News

Football administration doesn’t need a Shop boss – Sunil Senaveera (Video)

Published

3 years ago

January 12, 2023

Editor

Mr Sunil Senaveera, a former secretary of the Football Federation, said that the football federation election is scheduled to be held next Saturday (14), and the football administration does not need a moneylender but a sports administrator.

We all have a big question about whether there is a future for football in Sri Lanka. We are in 207th place in the world rankings. The cause of this crisis is the weakness of the administrators. He said that the former president and secretaries of the football association had no feelings to develop football.

Several letters were sent to the Ministry of Sports to investigate the corruption scams in the Football Federation. But after about a month, when I inquired about it, the letters were missing. Who should be responsible for such incidents should be investigated immediately.

Several parties such as FIFA, the Asian Football Confederation, and the Ministry of Sports said that the constitution of the Sri Lanka Football Federation should be amended. But the President and the executive committee were not interested in this at all.

Now the former president and the executive committee should take responsibility for everything that has happened to football. Because of them only, this situation turned into a serious problem. Transparency was not to be seen in this administration. All the financial transactions have taken place without any approval of the Executive Committee.

There are only 2 days left for the football election. No one knows who the contestants are. It is not possible to carry out an election in this way. Former Secretary Sunil Senaveera said this at a press conference held in Colombo.

පාපන්දු පරිපාලනයට අවශ්‍ය වන්නේ මුදාලි කෙනෙකු නොවේ – සුනිල් සෙනවීර

ලබන සෙනසුරාදා දින (14) පාපන්දු නිලවරණය පැවැත්වීමට නියමිත අතර, පාපන්දු පරිපාලනයට අවශ්‍ය වන්නේ මුදලාලි කෙනෙකු නොව ක්‍රීඩා පරිපාලකයෙකු බව පාපන්දු සම්මේලනයේ හිටපු ලේකම්වරයෙකු වන සුනිල් සෙනෙවිරත්න මහතා පැවසීය.

ශ්‍රී ලංකාවේ පාපන්දුවට අනාගතයක් තියෙනවද යන්න පිළිබදව අපි සෑම දෙනාටම ලොකු ප්‍රශ්නයක් තියෙනව. ලෝක ශ්‍රේණිගත කිරීම්හි අපි ඉන්නේ 207 වන ස්ථානයේ. මෙම අර්බුදයට හේතුව වන්නේ පරිපාලකයන්ගේ දුර්වලතාවය. හිටපු පාපන්දු සංගමයේ සභාපති, ලේකම්ලට පාපන්දුව දියුණු කිරීමට කිසිදු හැගීමක් තිබුනෙ නෑ යනුවෙන් එතුමා ප්‍රකාශ කලහ.

පාපන්දු සම්මේලනයේ ඇති දූෂණ වංචා පිළිබදව සොයා බැලීමට ලිපි කිහිපයක්ම ක්‍රීඩා අමාත්‍යංශයට යොමු කලා. නමුත් මාසයක් වැනි කාලයකට පසුව ගිහින් ඒ පිළිබදව විමසීමකදී එම ලිපි අස්ථානගත වෙලා. මෙවැනි සිද්ධීන් වලට වග කිව යුත්තේ කවුරුන්දු කියා වහාම සොයා බැලිය යුතුය.

ශ්‍රී ලංකා පාපන්දු සම්මේලනයේ ව්‍යවස්ථාව සංශෝධනය විය යුතුයි කියල පාර්ශව කිහිපයක්ම පවසල තියෙනව. ඒ අතරට ලෝක පාපන්දු සම්මේලනය, ආසියානු පාපන්දු සම්මේලනය, ක්‍රීඩා අමාත්‍යංශය මෙයට අයත් වෙනව. නමුත් හිටපු සභාපති ඇතුළු විධායක කමිටුව මෙයට කිසි සේත් උනන්දු උනේ නෑ.

