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Pathum Nissanka recalled to Sri Lanka squad to face Pakistan

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Sri Lanka has recalled opening batter Pathum Nissanka to their Test squad which will face Pakistan in the two-match test series starting from Sunday (16).

Nissanka, who has played just three Tests for Sri Lanka, last featured in the format last year against Australia at home.

The 28-year-old has found a spot in the squad after having missed the country’s last two red-ball assignments.

Nissanka had a decent outing in the recently concluded World Cup qualifiers, where he smashed a couple of hundreds in Sri Lanka’s successful campaign.

Other notable inclusions are Praveen Jayawickrama, Kasun Rajitha, Dilshan Madushanka and Lakshitha Manasinghe.

Surprisingly spinner Lasith Embuldeniya, who didn’t get a game against Ireland recently at home, has been handed the axe. The likes of Asitha Fernando, Dushan Hemantha and Milan Priyanath Rathnayake have also been dropped from the squad that hammered Ireland 2-0 in the series in April.

Meanwhile, skipper Dimuth Karunaratne is likely to miss the first Test against Pakistan (though he is named in the squad) due to a hamstring injury. He will undergo fitness tests in Colombo over the next 48 hours, and if found unfit, will not travel to Galle for the match, which begins on 16 July.

If Karunaratne is unavailable, the team is likely to be led by vice-captain Dhananjaya de Silva.

Dimuth picked up the injury during the recently concluded World Cup Qualifiers in Zimbabwe.

On the conclusion of the first Test, the two teams will travel to Colombo for the second Test at the SSC from 24 to 28 July.

Squad: Dimuth Karunaratne (C), Nishan Madushka, Kusal Mendis, Angelo Matthews, Dinesh Chandimal, Dhananjaya de Silva, Pathum Nissanka, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Kamindu Mendis, Ramesh Mendis, Prabath Jayasuriya, Praveen Jayawickrama, Kasun Rajitha, Dilshan Madushanka, Vishwa Fernando, Lakshitha Manasinghe

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Negombo Gears Up for “Run for Hope” as Community Spirit Takes Center Stage

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Negombo is preparing to host a vibrant and purpose-driven community event later this month, as Run for Hope arrives on May 23rd with a message that reaches far beyond the track.

Scheduled to begin at 6:00 AM at Kotuwa Grounds, the event is expected to draw participants from across the region, blending athletic enthusiasm with a shared commitment to social impact. Organizers say the run is designed to be inclusive, welcoming everyone from competitive runners to casual walkers and families looking to support a meaningful cause.

The initiative is led by the Voice Foundation, a group focused on empowering vulnerable communities. Through Run for Hope, the foundation aims to shine a spotlight on the challenges faced by single mothers while promoting supportive alternatives and long-term solutions through awareness and outreach programs.

This upcoming event follows a successful run earlier this year in Kandy, where strong participation and community backing highlighted the growing momentum behind the campaign. Organizers believe the Negombo edition will further expand that reach, bringing new voices and supporters into the movement.

In addition to the run itself, careful planning has gone into ensuring participant safety and comfort. Hydration points, volunteer assistance, and medical support will be available throughout the course, creating a well-organized and welcoming environment.


Local businesses, media partners, and volunteers have also joined hands to support theinitiative, reinforcing the idea that collective action can lead to meaningful change. The event is not only about physical endurance but also about raising awareness and encouraging compassion within society.

Registrations remain open, and organizers encourage early sign-ups as interest continues to grow. Participants and supporters can obtain more information via WhatsApp by contacting 077 251 2374 or 077 861 2374.

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Cricket

Sri Lanka to Begin Caribbean Tour with ODI Series in June 2026

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The Sri Lanka national cricket team is set to embark on a full tour of the West Indies cricket team in June and July 2026, featuring a complete schedule across all three formats of the game.

The tour will open with a three-match One Day International (ODI) series at the renowned Sabina Park. The first ODI is scheduled for June 3, followed by the second on June 6 and the final match on June 8. These opening fixtures are expected to set the tone for the remainder of the tour.

Attention will then shift to the shorter format, with three Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is) also taking place at Sabina Park. The matches are set for June 11, June 13, and June 14, offering fans a fast-paced contest between the two sides.

Sri Lanka will then travel to Antigua for a four-day warm-up game from June 18 to 21 at the Coolidge Cricket Ground. This match will serve as preparation for the longer format of the game.

The two-match Test series will be held at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium. The first Test is scheduled from June 25 to 29, while the second Test will take place from July 3 to 7.

Schedule

  • June 3 – First ODI at Sabina Park
  • June 6 – Second ODI at Sabina Park
  • June 8 – Third ODI at Sabina Park
  • June 11 – First T20I at Sabina Park
  • ⁠June 13 – Second T20I at Sabina Park
  • ⁠June 14 – Third T20I at Sabina Park
  • ⁠June 18–21 – Four-day warm-up match at Coolidge Cricket Ground
  • ⁠June 25–29 – First Test at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium
  • ⁠July 3–7 – Second Test at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium
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Athletics

Hero’s Welcome for Golden Girl Wasana

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Sri Lanka celebrated in style as its lone gold medalist Nipuni Wasana at the 6th Asian Beach Games returned home to a rousing welcome, marking a proud moment for the nation.

Airwoman Nipuni Wasana stole the spotlight in Sanya, China, where she clinched gold in the Women’s 50kg Beach Wrestling event. In the final, she overcame Vietnam’s Doan Thi Kim Oanh with a composed and commanding performance, securing a historic victory for Sri Lanka.

Her achievement was met with a grand at Bandaranaike International Airport, where Air Force personnel, sports officials, and supporters gathered to honor her success. Wasana was also given the distinction of carrying the national flag at the closing ceremony, highlighting her status as the country’s top performer at the Games.

Sri Lanka wrapped up its campaign with a total of seven medals one gold, two silver, and four bronze demonstrating competitive strength across multiple disciplines.

The Women’s Beach Kabaddi team delivered an impressive performance to secure silver, while the Men’s team contributed with a bronze medal finish. In Athletics, Ishara Samanmali earned silver in the women’s long jump, and Sashikala Lankathilaka claimed bronze. The Men’s 4x60m relay team also added to the tally with a bronze-winning effort.

A contingent of 77 Sri Lankan athletes competed in eight sports at the Games. Although several disciplines did not produce medals, the team achieved a respectable 10th place overall.
Host nation China dominated the medal standings with 24 gold medals, followed by Thailand and Iran.

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