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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

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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Chathuranga takes charge as Tuskers seek redemption in final showdown

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Sri Lanka’s Tuskers head into their final fixture against the touring New Zealand Under-85kg side this evening with a fresh leader and a renewed sense of urgency, following a narrow defeat in the opening encounter.

In a notable pre-match development, Tharindu Chathuranga has been entrusted with the captaincy for the decisive game at Nittawela Stadium, set to kick off at 4.15 p.m. The move sees original skipper Lasindu Karunathilake relegated to the bench, as selectors opt for a different approach in their bid to overturn fortunes.

The Tuskers were competitive in the first leg but ultimately fell 27–16 at the Racecourse Grounds. With the series on the line, the team management has responded with a mix of tactical reshuffling and personnel changes aimed at sharpening both attack and defense.
Among the key adjustments, Omalka Gunarathna steps into the starting role at number eight, while Kavindu de Costa replaces Harsha Maduranga at scrum-half. An injury to winger Janidu Dilshan has forced another change, with Jayathu Rajarathna promoted from the bench to the starting XV.

Further alterations in the back division see Murshid Doray move to fullback, allowing Thenuka Nanayakkara to slot into the fly-half position to steer the attack. The bench too has been reinforced with fresh options, as selectors look to add impact in the latter stages of the contest.

Chathuranga, a seasoned campaigner and former Kingswood College leader, has earned recognition for guiding Kandy SC to a strong league season, finishing as runners-up. Known for his work rate and leadership qualities, he now shoulders the responsibility of rallying the side in a high-stakes encounter.

With pride and parity in the series at stake, the Tuskers will be aiming for a more disciplined and clinical display as they attempt to turn the tables on a resilient New Zealand outfit.

Line-up for the final match

Forwards: Deshan Vimukthi, Pulasthi Dassanayake, Hansitha De Silva, Thilina Bandara, Naveen Marasinghe, Tharindu Chathuranga (captain), Lahiru Thilakarathne, Omalka Gunarathna

Backs: Kavindu de Costa, Thenuka Nanayakkara, Dilulksha Dange, Arkash Maduranga, Manika Ruberu, Jayathu Rajarathna, Murshid Doray

Bench: Venura Kodhagoda, Charith Silva, Nisal, Lasindu Karunathilake, Denuwan Wickramaarachi, Oliver Buckle, Vidhuna Amaneth, Yuwan Pathirana

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