දැන් මේ පාපන්දුවට සිදු වෙලා තියෙන සියලු දේ වගකීම හිටපු සභාපති ඇතුළු විධායක කමිටුව භාරගත යුතුයි. එයාල නිසා තමා මේ තත්වය මෙතරම් බැරෑරුම් තත්වයකට හැරුනේ. මෙම පරිපාලනය තුළ විනිවිධභාවය කියන දේ දකින්න තිබුනෙ නෑ. සිදු වන වියදම් සම්භන්ධයෙන් කිසිම විධායක කමිටු අනුමැතියකින් තොරව මෙම සියලුම මූල්‍ය ගණුදෙනු සිදුව තිබෙන්නේ.

පාපන්දු නිලවරණයට තව තිබෙන්නේ දවස් 2යි. කිසිදු කෙනෙක් දන්නේ නෑ නියෝජිතයන් කවුද කියන්න. මේ ආකාරයට නිළවරණ පැවැත්වීම කළ නොහැකියි. කොළබ පැවති මාධ්‍ය හමුවකදී මේ බව හිටපු ලේකම් සුනිල් සෙනෙවිරත්න මහතා පැවසීය.

கால்பந்தாட்ட நிர்வாகத்திற்கு முதலாளி தேவையில்லை – சுனில் சேனவீர

உதைபந்தாட்ட சம்மேளனத்தின் முன்னாள் செயலாளர் திரு.சுனில் செனவிரத்ன, உதைபந்தாட்ட அலுவலகத் தேர்தல் எதிர்வரும் சனிக்கிழமை (14) நடைபெறவுள்ளதாகவும், உதைபந்தாட்ட நிர்வாகத்திற்கு பணம் கொடுப்பவர் தேவையில்லை, விளையாட்டு நிர்வாகியே தேவை எனவும் தெரிவித்தார்.

இலங்கையில் கால்பந்தாட்டத்திற்கு எதிர்காலம் இருக்கிறதா என்ற பெரிய கேள்வி நம் அனைவருக்கும் உள்ளது. உலக தரவரிசையில் 207வது இடத்தில் உள்ளோம். இந்த நெருக்கடிக்கு காரணம் நிர்வாகிகளின் பலவீனம்தான். உதைபந்தாட்ட சங்கத்தின் முன்னாள் தலைவர் மற்றும் செயலாளர்களுக்கு கால்பந்தாட்டத்தை வளர்க்க வேண்டும் என்ற உணர்வு இல்லை என அவர் தெரிவித்துள்ளார்.

சம்மேளனத்தில் இடம்பெற்ற ஊழல் மோசடிகளை விசாரிக்குமாறு விளையாட்டு அமைச்சுக்கு பாண்டு பல கடிதங்களை அனுப்பினார். ஆனால் ஒரு மாதத்திற்குப் பிறகு, நான் அதைப் பற்றி விசாரித்தபோது, கடிதங்களைக் காணவில்லை. இதுபோன்ற சம்பவங்களுக்கு யார் பொறுப்பேற்க வேண்டும் என்பதை உடனடியாக விசாரிக்க வேண்டும்.

இலங்கை உதைபந்தாட்ட சம்மேளனத்தின் அரசியலமைப்பு திருத்தப்பட வேண்டும் என பல தரப்பினரும் தெரிவித்து வருகின்றனர். அவற்றில், உலக கால்பந்து கூட்டமைப்பு, ஆசிய கால்பந்து கூட்டமைப்பு மற்றும் விளையாட்டு அமைச்சகம் ஆகியவை இதில் அடங்கும். ஆனால் முன்னாள் தலைவரும், செயற்குழுவும் இதில் ஆர்வம் காட்டவே இல்லை.

