In a recent development, the Sri Lanka Cricket Board (SLC), in consultation with Cricket Australia (CA), has revised the schedule for Australia’s inbound tour to Sri Lanka, which is set to commence on 29 January 2025. The revised itinerary includes an additional One-Day International (ODI), providing fans with an extra dose of high-quality cricket action.

Revised Schedule Highlights

The tour, which was initially scheduled to feature only a single ODI and two Test matches as part of the ICC World Test Championship cycle, will now include two ODIs. This adjustment comes as a boost for Australia, offering crucial preparation ahead of the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, slated to begin on 19 February.

For Sri Lanka, however, this will mark the first time they miss out on the prestigious Champions Trophy, having failed to meet the qualification criteria. Despite this setback, the home side will be keen to make a statement in the limited-overs format against a formidable Australian team.

Tour Schedule in Detail

First Test: 29 January – 2 February, Galle

Second Test: 6 – 10 February, Galle

First ODI: 12 February, Colombo

Second ODI: 14 February, Colombo

Key Context

The additional ODI has sparked excitement among cricket enthusiasts, with both teams looking to fine-tune their strategies. For Australia, the two-match ODI series serves as an ideal opportunity to experiment and finalize combinations ahead of the global tournament.

Meanwhile, Sri Lanka will aim to make the most of the home advantage, as they strive to rebuild confidence after missing out on the Champions Trophy. The Tests in Galle are expected to be fiercely contested, given the spin-friendly conditions that traditionally favor the hosts.

Colombo, Sri Lanka — December 20, 2024
Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has taken a monumental step toward better governance, transparency, and inclusivity with the approval of significant constitutional amendments during an Extraordinary General Meeting. These reforms mark a turning point in SLC’s commitment to modernizing its operations and promoting fair representation.

Key Reforms Include Reduction in Voting Members

One of the most transformative changes is the reduction in voting members from 147 to 60. This new voting structure links voting rights to the level of cricket played by member clubs, ensuring a fairer representation for stakeholders. Eligible clubs and associations will now have an equal vote, paving the way for more equitable and efficient decision-making processes.

New Committees to Enhance Transparency

To bolster financial accountability and governance, SLC has introduced three pivotal committees:

• Audit Committee
• Investment and Budget Committee
• Related Party Transactions Committee

These committees aim to strengthen oversight mechanisms, ensuring transparency in SLC’s financial and administrative dealings.

Appointment of 2025 Election Committee

Another milestone was the unanimous appointment of the Election Committee for 2025, chaired by retired Court of Appeal Judge Malanie Gunaratne. This five-member team is tasked with preparing for the upcoming SLC elections in 2025, laying the groundwork for fair and transparent electoral processes.

Implications for Cricket in Sri Lanka

These amendments are designed to promote merit-based leadership, inclusivity, and professionalism across SLC’s operations. By aligning membership with meaningful contributions to cricket, SLC aims to create a sustainable and competitive cricketing ecosystem in Sri Lanka.

A Step Toward the Future

The approved reforms are hailed as a critical step in transforming Sri Lanka Cricket into a model of governance and efficiency. With an emphasis on transparency, accountability, and merit, SLC is setting the stage for a new era of cricket development.

Stay updated with the latest developments in Sri Lanka Cricket and its journey toward excellence.

Arugam Bay, a vibrant surf hub in Sri Lanka’s south-eastern Ampara district, has long been a magnet for international surfers and home to global surf competitions. Now, it’s making headlines for a groundbreaking movement led by a group of determined women challenging traditional gender roles and cultural norms.

Over the past decade, a local girls’ surf team has emerged as a beacon of change, proving that surfing is not just a sport but a powerful tool for empowerment. The journey began with WL Shamali Sanjaya, now 36, who was one of the first women from her coastal village to embrace surfing in 2011. Inspired by the encouragement of an American family residing in the area, Shamali took the plunge, defying societal expectations in a community where women were traditionally confined to household roles or academics.

“There was this perception that surfing was not suitable for women in our culture,” Shamali shared from Baby Surf Point, a popular spot for beginners. “Even within my family, there were initial objections. But my maternal grandmother stood by me. I knew I wasn’t doing anything wrong, and I wasn’t afraid to stand my ground.”

Her fearless journey inspired other women from the Tamil and Sinhalese communities in the multi-ethnic district to pick up surfboards and ride the waves. By 2018, the growing interest led to the creation of the Arugam Bay Girls Surf Club, which became the first officially registered female surf club under the Surfing Federation of Sri Lanka.

This milestone represents more than just sports—it’s a movement reshaping societal attitudes and showcasing the transformative power of surfing. As these women continue to conquer waves and stereotypes, they’re setting an example for future generations in Sri Lanka and beyond.

Arugam Bay’s surf story is no longer just about its world-class waves—it’s about breaking barriers and making history.

Source: The Hindu