News

Another investigation against Chamika Karunaratne

Published

4 years ago

December 2, 2022

Editor

Sri Lankan all-rounder Chamika Karunaratne has been ordered to conduct an investigation once again by Sports Minister Roshan Ranasinghe after a letter written about the player’s behaviour during the T20 World Cup tournament held in Australia last month was made public.

Karunaratne was banned for one year and fined US$5000 by Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) after Sri Lanka Cricket’s own investigation but asked the Sports Minister to explain his exclusion from the Afghanistan series.

“At the end of Australia’s World Cup tour, I had a discussion with the national coach regarding tour options for Sri Lanka’s tour of Afghanistan. As names were called, Chamika’s name was discussed in detail and the discussion about Chamika’s selection resulted in Chamika’s removal from the tour as the national coach lost faith in him as his coach was exposed as untruthful. On several occasions. “The coach was of the opinion that Chamika was not focused on his game,” Wickramasinghe wrote.

“Even during the T20 World Cup in Australia I observed Chamik very closely, my observation was that wherever we went in the interior he was more focused on meeting women of Sri Lankan origin residing in Australia. Also, I would like to note that he has missed several training sessions on the tour citing feeling ill, however, I have reason to believe that he has been staying with female companions at the hotel. (I would suggest requesting the hotel to provide CCTV footage on the days he is absent from training sessions.)

“It was revealed that his focus was not on cricket and this may have been a major reason why he was not able to perform as expected by the team management. I had a conference call with my fellow selection committee officials mentioning the above events. venue and we have decided to drop him from the tour of Afghanistan to ensure he recovers and focuses on taking his cricket seriously,” the chief selectors also wrote in their letter.

The chief selectors also suggested that the player be given psychological counselling before being considered for international cricket again.

චාමික කරුණාරත්නට එරෙහිව යළිත් වරක් පරීක්ෂණයක්

ශ්‍රී ලංකා තුන් ඉරියව් ක්‍රීඩක චාමික කරුණාරත්න පසුගිය මාසයේ ඔස්ට්‍රේලියාවේ පැවති T20 ලෝක කුසලාන තරඟාවලියේදී ජාතික කණ්ඩායම සමඟ තරඟ සංචාරයක නිරතව සිටියදී ක්‍රීඩකයාගේ හැසිරීම පිළිබඳව ලියා තිබූ ලිපියක් ප්‍රසිද්ධියේ පිටවීමත් සමඟ මෙවර ක්‍රීඩා අමාත්‍ය රොෂාන් රණසිංහගෙන් යළිත් වරක් පරීක්ෂණයක් පැවැත්වීමට නියෝග කර ඇත.

ශ්‍රී ලංකා ක්‍රිකට් ආයතනය විසින්ම පරීක්ෂණයක් සිදු කිරීමෙන් පසු කරුණාරත්නට ශ්‍රී ලංකා ක්‍රිකට් (SLC) විසින් වසරක තහනමක් සහ ඇමරිකානු ඩොලර් 5000 ක දඩයක් නියම කළ නමුත් ඔහු ඇෆ්ගනිස්ථාන තරඟාවලියෙන් ඉවත් කිරීම ක්‍රීඩා අමාත්‍යවරයාට පැහැදිලි කිරීමක් ඉල්ලා සිටියේය.

“ඕස්ට්‍රේලියානු ලෝක කුසලාන තරග සංචාරය අවසානයේදී මම ඇෆ්ගනිස්ථානයේ ශ්‍රී ලංකා සංචාරය සඳහා සංචාර තේරීම් සම්බන්ධයෙන් ජාතික පුහුණුකරු සමඟ සාකච්ඡාවක් පැවැත්වූවා. නම් කතා කරද්දී චාමිකගේ නම විස්තරාත්මකව කතාබහට ලක්වූ අතර චාමිකගේ තේරීම පිළිබඳ සාකච්ඡාවේ ප්‍රතිඵලය වූයේ චාමික පුහුණුකරුට සත්‍යවාදී නොවීම හෙළිවීම නිසා ජාතික පුහුණුකරුට ඔහු කෙරෙහි විශ්වාසයක් නැතිවී ඇති නිසා ඔහුව මෙම සංචාරයෙන් ඉවත් කිරීමයි. අවස්ථා කිහිපයකදී. චාමික ඔහුගේ ක්‍රීඩාව කෙරෙහි අවධානය යොමු නොකළ බව පුහුණුකරුගේ මතය විය,” වික්‍රමසිංහ ලිවීය.