இப்போது இந்த கால்பந்தாட்டத்திற்கு நடந்த அனைத்திற்கும் முன்னாள் ஜனாதிபதியும் செயற்குழுவும் பொறுப்பேற்க வேண்டும். அவர்களால், இந்த நிலைமை மிகவும் தீவிரமான சூழ்நிலையாக மாறியது. இந்த நிர்வாகத்தில் பன்முகத்தன்மை காணப்படவில்லை. இந்த நிதி பரிவர்த்தனைகள் அனைத்தும், செலவினம் காரணமாக செயற்குழுவின் எந்த அனுமதியும் இன்றி நடந்துள்ளது.

கால்பந்து அதிகாரப்பூர்வ தேர்தலுக்கு இன்னும் 2 நாட்களே உள்ளன. பிரதிநிதிகள் யார் என்று யாருக்கும் தெரியாது. இவ்வாறு தேர்தல் நடத்த முடியாது. கொழும்பில் நடைபெற்ற ஊடகவியலாளர் சந்திப்பில் முன்னாள் செயலாளர் சுனில் சேனவீர இதனை தெரிவித்தார்.

News

ISKA Appoints Dayan Samarasekara as National Director for Sri Lanka

Published

3 hours ago

November 28, 2025

Editor

The International Sport Kickboxing Association (ISKA) has appointed Dayan Samarasekara as the National Director for Sri Lanka, recognizing his longstanding contribution to the development and modernisation of combat sports in the country.

Samarasekara has played a pivotal role in elevating Sri Lanka’s combat sports sector and has also been instrumental in supporting the professionalisation of combat sports across the South Asian region. His vision and commitment have been acknowledged through this significant appointment by ISKA.

Currently serving as the Co-Founder and Combat Sports Director of KFL, Samarasekara continues to work towards expanding and strengthening combat sports in Sri Lanka. ISKA has expressed confidence that, together with his leadership, the organisation will be able to further broaden the footprint and recognition of combat sports within the country.

About ISKA

The International Sport Kickboxing Association (ISKA), established in 1986, is the world’s most widely recognised sanctioning and regulatory body for over 20 combat sports and competitive martial arts disciplines.

ISKA is dedicated to training officials, updating competition rules, and upholding global standards, integrity, and professionalism while identifying champions and elite competitors worldwide.

The association regulates top-tier global events such as the US OPEN World Martial Arts Championships and GLORY.

Cricket

Sri Lanka Stun Pakistan to Seal Final Spot After Dramatic Tri-Series Turnaround in Rawalpindi

Published

18 hours ago

November 27, 2025

Editor

Rawalpindi, Nov. 27 – Sri Lanka mounted a remarkable comeback in the Pakistan T20I Tri-Series, defeating the hosts by 6 runs in a tense final league-stage encounter to secure their place in Saturday’s grand finale. The victory completes a spirited late surge from the Islanders, who began the series with two deflating defeats but responded with back-to-back wins to keep their title hopes alive.

Sri Lanka’s Road to the Final – From Early Struggles to Strong Recovery

Sri Lanka’s campaign began on the wrong foot, suffering a heavy 67-run defeat against Zimbabwe and a 7-wicket loss to Pakistan in their first two outings. Their batting struggled for rhythm, and the bowling failed to contain opposition top orders.

But the narrative shifted dramatically in the last two matches:

Match 5: Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe – A Statement Win

Zimbabwe: 146/5
Sri Lanka: 148/1 (16.2 ov)
Sri Lanka dominated with a 9-wicket win, powered by an authoritative chase that restored confidence ahead of the Pakistan clash.

Today’s Match: Sri Lanka Defend 184 in a Rawalpindi Thriller

Sri Lanka – 184/5 (20 ov)

A superb innings from Kavindu Mishara (50 off 34) anchored Sri Lanka’s approach, supported by contributions from Kusal Mendis, Janith Liyanage, and Kusal Perera. Partnerships were steady, with Sri Lanka crossing key milestones — 100 in 11.1 overs and 150 in 16.2 — setting up a competitive 184.

