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”Giving Boost to Army Cricket, Thisara & Chandimal Adorned with ‘Major’ Insignia
Sri Lanka Army on the eve of its Army Day (10 October) and the 71st Anniversary received an additional stimulant to the distinctive flavor of cricket in the Army upon enlistment of internationally-famed professional cricketers, Thisara Perera and Dinesh Chandimal to the rank of Major during a simple ceremony, held at the Commander’s office this morning (9).
Lieutenant General Shavendra Silva, Chief of Defence Staff and Commander of the Army who is also the Head of the National Operation Centre for Prevention COVID-19 Outbreak, taking a respite from his busy schedule, pinned rank insignia on both of them who joined the Sri Lanka Army Volunteer Force (SLAVF) and expressed his happiness by congratulating both of them.
Major Thisara Perera who has also contributed to the growth of cricket among budding cricketers in the Gajaba Regiment earlier has been enlisted to the Gajaba Regiment (GR), in which HE the President and the Secretary Defence were also respected veterans. At present, Lieutenant General Shavendra Silva is the Colonel of the Regiment, Gajaba Regiment in addition to being the Colonel of the Regiment of Special Forces.
Major Dinesh Chandimal, the first captain to lead Sri Lanka in the first day-night Test Match, has been enlisted to the Sri Lanka Army Ordnance Corps (SLAOC) Regiment.
Thisara Perera is a professional Sri Lankan cricketer and a former limited overs captain for Sri Lanka,who currently represents Sri Lanka in limited over formats. Primarily a bowling all-rounder, he is an aggressive left-handed batsman who can hit big sixes in death overs and is a useful right-arm medium-fast bowler. who has represented ODI, Test and T 20 matches bringing credit to the country. In April 2019, he was named in Sri Lanka’s squad for the 2019 Cricket World Cup.The International Cricket Council (ICC) named Perera as the key player of Sri Lanka’s squad for the tournament.
Dinesh Chandimal on 26 September 2019, joined the Sri Lankan Army as a volunteer Commissioned Officer and has been eligible to play for Sri Lanka Army Sports Club. In August 2020, while playing for the Sri Lanka Army Sports Club, Chandimal made the highest total in domestic first-class cricket in Sri Lanka with an unbeaten 354 runs. A handy and agile right-handed batsman who sometimes plays as the wicket-keeper middle order batsman, Chandimal was the first captain to lead Sri Lanka in their first day-night Test match.
Chandimal made his Test debut for Sri Lanka in December 2011, in the second Test of the series against South Africa in Durban. He made half-centuries (58 and 54) in each of Sri Lanka’s innings becoming the first Sri Lankan batsman to score half centuries in both innings on Test debut. This incidentally led Sri Lanka to their first Test win in South Africa.
Major General Ruwan Wanigasooriya, Commandant, Sri Lanka Army Volunteer Force (SLAVF), and Major General Chandana Marasinghe, Master General Ordnance (SLAOC Regiment) were also associated with the brief occasion.” (Source : Sri Lanka Army)
Sri Lanka is set to take on Thailand in a crucial AFC Asian Cup Qualifier today. With history favoring Thailand in past encounters, the Sri Lankan squad will look to turn the tide and secure a positive result.
Sri Lanka has struggled in previous meetings, losing all five of their last encounters against Thailand, including a 2-0 defeat in their most recent clash in 2022. However, with a revamped squad and fresh motivation, they aim to challenge their higher-ranked opponents.
Thailand, known for its structured play and attacking prowess, will be looking to continue its dominance. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka, still in the rebuilding phase, will need a strong defensive display and tactical discipline to stand a chance.
Can Sri Lanka pull off an upset and make a statement on the continental stage? Stay tuned for live updates and post-match analysis.
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Former Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan, a key figure in global cricket, is facing legal issues back home. A Dhaka court has ordered the seizure of his assets as he battles fraud charges over bounced cheques worth $300,000.
Shakib, who was in Canada playing T20 cricket when Sheikh Hasina’s government was overthrown, has not returned to Bangladesh since. While he has not been charged for alleged ties to a violent crackdown, his links to the former regime make him a target of public anger.
Having played 71 Tests, 247 ODIs, and 129 T20Is, with 712 wickets to his name, Shakib remains a giant in cricket. However, his future—both on and off the field—hangs in the balance.
Sri Lanka Rugby (SLR) has unveiled a 60-player national squad for their high-stakes Asia Rugby Championship (ARC) Top 4 playoff against Malaysia, set for April 19 under floodlights at Racecourse Ground, Colombo. The winner will join Hong Kong, South Korea, and the UAE in the ARC Top 4, making this a must-win encounter for Sri Lanka.
Squad Selection & Training Plans
The selected players will undergo medical examinations on April 9 at SLR headquarters, with any existing injuries needing to be disclosed. After medical assessments, the squad will enter an intensive training camp in Colombo, taking a short break from April 13-15 for the Sinhala and Tamil New Year.
Sri Lanka’s final 30-player squad will be announced after medical evaluations to ensure a fully fit and competitive team. While Sri Lanka is just beginning preparations, Malaysia has already kicked off their training camp, potentially giving them an edge. However, playing on home turf under the Colombo lights gives Sri Lanka a strong advantage.
Squad Breakdown
The majority of the squad comes from Kandy SC, Havelock SC, and CR & FC, with Tarinda Ratwatte expected to lead the side under the guidance of head coach Sanath Martis.
Kandy SC Players:
Milan Weerasinghe, Malitha Wijesundara, Dilshad Fareed, Thilina Bandara, Tharindu Chathuranga, Dahan Wickramarchchi, Heshan Janson, Tharinda Ratwatte, Shahid Sumri, Kavindu Perera, Dinal Ekanayake, Dhanushka Ranjan.
CR & FC Players:
Senura Perera, Wenura Kodagoda, Naveen Marasinghe, Sohiru Anthony, Adeesha Weerathunga, Lasindu Karunathilaka, Omalka Gunarathna, Ravin De Silva, Thenuka Nanayakkara, Gamunu Chethiya, Zubair Dore.
Havelock SC Players:
Faiz Abdulla, Janindu Fernando, Shehan Silva, Azmir Fajudeen, Chathura Dilshan, Mohamed Rifan, Samuel Maduwantha, Sudesh Jayawickrama, Mushin Falil, Jayathu Rajarathna.
Other clubs contributing players include CH & FC, Police SC, Sri Lions SC, Army SC, Air Force SC, and Navy SC.
Aiming for ARC Top 4 Spot
With the opportunity to return to the top tier of Asian rugby, Sri Lanka will look to leverage home advantage and the experience of key players. However, long-term development remains a concern, as Sri Lanka Rugby still lacks a structured youth league and grassroots development system to nurture future talent.
Match Date: April 19, 2025
Venue: Racecourse Ground, Colombo
What’s at Stake? Winner qualifies for Asia Rugby Championship (ARC) Top 4
Sri Lanka Faces Thailand in AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers – Live
Bangladesh Cricket Star Shakib Faces Legal Trouble Amid Political Turmoil
Sri Lanka Announces 60-Player Squad for Crucial Rugby Playoff Against Malaysia
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