jeffrey Vandersay.

The Women’s Singles quarterfinals at the Yeti SSC Open Tennis Championship delivered a high standard of competition, with Yuhansa Peiris, Annaya Norbert, Sandithi Usgodaarachchi, and Dinara De Silva producing impressive performances to book their places in the semifinals.

Yuhansa Peiris produced one of the most commanding displays of the tournament, overwhelming Dulkini Ranasinghe in straight sets, 6/0, 6/0. Peiris controlled the match from the outset, combining solid baseline dominance with precise shot placement and relentless pressure that gave her opponent little opportunity to find rhythm.

Dinara De Silva was equally dominant in her quarterfinal encounter, cruising past Aroshi Thomas 6/1, 6/0. De Silva’s confident shot selection, consistent aggression, and sharp court movement allowed her to dictate play throughout the match, underlining her strong form in the championship.

One of the most competitive matches of the women’s quarterfinals saw Annaya Norbert edge past Biyanka Acquistapace in a tightly contested contest. Norbert held her nerve in crucial moments to secure a 6/4, 7/6 victory, clinching the match in a tense second-set tiebreak after sustained pressure from both players.

Sandithi Usgodaarachchi showcased impressive resilience and mental strength in her quarterfinal clash against Vinethya Dharmarathne. After dropping the opening set 2/6, Usgodaarachchi regrouped and raised her intensity, dominating the next two sets 6/3, 6/1 to complete a hard-fought comeback and advance to the semifinals.

The Men’s Singles quarterfinals were equally compelling, with several strong performances shaping an exciting semifinal lineup. Ganuka Fernando advanced with a composed 6/3, 6/4 victory over Ashen Silva, using disciplined baseline play and timely winners to maintain control during key phases of the match.

Thehan Wijemanne delivered one of the most dominant performances in the men’s draw, dismantling Neven Kannangara 6/1, 6/2. Wijemanne’s aggressive approach and constant pressure from the opening game left little room for his opponent to recover.

Harishva Parameshwaran demonstrated experience and tactical awareness in a solid 6/2, 6/4 win against Rehan Gunawardhana, maintaining steady momentum and dictating play with well-constructed points. Rounding off the quarterfinal stage, Methvan Vijemanne advanced in emphatic fashion, defeating Aahil Kallel 6/1, 6/1 with excellent court coverage and sharp finishing.

With the semifinals now set, the Yeti SSC Open Tennis Championship continues to highlight the growing depth, competitiveness, and quality of Sri Lanka’s tennis talent across both the women’s and men’s categories.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has formally instructed the National Olympic Committee of Sri Lanka (NOCSL) to conduct its overdue Annual General Meeting (AGM) and quadrennial elections no later than the end of April 2026, bringing clarity to a prolonged period of administrative uncertainty within the country’s Olympic movement.

In a letter dated 12 January 2026 addressed to NOCSL President Suresh Subramaniam, the IOC acknowledged that a forensic audit into the committee’s financial and governance practices is still ongoing. However, the IOC clearly stated that the audit process cannot be used as justification to delay the AGM and elections indefinitely.

The global Olympic body emphasized that the electoral process must be carried out strictly in accordance with the Olympic Charter and the IOC-approved Constitution of the NOCSL. It further reiterated that individuals currently under investigation or subject to sanctions are not permitted to participate in NOCSL activities, attend the General Assembly, or contest elected positions until cleared.

Until the completion of the elections, the IOC, in consultation with the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA), will continue to recognize the current Executive Board led by Subramaniam for the purpose of handling day-to-day administrative and operational matters.

Subramaniam has previously stated that the present leadership remains in office only until formal guidance is received from the IOC, adding that he does not intend to extend his tenure beyond the prescribed term.

According to the NOCSL Executive Board, several procedural and governance-related requirements must be completed prior to convening the AGM. These include the approval of the 2026 budget and the submission of the Auditor General’s report for the 2024 financial year. The forensic audit, covering the period from 2015 to 2024, was initiated following disciplinary action taken against former Secretary General Maxwell De Silva, which included a five-year ban and financial penalties imposed on the NOC.

In its correspondence, the IOC requested that the contents of the letter be shared with all member federations to ensure transparency and open communication. The IOC also expressed hope that the audit process would be concluded in the near future, enabling the NOCSL to restore confidence and credibility within both the domestic and international sporting community.

With the IOC now setting a firm deadline, stakeholders across Sri Lanka’s sports sector are awaiting confirmation of an election schedule. The IOC has made it clear that the electoral process must be completed “as soon as possible, and by the end of April 2026 at the latest,” marking a critical step toward resolving governance issues within the country’s Olympic administration.