Pakistan – 178/7 (20 ov)

Pakistan’s innings was rocked early, reduced to 45/4 in the Powerplay, thanks to Sri Lanka’s fiery pace attack.
Dushmantha Chameera, later named Player of the Match, delivered when it mattered most.

Agha Salman (50 off 35) and Usman Khan attempted a rebuild with a 50-run partnership, but Sri Lanka’s bowlers held their nerve at the death.

Pakistan reviewed twice unsuccessfully in tense moments but ultimately fell short by 6 runs.

Series Summary So Far

Match	Winner	Margin
Pakistan vs Zimbabwe	Pakistan	5 wickets
Zimbabwe vs Sri Lanka	Zimbabwe	67 runs
Sri Lanka vs Pakistan	Pakistan	7 wickets
Pakistan vs Zimbabwe	Pakistan	69 runs
Zimbabwe vs Sri Lanka	Sri Lanka	9 wickets
Sri Lanka vs Pakistan (today)	Sri Lanka	6 runs

Pakistan finished the league matches with 3 wins, Sri Lanka with 2, and Zimbabwe with 1.

Final: Pakistan vs Sri Lanka – What to Expect on Nov. 29

The final between Pakistan and Sri Lanka is shaping up as a high-stakes rematch. Both teams have beaten each other once in the series, making this final evenly poised.

Pakistan Strengths

Explosive top order (Babar not featured in league matches but expected for final)
Strong seam attack at home conditions
Ability to accelerate in middle overs

Sri Lanka Strengths

Momentum after two consecutive victories
Improved batting with stable partnerships
A rejuvenated pace attack led by Chameera and a disciplined spin unit

Key Battles

Sri Lanka openers vs Shaheen Afridi
Agha Salman vs Hasaranga/slow bowlers
Middle-overs match-up: Mendis vs Shadab Khan

Prediction: A Close Final, Momentum Favors Sri Lanka Slightly

With Rawalpindi offering good batting conditions under lights, a totals around 165–180 will be par.
Pakistan remain favorites at home, but Sri Lanka’s recent form gives them a genuine chance to upset the hosts. If Mishara, Mendis, or Liyanage fire again and Chameera continues his rhythm, Sri Lanka could edge Pakistan in a tight contest.

Predicted Winner (slight edge): Sri Lanka – if they bat first and defend with confidence.

Cricket

SSC Ground Begins Major Upgrades Ahead of ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026

Published

18 hours ago

November 27, 2025

Editor

Colombo, Nov. 27 – The historic Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC) Ground is undergoing significant redevelopment as Sri Lanka prepares to co-host the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 alongside India. One of the most notable upgrades is the long-awaited installation of floodlights, marking a new chapter for one of the country’s most prestigious cricket venues.

SSC has traditionally been a venue for day matches, regularly hosting domestic cricket and women’s internationals. For years, Colombo’s day-night fixtures were primarily steered towards the R. Premadasa Stadium, the city’s largest ground equipped for evening play.

With the World Cup approaching — scheduled from 7 February to 8 March 2026 — SSC is set to take on a more prominent role. The venue will host five group-stage matches, including its first-ever World Cup night game. The opening fixture at SSC will be on 7 February, featuring Pakistan vs Netherlands, followed by the ground’s first floodlit World Cup encounter on 9 February, when Zimbabwe meet Oman at 3:00 PM local time.
The only full night match scheduled at SSC is the high-profile clash between Pakistan and the USA on 10 February at 7:00 PM.

Cricket authorities noted that the addition of floodlights will not only support Sri Lanka’s World Cup commitments but also expand SSC’s long-term hosting capabilities. Once completed, the upgrades could pave the way for future day-night Test matches and domestic tournament games under lights — potentially elevating SSC’s status as a top-tier international venue.

With construction and installations now in progress, the SSC Ground is gearing up to reassert its place among Sri Lanka’s elite cricket stadiums — this time with the glow of modern stadium lighting.