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Biked up for Ride4Ceylon 2024

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M.H.Yakeem

A frenzy of activity is gripping the Ride4Ceylon organizers, as they make preparations for their charity bike ride in 2024.

Scheduled for 28 Feb – 2 Mar, the ride is once again expected to attract global interest.

Cyclists from around the world descend upon our charming land, to embark on this 500km trek. 

An illustration of the ride’s far-flung appeal can be highlighted by British cyclist Chris Williams’s trek from Milan to the Italian Dolomites. Rising to over 3000m and situated in the northern Italian Alps, Chris’ challenge required Herculean strength endurance. With grit and determination, Chris achieved this mammoth task.

The 2024 ride will commence in Kandy, traversing north through Mahiyanganaya, Dambulla, Anuradhapura, and Vavuniya before reaching Green Memorial Hospital in Jaffna. 

Launched to renovate this dilapidated hospital, the funds raised from the charity ride have been plowed into this mission. And blossoming signs are evident, with Green Memorial Hospital offering and expanding its medical services.

Support for the grueling ride will come from the Sri Lankan police, who provide security for the participants, Sri Lankan Tourism, and the destination management company House of Travels (H.O.T.).

Notwithstanding the amazing care and effort provided by the riders, organizers, sponsors, and donors to improve the medical facility at the hospital, the ride also offers a glimpse into the charisma and beauty of our nation. Thereby, enticing and inspiring the tourism sector. 

Although primarily established to regenerate the GMH, the benefits from the charity ride have truly been nationwide. Which is the ultimate aim of the project – to improve the medical facilities for all those living in Sri Lanka. A worthy cause indeed.

For more information or if you’d like to support the charity, please see www.Ride4Ceylon.com

Caption 

Left     –   Ride4Ceylon 2023 ride 
Right   –  British Cyclist Chris Williams who rode from Milan to the Italian Dolomites. 

             

Cricket

Jaiswal, Sooryavanshi blitz helps Royals continue winning streak

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A breathtaking opening assault from Yashasvi Jaiswal and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi powered Rajasthan Royals to their third consecutive victory in the Indian Premier League 2026, as they defeated Mumbai Indians by 27 runs in a high-octane 11-over contest in Guwahati.

After being asked to bat, Rajasthan came out firing on all cylinders. Jaiswal was at his explosive best, smashing 77 off just 32 balls, peppered with 10 fours and four sixes. He found an able partner in Sooryavanshi, who produced a stunning cameo of 39 from only 14 deliveries, including five towering sixes. The duo stitched together a rapid 80-run opening stand in under five overs, setting the tone for a massive total.

Despite a brief slowdown following a couple of wickets from AM Ghazanfar, contributions from skipper Riyan Parag ensured the Royals finished strongly at 150/3.

Chasing 151 in a shortened game, Mumbai never truly recovered from early setbacks. Jofra Archer and Sandeep Sharma struck crucial blows upfront, removing key batters including Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav cheaply.

A late flourish from Sherfane Rutherford, who hammered 25 off just eight balls, briefly raised hopes, but disciplined bowling from Ravi Bishnoi and Nandre Burger kept things in control.
Mumbai Indians eventually finished at 123/9, falling well short.

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Cricket

Sri Lanka Women’s U-19s Secure Easy Win

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Sri Lanka Under-19 Women produced an impressive all-round performance to register a comfortable 52-run victory over England Under-19 Women in their second match of the Tri-Series played in Australia today.

After winning the toss and electing to bat first, Sri Lanka posted a competitive total of 170 in 42.4 overs. The innings was anchored by a composed half-century from Limansa Thilakarathne, who led the batting effort with confidence and maturity. Despite a few setbacks in the middle order, Sri Lanka managed to build useful partnerships to reach a challenging total.

In response, England Under-19 Women struggled to gain momentum against a disciplined Sri Lankan bowling attack and were bowled out for 118 in 42.1 overs. B. Gillgrass top-scored with 35 off 60 balls, while B. Willis remained unbeaten on 20, but lacked support from the rest of the batting line-up.

Sri Lanka’s bowlers delivered a clinical performance, with A. Thalagune leading the charge with an outstanding spell of 3 for 11. C. Praboda also impressed, claiming 3 for 13 to seal the victory.

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Cricket

SLC Sets the Record Straight on Player Fitness Reports Amid Controversy

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Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has moved swiftly to counter widespread reports alleging that 19 national cricketers failed a recent Physical Performance Test, labeling the claims as misleading and unfounded. The governing body stressed that the narrative circulating in the media does not reflect the true outcome of its ongoing player evaluation process.

In a strongly worded clarification, SLC stated that the report, which emerged on April 3, lacked proper verification and has caused unnecessary concern among fans while potentially damaging the credibility of the national setup. The board reaffirmed its commitment to accuracy and professionalism in all aspects of team management.

As part of its routine quarterly review conducted between February and April 2026, SLC confirmed that several prominent players have successfully met the required fitness standards. Among them are Dinesh Chandimal, Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Maheesh Theekshana, Akila Dananjaya, Lahiru Udara, and Prabath Jayasuriya.

At the same time, SLC clarified that a group of players has not yet completed the test due to legitimate circumstances. Fast bowler Matheesha Pathirana and all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga are among those undergoing rehabilitation, alongside Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Binura Fernando, and Lahiru Kumara, whose testing has been deferred accordingly.

The cricket board emphasized that fitness benchmarks remain an essential part of maintaining international standards, but assessments are handled with consideration for player health and recovery. Officials also called for responsible journalism, urging media platforms to verify facts before publication to prevent confusion and protect the integrity of the sport.

With preparations ongoing for upcoming international fixtures, SLC’s clarification aims to restore confidence and shift focus back to performance and development within the national team.

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