News

IPG comes forward as the Ground Rights Holder and the Broadcast Production Partner of one of Sri Lanka Cricket’s premier T20 domestic competition

Published

4 years ago

August 8, 2022

Editor

The Innovative Production Group (IPG) wishes to announce that the company has come forward to support the SLC Skyexch Invitational T20 League. SLC, powered by Dafa News, is one of Sri Lanka Cricket’s premier domestic T20 competitions, as the tournament’s Ground Rights Holder and the Broadcast Production Partner.

With this partnership, the IPG will take steps to introduce International Standard Broadcast Technologies to help Sri Lanka Cricket Livestream the Tournament, globally, via its YouTube Channel and also telecast the matches in Sri Lanka via Siyatha TV Channel.

With this partnership, The SLC Skyexch Invitational T20 League which is set to commence on the 08^th of August 2022 at the RPICS, Colombo with the participation of Sri Lanka’s top white ball cricketers, whom consists of both National and First Class players, will be the first such instance, a domestic cricket tournament will be telecasted with the use of international broadcast technologies.

The four-team competition, which the teams are named SLC REDS, SLC GREENS, SLC BLUES and SLC GREYS will be held from 08^th to 15^th of August 2022 and is conducted as part of Sri Lanka’s preparations for the upcoming T20 Asia Cup and the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.

The matches will be held as Double Headers, with the first game starting at 3.00 pm and the next at 07.30 pm. The finals of the tournament will take place on the 15^th of August at the same venue.

Chairman of the Tournament Committee of Sri Lanka Cricket, Mr. Samantha Dondawala stated: “The main intention of playing this tournament is to identify the correct combination for the Asia Cup and the World Cup that follows. The national players to play in these matches would have been selected from the Lanka Premier League however it was postponed due to the present situation in the country. Thereby, this tournament is being introduced to ensure that the selectors will have the opportunity of picking the right players.”

In the meantime, Chairman and Managing Director of the IPG Group, Mr. Anil Mohan was optimistic of the success of the first domestic tournament; the company has come forward to partner with Sri Lanka Cricket.

Chairman and Managing Director from IPG Group, Mr. Anil Mohan noted that: “This is the first time that the IPG group is conducting domestic cricket and we are beyond privileged to be working with SLC on domestic rights. The IPG group is looking forward to continuing a long-term relationship with the SLC in promoting high international quality of production.”

“The IPG group’s mission is to enhance the whole domestic league and we are glad to be a part of this event. We are keen on making it bigger and better as the IPG experience will improve the broadcast and production quality to a much greater extent. Furthermore, we would like to extend our utmost gratitude and thanks to the SLC for all the support rendered by them in making this event a success,” added Mr. Mohan.

The title sponsor of the tournament is Skyexch, is powered by Dafa News and the local partner for the tournament is Daraz. Media Partners of the tournament are Siyatha tv and Siyatha FM, while a live digital coverage will also be available on the SLC YouTube channel.

Athletics

Pathirage Rewrites Record Books with Historic 92.62m Throw in Rome

Published

23 hours ago

June 5, 2026

Editor

Sri Lankan javelin sensation Rumesh Pathirage produced the performance of a lifetime at the Rome Diamond League, launching the spear an astonishing 92.62 metres to become the second-best javelin thrower in Asian history and move to eighth place on the world all-time rankings.

The 23-year-old delivered the remarkable throw with his second attempt in the men’s javelin competition, sending shockwaves through the athletics world and cementing his place among the sport’s elite.

Pathirage’s record-breaking effort not only shattered his previous personal best but also established a new Sri Lankan national record and the world-leading mark for the 2026 season.
Adding to the significance of the achievement, the Sri Lankan star eclipsed the long-standing Rome Diamond League meet record of 90.34 metres, which had stood for two decades and was set by Olympic champion Andreas Thorkildsen.

The historic throw marks a major milestone for Sri Lankan athletics, with Pathirage becoming the first athlete from the island nation to surpass the coveted 90-metre barrier in international competition.

