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Another investigation against Chamika Karunaratne

Published

3 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.

News

Kubheran Shines with Boys’ Under-18 Title Triumph

Published

6 hours ago

January 29, 2026

Editor

Peterite Mayooran Kubheran continued his rapid rise in junior tennis by clinching the Boys’ Under-18 title at the YETI SSC Open Tennis Championship 2026, concluded at the SSC courts.

Kubheran delivered a composed and commanding performance in the final, defeating Rehan Gunawardhane 6–3, 6–2 in straight sets. Displaying maturity beyond his years, the young prospect controlled proceedings from the baseline, combining depth, accuracy, and smart shot selection to keep his opponent under constant pressure. Gunawardhane fought hard, particularly in the opening set, but found it difficult to break through Kubheran’s consistency and court coverage as the match wore on.

The triumph capped off an outstanding fortnight for Kubheran, who had earlier secured the Boys’ Under-16 title at the same tournament. By completing the double across two age categories, he further cemented his reputation as one of Sri Lanka’s most promising junior tennis talents.

Meanwhile, the Women’s Doubles final provided plenty of excitement, with Tuvini de Alwis and Biyanka Acquistapace emerging champions after a hard-fought three-set battle against Gehansa Methnadi and Akesha Silva. De Alwis and Acquistapace edged a tense first-set tie-break 7–6, dropped the second set 4–6, before regrouping strongly to claim the deciding set and the title.

The YETI SSC Open Tennis Championship once again showcased the depth of emerging talent in Sri Lankan tennis, with several young players delivering impressive performances across categories.

News

CR & FC Maintain Top Spot as Maliban ‘A’ Division League Heats Up After Week 11

Published

6 hours ago

January 29, 2026

Editor

CR & FC continue to lead the Sri Lanka Rugby Maliban “A” Division Inter Club League 2025/26 after the completion of Week 11, holding a narrow advantage at the top of the standings as the title race intensifies.

The Red Shirts sit first on the table with 42 points from eight matches, having recorded seven wins and just one defeat. Their consistent performances, combined with a strong defensive record and positive points difference, have kept them just ahead of their closest challengers.

Kandy Sports Club remain firmly in contention, occupying second place with 41 points. The hill capital outfit have matched CR & FC in intensity, losing only once this season, and boast the highest points scored tally so far. With just a single point separating the top two, the championship race remains wide open.

CH & FC sit third with 39 points, maintaining pressure on the leading pair after an impressive run of form. The Maitland Crescent side have shown balance across attack and defence, keeping themselves well within reach of the title fight.

Havelock Sports Club hold fourth place with 34 points, staying in the hunt for a top-four finish. Meanwhile, Air Force SC (25 points) and Police SC (17 points) occupy fifth and sixth positions respectively, both sides still battling to climb the standings as the season progresses.

At the lower end of the table, Army SC (14 points) and Navy SC (12 points) continue to search for consistency, while Sri Lions remain at the bottom with a solitary point after eight matches, enduring a difficult campaign.

With several crucial fixtures still to come, the Maliban “A” Division League promises an exciting run-in, particularly at the top where the margin for error is minimal. As teams push for silverware, playoff positions, and pride, the coming weeks are set to deliver high-intensity rugby across the island.

Cricket

Pavan Pleased with Maiden ODI Hundred as England Clinch Series in Colombo

Published

2 days ago

January 28, 2026

Editor

Sri Lanka’s promising young batter Pavan Rathnayake marked a major personal milestone with his maiden One Day International century, but his effort proved insufficient as England sealed a 2–1 series victory with a 53-run win in the third and final ODI at the R Premadasa International Stadium, Colombo, on Tuesday.

Chasing a daunting target of 358, Sri Lanka’s reply was anchored by the 23-year-old Rathnayake, who produced a composed and courageous 121 off 115 deliveries. Batting at his preferred No.4 position, Rathnayake showed maturity beyond his experience, mixing patience with controlled aggression to keep Sri Lanka in the contest. However, a lack of sustained partnerships at the other end saw the hosts bowled out for 304 in 46.4 overs, with Rathnayake the last man dismissed.

Speaking after the match, Rathnayake said he was pleased to finally convert an opportunity at international level, especially after being entrusted with a role he regularly occupies in domestic cricket.

“This is a position I am comfortable with, and I’ve been waiting for this opportunity,” he said, expressing hope that the innings would mark the beginning of a consistent run at the highest level.

Despite the defeat, Rathnayake remained optimistic about Sri Lanka’s batting depth, explaining that the plan during the chase was to take the game as deep as possible. He admitted, however, that the steady loss of wickets on a batting-friendly surface ultimately tilted the contest in England’s favour.

The innings carried deep personal significance, as Rathnayake dedicated his maiden international century to his late father, who played a key role in his cricketing journey. He reiterated that individual milestones mean little without team success, stressing that his ultimate goal remains contributing to Sri Lanka’s victories.

Earlier, England produced a commanding batting display after being asked to bat first. After early losses of Ben Duckett and Rehan Ahmed, Joe Root and Jacob Bethell rebuilt the innings with a composed partnership, Bethell contributing a well-paced 65. Root then combined with skipper Harry Brook to take the game away from Sri Lanka.

Brook unleashed a blistering unbeaten 136 off just 66 balls, while Root played the anchor role to perfection, finishing unbeaten on 111. England closed on an imposing 357 for 3, capitalising on a flat surface and loose bowling at the death.

Sri Lanka’s bowlers struggled to extract assistance, with Dhananjaya de Silva, Jeffrey Vandersay, and Wanindu Hasaranga managing a wicket apiece.

In response, Pathum Nissanka provided early impetus with a rapid half-century off just 25 balls, but regular breakthroughs prevented Sri Lanka from building momentum, allowing England to maintain control and close out the series.

With the ODI leg concluded, both teams now turn their attention to the three-match T20 International series, which gets underway on Friday in Kandy, as preparations continue for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.