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.

The 147th edition of the historic Battle of the Blues between Royal College Colombo and S. Thomas’ College Mount Lavinia ended in a draw at the Sinhalese Sports Club Ground, but it was Thomian skipper Jaden Amaraweera who stole the spotlight with a commanding second-innings century.

After winning the toss, S. Thomas’ compiled a solid 302 in their first innings, built around several steady contributions from the top and middle order. Amaraweera struck a patient 52 while Avinash Fernando added 50 and Reshon Solomons top-scored with 66. Dulith Indira Gunaratne chipped in with a valuable 44 to push the Thomians past the 300 mark. Royal’s bowlers fought back well, with Sehadu Sooryaarachchi and Gegan Gamage sharing six wickets between them.

Royal responded with 261 for 9 in 86 overs. Ramiru Perera led the charge with a well-compiled 82, while Rehan Peirissupported with an attractive 63. Dushan Uduwala contributed 33 in a steady middle-order effort. For S. Thomas’, Gimhan Mendis impressed with four wickets, while Abheeth Paranawidana claimed two.

The final day, however, belonged to Amaraweera. The Thomian captain produced a composed 100 off 160 deliveries, striking eight boundaries in a technically sound innings that anchored his side’s second innings. He shared useful partnerships with Fernando (20) and Gunaratne (21) as S. Thomas’ reached 176 for 6 before the match was called off, bringing another chapter of the famous encounter to a stalemate.

Trinity College, Kandy were awarded a dramatic outright victory over St. Anthony’s College, Katugastota in the 107th Hill Country ‘Battle of the Blues’ after controversial scenes brought the traditional encounter to an abrupt end at the Asgiriya International Cricket Stadium.

Chasing a modest target of 64 for victory, Trinity had reached 63 for 1 when crowds suddenly surged onto the field, causing confusion among players, officials and spectators. Both teams were escorted off the ground while order was restored. However, the match took a controversial turn when St. Anthony’s reportedly refused to return to the field to resume play with Trinity needing just one run for victory. As a result, the umpires ruled that St. Anthony’s had forfeited the match and awarded the win to Trinity.

Earlier, Trinity dominated much of the contest. After being sent in to bat, St. Anthony’s were bowled out for 157 despite an unbeaten 64 from Sisal Hemaka. Kanilka Anthony starred with 4 for 54.

Trinity replied with 264, powered by a superb 125 from Sri Lanka youth representative Adham Hilmy and 54 from skipper Dimantha Mahavithana, securing a 107-run lead.
The Anthonians fought back in their second innings, reaching 170 with Kaushika Kumarasinghe scoring 59. Yet Kanilka Anthony’s outstanding 6 for 56 and a match haul of 10 wickets put Trinity on course for victory.

The dramatic finish ensured Trinity recorded their first outright win in the series since 2012, though the result will likely be remembered for the controversial conclusion rather than the cricket itself.