“ඕස්ට්‍රේලියාවේ පැවති T20 ලෝක කුසලානය අතරතුර පවා මම චාමිකව ඉතා සමීපව නිරීක්ෂණය කළෙමි, මගේ නිරීක්ෂණය වූයේ අප අභ්‍යන්තරයේ කොතැනක ගියත් ඔහු ඕස්ට්‍රේලියාවේ පදිංචිව සිටින ශ්‍රී ලාංකික සම්භවයක් ඇති කාන්තාවන් හමුවීමට වැඩි අවධානයක් යොමු කළ බවයි. තවද, ඔහුට අසනීප බවක් දැනෙන බව සඳහන් කරමින් ඔහුට සංචාරයේ පුහුණු සැසි කිහිපයක් මග හැරී ඇති බව සටහන් කිරීමට මම කැමැත්තෙමි, කෙසේ වෙතත් ඔහු හෝටලයේ කාන්තා සහකාරියන්ට නවාතැන් ගෙන ඇති බව විශ්වාස කිරීමට මට හේතුවක් තිබේ. (ඔහු පුහුණු සැසිවලට නොපැමිණි දිනවලදී CCTV දර්ශන ලබා දෙන ලෙස හෝටලයට ඉල්ලීමක් කරන ලෙස මම යෝජනා කරමි.)

“ඔහුගේ අවධානය ක්‍රිකට් වෙත යොමු නොවූ බවත් කණ්ඩායම් කළමනාකාරිත්වය බලාපොරොත්තු වන අයුරින් ඔහුට ක්‍රීඩා කිරීමට නොහැකි වීමට මෙය ප්‍රධාන හේතුවක් වන්නට ඇති බවත් අනාවරණය විය. ඉහත සිදුවීම් සඳහන් කරමින් මම මගේ සෙසු තේරීම් කමිටු නිලධාරීන් සමඟ සම්මන්ත්‍රණ ඇමතුමක් ලබා ගත්තෙමි. ස්ථානය සහ අපි ඔහුව ඇෆ්ගනිස්තාන සංචාරයෙන් ඉවත් කිරීමට තීරණය කළේ ඔහු තම ක්‍රිකට් බැරෑරුම් ලෙස සැලකීමට අවධානය යොමු කර යථා තත්ත්වයට පත් කිරීමට වග බලා ගැනීම සඳහාය”, ප්‍රධාන තේරීම් කමිටුව ද සිය ලිපියේ ලියා ඇත.

නැවත ජාත්‍යන්තර ක්‍රිකට් සඳහා සලකා බැලීමට පෙර ක්‍රීඩකයාට මනෝවිද්‍යාත්මක උපදේශනයක් ලබා දෙන ලෙසද ප්‍රධාන තේරීම් කමිටුව යෝජනා කළේය.

சாமிக்க கருணாரத்னவுக்கு எதிராக மற்றுமொரு விசாரணை!

கடந்த மாதம் அவுஸ்திரேலியாவில் நடைபெற்ற டி20 உலகக் கிண்ணப் போட்டியின் போது குறித்த வீரரின் நடத்தை தொடர்பில் இலங்கை அணியின் சகலதுறை ஆட்டக்காரர் சாமிக கருணாரத்ன, விளையாட்டுத்துறை அமைச்சர் ரொஷான் ரணசிங்க எழுதிய கடிதம் பகிரங்கப்படுத்தப்பட்டதையடுத்து, அவரிடம் மீண்டும் விசாரணை நடத்த உத்தரவிடப்பட்டுள்ளது.

ஸ்ரீலங்கா கிரிக்கெட்டின் சொந்த விசாரணையின் பின்னர் கருணாரத்னேவுக்கு ஸ்ரீலங்கா கிரிக்கெட் (SLC) ஒரு வருட தடை மற்றும் US$5000 அபராதம் விதித்தது, ஆனால் அவர் ஆப்கானிஸ்தான் தொடரில் இருந்து விலக்கப்பட்டதற்கு விளையாட்டுத்துறை அமைச்சரிடம் விளக்கம் கேட்டார்.

“ஆஸ்திரேலியாவின் உலகக் கோப்பை சுற்றுப்பயணத்தின் முடிவில், இலங்கையின் ஆப்கானிஸ்தான் சுற்றுப்பயணத்திற்கான சுற்றுப்பயண விருப்பங்கள் குறித்து தேசிய பயிற்சியாளருடன் கலந்துரையாடினேன். பெயர்கள் அழைக்கப்பட்டதால், சாமிக்காவின் பெயர் விரிவாக விவாதிக்கப்பட்டது மற்றும் சமிக்காவின் தேர்வு பற்றிய விவாதம், அவரது பயிற்சியாளர் பொய்யானது என அம்பலப்படுத்தப்பட்டதால், தேசிய பயிற்சியாளர் அவர் மீதான நம்பிக்கையை இழந்ததால், சமிகா சுற்றுப்பயணத்திலிருந்து நீக்கப்பட்டார். பல சந்தர்ப்பங்களில். “சாமிகா தனது விளையாட்டில் கவனம் செலுத்தவில்லை என்று பயிற்சியாளர் கருதினார்” என்று விக்கிரமசிங்க எழுதினார்.

