News

Sirimavo Colours Night Controversy: Achievements, Merit and the Call for Fair Evaluation

Published

5 months ago

December 22, 2025

Editor

A video shared on social media following the annual Colours Night ceremony at Sirimavo Bandaranaike Vidyalaya has sparked widespread public debate after a student claimed she was unfairly deprived of a sports award despite her outstanding sporting record.

The ceremony, held on December 19, came under scrutiny after the student made a public announcement stating that she did not receive an award allegedly due to her non-attendance at rehearsals, despite her competitive achievements. The video has since gone viral, triggering mixed reactions across social media platforms.

Outstanding Achievements of Both Athletes
The controversy involves two student athletes who have both brought significant honour to the school through exceptional performances in their respective sports.

The Squash Player, V.S. Chanithma Sinaly, has represented Sri Lanka at the Commonwealth Games, Asian Games, Asian Championships, and PSA-ranked international tournaments. Her achievements include a Commonwealth Games gold medal, national titles in both junior and women’s open categories, and consistent performances at international professional events — making her one of Sri Lanka’s most accomplished young squash players.

The Swimmer, Nabhasshie Perera, has been a dominant figure at school, national, and age-group level swimming, holding multiple national records in butterfly events. She has represented Sri Lanka at Asian Age Group Championships, World Junior Championships, BIMSTEC competitions, and has secured numerous national and school-level gold medals, underlining her consistency and technical excellence in the pool.

Context Behind the Student Who Missed the Award
According to information that has surfaced following the incident, the student who did not receive the award had missed mandatory rehearsals linked to the Colours Night ceremony, reportedly due to competition schedules and training commitments. While this may have influenced procedural eligibility for the award presentation, it has raised important questions about how discipline-based criteria are applied to elite athletes competing at national and international level.

Observers have noted that while rules and protocols are essential, they must also be flexible and clearly communicated, especially when student athletes are balancing academic responsibilities with elite sporting commitments that extend beyond school boundaries.

Old Girls’ Association Calls for Inquiry
In response to the controversy, the Old Girls’ Association of Sirimavo Bandaranaike Vidyalaya issued a statement acknowledging that both athletes have significantly contributed to the school’s sporting legacy.

The association confirmed it would request the school administration to conduct a fair, impartial, and transparent inquiry, overseen by a panel of qualified sports experts, to review the award criteria and decision-making process. A report will be released once the inquiry is concluded.

Until then, the Old Girls’ Association has urged all parties to refrain from sharing or circulating content that could negatively affect the students involved or harm the reputation of the school.

As of now, the school administration has yet to issue a separate public response.

A Teachable Moment for School Sports Governance
Beyond the immediate controversy, the incident has opened a wider discussion on how schools recognise sporting excellence, especially when student athletes are performing at international and professional levels. Clear guidelines, transparent communication, and athlete-sensitive policies remain crucial to ensuring fairness and protecting young sportsmen and sportswomen from public disputes.

News

Historic Victory for School for the Deaf Basketball Team

Published

6 hours ago

May 13, 2026

Editor

The Under-15 basketball team of School for the Deaf, Ratmalana created history by winning the U15 Basketball Tournament organised by the Sri Lanka Schools Basketball Association. Their remarkable achievement has become an inspiring story of determination, teamwork, and courage.

The most touching moment of the final came after the match ended. As the referees blew the final whistle, the players could not hear the sound because they are hearing impaired. However, within seconds, their coach turned towards them with joy and signalled the unforgettable news they had won the championship.

The emotional celebration that followed moved everyone present at the venue. The young players hugged each other with pride and happiness after achieving a victory that will be remembered for years to come. Their performance throughout the tournament displayed excellent discipline, skill, and fighting spirit.

This historic triumph is not only a proud moment for the school but also an inspiration to the entire nation. It reminds us that determination and hard work can overcome any challenge, proving that true talent has no barriers.