His performance places him among the greatest javelin throwers of all time and further strengthens his credentials as a leading contender for major global championships in the years ahead.

Cricket

All-round Sri Lanka overwhelm West Indies

Published

2 days ago

June 4, 2026

Editor

Sri Lanka produced a clinical display with both bat and ball to defeat West Indies by 41 runs in the first match of the three match ODI series worked off at Kingston on Wednesday.

After being asked to bat, Sri Lanka posted a challenging 303 for 7 from their allotted 50 overs, thanks largely to impressive contributions from Pathum Nissanka and captain Kusal Mendis. Nissanka played the anchor role with a composed 79 off 103 deliveries, striking nine boundaries and a six, while Kusal accelerated the scoring with a fluent 72 from 62 balls, featuring four fours and four sixes.

The pair guided Sri Lanka out of early trouble after Kamindu Mendis fell cheaply. Pavan Rathnayake contributed 24, while Charith Asalanka added a useful 45 to keep the innings on track. Janith Liyanage then provided the finishing touches with a brisk unbeaten 44 from 29 balls as the visitors crossed the 300-run mark. Roston Chase, Matthew Forde and Jayden Seales claimed two wickets each for the hosts.

West Indies made a promising start to their chase, reaching 73 for 2 inside the first 10 overs. Justin Greaves struck 45 and skipper Shai Hope battled for 56, but Sri Lanka’s bowlers repeatedly struck at crucial moments to halt the momentum.

The turning point came through Dushmantha Chameera, whose pace and accuracy troubled the West Indian middle order. The fast bowler claimed four wickets, including the prized scalp of Hope, to finish with 4 for 67. Spinner Maheesh Theekshana played an equally important role, conceding just 26 runs in his ten overs while taking two wickets.

Wanindu Hasaranga dismissed Sherfane Rutherford at a key stage, while Asitha Fernando and Charith Asalanka also entered the wicket column. Despite late resistance from Shamar Joseph, West Indies were bowled out for 262 in 49.2 overs.

Cricket

Sri Lanka Set for Full-Scale New Zealand Tour in Early 2027

Published

2 days ago

June 3, 2026

Editor

Sri Lanka’s National Men’s Cricket Team will undertake a demanding all-format tour of New Zealand in January and February 2027, featuring three One-Day Internationals (ODIs), three Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is), and two Test matches.

The tour will provide Sri Lanka with a valuable opportunity to compete in New Zealand’s challenging conditions against one of the world’s leading cricketing nations. Matches will be played across several renowned venues throughout the country.

The ODI series will open at McLean Park in Napier on January 16 before moving to Wellington for the second match on January 19. The third and final ODI will be played in Dunedin on January 22.

The teams will then contest a three-match T20I series, beginning in Christchurch on January 26. The remaining two matches will be played in Nelson on January 29 and January 31.

The Test series will commence at Bay Oval in Tauranga from February 4 to 8, with the second and final Test scheduled at Seddon Park in Hamilton from February 12 to 16.
Tour Schedule
•⁠ ⁠January 16, 2027 – First ODI at McLean Park, Napier (04:30)
•⁠ ⁠January 19, 2027 – Second ODI at Basin Reserve, Wellington (04:30)
•⁠ ⁠January 22, 2027 – Third ODI at University of Otago Oval, Dunedin (04:30)
•⁠ ⁠January 26, 2027 – First T20I at Hagley Oval, Christchurch (11:30)
•⁠ ⁠January 29, 2027 – Second T20I at Saxton Oval, Nelson (09:30)
•⁠ ⁠January 31, 2027 – Third T20I at Saxton Oval, Nelson (06:30)
•⁠ ⁠February 4–8, 2027 – First Test at Bay Oval, Tauranga (04:30)
•⁠ ⁠February 12–16, 2027 – Second Test at Seddon Park, Hamilton (04:30)