“அவுஸ்திரேலியாவில் நடைபெற்ற டி20 உலகக் கிண்ணத்தின் போது கூட நான் சாமிக்கை மிகவும் உன்னிப்பாக அவதானித்தேன், எனது அவதானிப்பு என்னவென்றால், நாங்கள் உள்நாட்டில் எங்கு சென்றாலும் அவர் ஆஸ்திரேலியாவில் வசிக்கும் இலங்கை வம்சாவளியைச் சேர்ந்த பெண்களைச் சந்திப்பதில் அதிக கவனம் செலுத்தினார். மேலும், அவர் உடல்நிலை சரியில்லாமல் இருப்பதாகக் கூறி சுற்றுப்பயணத்தில் பல பயிற்சி அமர்வுகளை தவறவிட்டார் என்பதை நான் கவனிக்க விரும்புகிறேன், இருப்பினும் அவர் ஹோட்டலில் பெண் தோழர்களுடன் தங்கியிருக்கிறார் என்று நான் நம்புவதற்கு காரணம் உள்ளது. (அவர் பயிற்சி அமர்வுகளில் இல்லாத நாட்களில் சிசிடிவி காட்சிகளை வழங்க ஹோட்டலைக் கோருமாறு நான் பரிந்துரைக்கிறேன்.)

“அவரது கவனம் கிரிக்கெட்டில் இல்லை என்பதும், அணி நிர்வாகம் எதிர்பார்த்தபடி அவரால் செயல்பட முடியாமல் போனதற்கு இது ஒரு முக்கிய காரணமாக இருக்கலாம் என்பதும் தெரியவந்தது. மேற்கண்ட நிகழ்வுகளைக் குறிப்பிட்டு எனது சக தேர்வுக் குழு அதிகாரிகளுடன் ஒரு மாநாட்டு அழைப்பை மேற்கொண்டேன். அவர் குணமடைந்து அவரது கிரிக்கெட்டை தீவிரமாக எடுத்துக்கொள்வதில் கவனம் செலுத்துவதை உறுதி செய்வதற்காக ஆப்கானிஸ்தான் சுற்றுப்பயணத்தில் இருந்து அவரை கைவிட முடிவு செய்துள்ளோம்” என்று தலைமை தேர்வாளர்கள் தங்கள் கடிதத்தில் எழுதினர்.

மீண்டும் சர்வதேச கிரிக்கெட்டுக்கு பரிசீலிக்கப்படுவதற்கு முன், வீரருக்கு உளவியல் ஆலோசனை வழங்கப்பட வேண்டும் என்றும் தலைமை தேர்வாளர்கள் பரிந்துரைத்தனர்.

Cricket

Sri Lanka Set for Full-Scale New Zealand Tour in Early 2027

Published

8 hours ago

June 3, 2026

Editor

Sri Lanka’s National Men’s Cricket Team will undertake a demanding all-format tour of New Zealand in January and February 2027, featuring three One-Day Internationals (ODIs), three Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is), and two Test matches.

The tour will provide Sri Lanka with a valuable opportunity to compete in New Zealand’s challenging conditions against one of the world’s leading cricketing nations. Matches will be played across several renowned venues throughout the country.

The ODI series will open at McLean Park in Napier on January 16 before moving to Wellington for the second match on January 19. The third and final ODI will be played in Dunedin on January 22.

The teams will then contest a three-match T20I series, beginning in Christchurch on January 26. The remaining two matches will be played in Nelson on January 29 and January 31.

The Test series will commence at Bay Oval in Tauranga from February 4 to 8, with the second and final Test scheduled at Seddon Park in Hamilton from February 12 to 16.
Tour Schedule
•⁠ ⁠January 16, 2027 – First ODI at McLean Park, Napier (04:30)
•⁠ ⁠January 19, 2027 – Second ODI at Basin Reserve, Wellington (04:30)
•⁠ ⁠January 22, 2027 – Third ODI at University of Otago Oval, Dunedin (04:30)
•⁠ ⁠January 26, 2027 – First T20I at Hagley Oval, Christchurch (11:30)
•⁠ ⁠January 29, 2027 – Second T20I at Saxton Oval, Nelson (09:30)
•⁠ ⁠January 31, 2027 – Third T20I at Saxton Oval, Nelson (06:30)
•⁠ ⁠February 4–8, 2027 – First Test at Bay Oval, Tauranga (04:30)
•⁠ ⁠February 12–16, 2027 – Second Test at Seddon Park, Hamilton (04:30)

Cricket

Sri Lanka Ready for New ODI Era as West Indies Series Begins

Published

9 hours ago

June 3, 2026

Editor

Sri Lanka will launch a new chapter in their One-Day International journey when they face the West Indies in the opening match of a three-game series at Sabina Park today.