News

Savinaka claim title for third successive year as Thulithclaim double crown at MBA Open Badminton Championships 2026

Published

12 hours ago

May 13, 2026

Editor

Savinaka Weerasekara defended his title for the second consecutive year while Thulith Palliyaguru accounted for a double crown at the MBA All-Island Open Badminton Championship 2026, which concluded in a grand scale at the Mercantile Badminton Association (MBA) courts in Colombo.

After conceding the first set by 18-21, Savinaka Weerasekarabounced back to overcome aspiring shuttler Keneth Aruggodaby 21-12 and 21-5 to seal the MBA Open Men’s Singles title for the third consecutive year. Varangana Jayawardana defeated Dulanya Karunarathna in similar fashion by 2-1, with set scores of 19-21, 21-12 and 21-13 to claim the MBA Open Women’s Singles title.

Thulith Palliyaguru partnered with Oshamika Karunarathna to overcome the duo of Jason Homer and Thavisha Samararatne in straight sets (24-22, 21-16) to claim the Open Men’s Doubles title, after pairing up with Panchali Adhikari to win the Open Mixed Doubles title to secure his double crown. Thulith and Panchali defeated Aashinsa Herath and Varangana Jayawardanain straight sets, with scores of 21-16 and 21-17. The Open Women’s Doubles title was claimed by Anurangi Masakoralaand Praveena Wijesundara, who defeated Isuri Attanayake and Sithumi de Silva in straight sets by 22-20 and 21-16 after an absorbing battle.

In the Junior category, Dinew Wmalaratne and NethmiRatnayake secured the U-19 Boy’s and Girl’s Singles titles, with the former accounting for a double crown. Dinew was given a tough challenge by Senuth Perera, who squared the Boy’s Singles final after the eventual champion won the first set by 21-17 and conceded the second 16-21 to set a thrilling final set. Dinew claimed the final set 21-18 and secured the title by 2-1, after claiming the Boys’ U-19 Doubles title partnering with Keneth Aruggoda to defeat Thejana Herath and MihilaJayaweera in straight sets, with scores of 21/13 and 21-16.

Nethmi Ratnayake defeated Dulanya Karunarathna in straight sets by 21-17 and 21-14, while the pairing of Isuri Attanayakeand Sithumi de Silva went on to overcome Vinuthi Ranasingheand Yenara Wickramasinghe by 2-1 to claim the Girls’ U-19 Doubles title. Isuri and Sithumi conceded the first set 16-21, but bounced back to claim the remaining two sets by 24-22 and 21-9 to emerge winners after a grueling battle.

The annual elite badminton competition conducted by Mercantile Badminton Association, attracted nearly 1900 shuttlers, who battled it out in 59 different events. A grand cash prize of Rs. 750,000 was on offer in addition to gifts and certificates at the event, which was held at the MBA, Sri Lanka Badminton and Otters courts from May 2nd to 10th with Elite Shutter stepping forward as the Main Sponsor. Other sponsors namely DMS, Hundred, Linning, Omrith, ATG, NST Enterprises, Mclarens Group, Mobil, Lanla Commodity Brokers, Gangani Tea Factory, Forbes & Walker Tea Factory, Green House Tea Factory, Palathota Uva Tea Factory and Sanda HiruProductions contributed for the success of the nine-day event. Mrs Shanga Jayawicrama graced the awards ceremony as Chief Guest while Brian Gomes of Elite Shutter made his presence as the Guest of Honour.

Cricket

SLC Postpones Domestic Cricket Tournaments Due to Adverse Weather

Published

12 hours ago

May 13, 2026

Editor

Sri Lanka Cricket has announced the postponement of all its scheduled domestic cricket tournaments following an assessment of prevailing weather conditions across the country.

The decision affects several key competitions that were due to commence today, including the Major Club T20 Tournament, Tier B Club T20 Tournament, and the Governors Trophy tournament.

According to SLC, the move was taken to ensure the safety of players, officials, and support staff, while also maintaining the quality of playing conditions amid continued unfavorable weather.

Tournament organizers stated that revised schedules for the affected competitions will be released in due course after further evaluation of weather forecasts and ground conditions.