The stage is set for one of Sri Lanka’s most cherished school cricket rivalries, as St. Joseph’s College and St. Peter’s College prepare to renew their historic contest in the 92nd Battle of the Saints. The three-day encounter will be played at the Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC) ground on 19, 20 and 21 March, with the prestigious Rev. Fr. Maurice J. Le Goc Trophy up for grabs.
Adding to the excitement, the 52nd Joe–Pete Limited Overs Encounter for the Rev. Fr. Peter A. Pillai Trophy will take place on 25 April, also at SSC. Dialog Axiata PLC continues its proud tradition of powering this iconic fixture for the tenth consecutive year, underscoring its commitment to nurturing the champions of tomorrow.

This year, St. Joseph’s will be led by Rishma Amarasinghe, while St. Peter’s will take the field under Enosh Peterson, who starred as Man-of-the-Match in last year’s limited overs clash. The rivalry remains finely balanced: St. Joseph’s has 12 outright wins, their last in 2008, while St. Peter’s boasts 10, most recently in 2016. A remarkable 68 encounters have ended in draws, reflecting the competitive spirit that defines this fixture. The 2025 edition, contested as a three-day match for the first time, fittingly ended in a draw.

In the shorter format, St. Joseph’s holds a narrow edge with 25 victories compared to St. Peter’s 23, alongside two no-results and one tie. The 51st encounter saw St. Peter’s clinch a thrilling four-wicket win to retain the Rev. Fr. Peter A. Pillai Memorial Shield.

Beyond the numbers, both schools carry a proud legacy of producing cricketing greats who have represented Sri Lanka at the highest level. Josephian alumni include Dimuth Karunaratne, Angelo Mathews, Chaminda Vaas, Dunith Wellalage, Thisara Perera, and Sadeera Samarawickrama, while Peterites have given the nation stars such as Roy Dias, Rumesh Ratnayake, Russel Arnold, Angelo Perera, and Janith Liyanage.

Speaking ahead of the match, Rev. Fr. Rohitha Rodrigo of St. Peter’s emphasized that the fixture represents more than competition, symbolizing brotherhood, character, and the highest standards of school cricket. Rev. Fr. Ranjith Andradi of St. Joseph’s echoed the sentiment, highlighting the values of discipline, teamwork, and fellowship that unite generations of players and supporters.

Dialog’s Group Chief Marketing Officer, Lasantha Thverapperuma, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to the Big Match season, calling it a cornerstone of Sri Lanka’s sporting heritage and wishing both teams success in what promises to be another memorable chapter in this storied rivalry.

The Lanka Premier League (LPL) 2026 has encountered an unexpected delay, with organizers confirming that the highly anticipated player draft will not take place this month due to ongoing tensions in the Middle East. While the draft has been pushed back, the tournament itself remains firmly on schedule, set to run from 8 July to 8 August 2026.

Despite the setback, excitement around the sixth edition of the league continues to build. Several prominent international cricketers have already expressed their interest in participating, reinforcing the LPL’s growing stature in the global cricket calendar.

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) is also exploring the possibility of expanding the list of venues for this year’s competition. The Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC) Ground in Colombo has emerged as a strong candidate following the installation of floodlights, which now allow the historic venue to host day-night fixtures. If included, SSC would join the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, and Dambulla International Stadium, easing logistical challenges and giving fans in the capital another opportunity to witness the action.

Although no official confirmation has been made, discussions are ongoing, and SSC is increasingly seen as a likely addition to the venue lineup.

Kandy will host a unique charity event later this month as Run for Hope brings runners, families, and supporters together for a meaningful cause. The event, scheduled for March 29, aims to raise awareness and support for the development of Sri Lanka’s first residential training and empowerment center for single mothers and their children.

Organizers say the initiative is designed to provide a safe and supportive environment where single mothers can rebuild their lives while caring for their children. The proposed center will offer vocational training, skill development, and opportunities for financial independence, while also ensuring a secure space for children to grow and learn.

Across Sri Lanka, many single mothers face the challenge of raising families with limited resources and support. Run for Hope seeks to change that narrative by encouraging the community to participate in an event that promotes both fitness and social responsibility.

Participants will be able to compete in 2KM, 5KM, and 10KM races, making the event accessible for runners of different ages and fitness levels. The organizers note that every participant contributes directly to the effort of building a better future for families in need.

The event will also mark the first-ever Run for Hope to be held in Kandy, bringing together members of the community to run for a shared purpose.

Registration for the event is open through the PickMe app under the Events section or via the official online registration link. The registration fee is Rs. 2,500 for adults and Rs. 1,500 for children under the age of 12.

Competitors in the 5KM and 10KM categories will compete for prize money, with Rs. 25,000 awarded to the winners, Rs. 15,000 for second place, and Rs. 10,000 for third place in both the male and female categories. Participants will also receive gift packs sponsored by Nestomalt and LaPerfumerie.lk, while every registered runner will be given an official Run for Hope T-shirt, cap, and finisher medal.

Organizers emphasize that the event is about more than a race. Every runner who crosses the finish line becomes part of a larger mission—helping build a future of hope, dignity, and opportunity for single mothers and their children in Sri Lanka.