The encounter marks the first ODI assignment under newly appointed captain Kusal Mendis and head coach Gary Kirsten, with the team looking to establish a fresh identity and playing approach in the 50-over format.

Assistant coach Ryan van Niekerk expressed confidence in the squad’s preparations and said the players are eager to translate their plans into performances on the field.

“Our focus is on winning and implementing the style of cricket we have worked hard to develop,” van Niekerk said ahead of the series opener. “The group has embraced a clear vision for ODI cricket, and this tour provides an important opportunity to put those ideas into practice.”

Sri Lanka have enjoyed a productive build-up to the series after arriving in the Caribbean well ahead of schedule. The early arrival allowed the squad to adjust to local conditions and overcome the significant time difference between the two countries.

According to van Niekerk, the additional preparation time has been invaluable.

“Touring the West Indies can be challenging when teams have limited time to acclimatise,” he said. “This time, we were able to train effectively, spend quality time at Sabina Park, and use the warm-up match to reinforce our plans and processes.”

The tourists head into the series with confidence following an emphatic victory in their warm-up fixture against a Jamaica Select XI on Sunday. Sri Lanka piled up an imposing 335 for 7 before dismissing their opponents for just 108.

Several batters made notable contributions, with Charith Asalanka striking 61, Kamindu Mendis scoring 65, and Janith Liyanage adding 60. The bowling attack also impressed, led by Dushmantha Chameera’s figures of 3 for 8 and Dunith Wellalage’s 3 for 10.

Van Niekerk highlighted the intensity displayed by the players during the practice match, describing it as a positive sign ahead of the competitive fixtures.

“Warm-up games can sometimes lack energy, but the commitment and intensity shown by the players stood out. The squad has established strong processes, and the challenge now is to carry that momentum into the ODI series,” he said.

Cricket

Sri Lanka Cricket Awards National Contracts to 46 Players for 2026–27 Season

Published

9 hours ago

June 3, 2026

Editor

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has announced its list of national player contracts for the 2026–2027 season, with 46 cricketers receiving contracts as the governing body continues its efforts to strengthen the national talent pool and maintain competitiveness across all formats of the game.

The contracts, which will be effective from April 1, 2026, to March 31, 2027, have been awarded based on a range of criteria including player performance, consistency, fitness levels, potential, and the strategic requirements of the national teams.

SLC stated that players have been categorized under A1, A2, B1, B2, C1 and Central Contract categories, with the system designed to provide athletes with the necessary support, structure and resources to perform at the highest level.

A notable feature of this year’s contracts is the inclusion of seven players receiving national contracts for the first time. Kamil Mishara, Lasith Croospulle, Vijayakanth Viyaskanth, Isitha Wijesundara, Wanuja Sahan, Dilum Sudeera and Tharindu Ratnayake have all earned places in the national contract list following their performances and potential shown in domestic and representative cricket.

The full list of contracted players also includes Asitha Fernando, Dasun Shanaka, Dunith Wellalage, Niroshan Dickwella, Jeffrey Vandersay, Prabath Jayasuriya, Vishwa Fernando, Matheesha Pathirana, Dilshan Madushanka, Pavan Rathnayake, Eshan Malinga, Milan Rathnayake, Lahiru Kumara, Kasun Rajitha, Avishka Fernando, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Ramesh Mendis, Binura Fernando, Nuwan Thushara, Sonal Dinusha, Sahan Arachchige, Pramod Madushan, Lahiru Udara, Nuwanidu Fernando, Nishan Madushka, Akila Dananjaya, Chamika Karunaratne, Pasindu Sooriyabandara and Mohammed Shiraz.

Sri Lanka Cricket extended its congratulations to all contracted players while offering a special welcome to the newcomers. The board emphasized that the contracts reflect its commitment to rewarding performance, nurturing emerging talent and maintaining a strong squad capable of representing the country at the international level.

SLC also expressed confidence that the contracted players will continue to uphold high standards of professionalism, discipline and excellence as they prepare for the upcoming international season and seek to bring success to Sri Lankan cricket.