News
Kingswood/ Royal Hockey encounter for the Lennie De Silva Memorial Trophy on 22 September 2023
M.H.Yakeem
The annual Hockey encounter between Kingswood College Kandy stickers and Royal College Colombo stickers, for the Lennie De Silva Memorial Trophy, will be played on the 22nd of September 2023 at the University of Peradeniya ground, Peradeniya, Kandy.
The trophy was inaugurated in 2004 to honor and commemorate the services of Kingswoodian, Lennie De Silva. He was a well-rounded sportsman, as he played Cricket, Tennis, and Soccer for Kingswood College and Government Teachers’ Training College. Most notably, he introduced the game of Hockey to Royal in 1955 and was a part of the academic staff of both Kingswood College and Royal College.
Kingswood Hockey boasts a rich and proud history with a legacy that spans generations. When India’s National Hockey side toured Sri Lanka in the 1960s, former Kingswood College star players, Freddie White and Derrick Harvie got the opportunity to Captain the Ceylon Team in the game against India. Moreover, in the Indo-Ceylon test series, Kingswoodian Iqbal Jumar spearheaded the Mercantile Hockey team, while Roy De Silva captained the Kandy district Hockey team and was also the National Olympic Committee Chairman for several years.
In the recent past, Kingswoodians have been going through a purple patch. Particularly in 2023, Kingswood College stickers clinched the Championship of the under 20 Central Province Hockey tournament and also emerged as the Champions of the Ritzbury Thomian Hockey, all Island Schools 7’s as well. Certainly, they will be hoping to continue this winning momentum. Kingswood College, Kandy stickers will be Captained by S.D. Thushara and O.D. Ranathunga will be his deputy. A.B. Godigamuwa is the Head Coach and will be assisted by C.I. Sumanarathna.
Royal College, Colombo srickers will be Captained by Akash Wijesekera and Himsara Caldera will be his deputy. Head Coach, Insaka Samaranayake along with Assistant Coaches, Damith Panditharathne and Shahid Kuthubdeen, have been entrusted with the duties of the development of Hockey at Royal College.MIC Prabath Gallage, with Senior games MIC, Riyaz Aluhser has always been a tower of strength to these young lads. In the series, Royal College stickers are leading with 7 wins.
Caption Action from last year’s Kingswood/Royal encounter

News
Football Chief Jaswar Umar Enters Race for NOC Presidency
Jaswar Umar, President of the Football Federation of Sri Lanka, has officially submitted his nomination to contest for the presidency of the National Olympic Committee of Sri Lanka at the upcoming Annual General Meeting.
Umar becomes the fourth candidate in the race, joining Shirantha Peiris, Deva Henry, and Asanga Seneviratne, who are also contesting for the top position in the country’s Olympic body.
His time as football chief has created divided opinions among sports professionals who evaluate his performance. On one hand, Sri Lanka’s national team has shown improvement in international results, including a rise in the FIFA rankings from 204 to 191, along with notable performances against stronger opposition.
However, his approach has also faced criticism. Stakeholders have raised concerns over the increased reliance on Sri Lankan-origin overseas players, with claims that it has limited opportunities for local talent. The long-term vision for developing youth and building grassroots football programs has become a subject of public inquiry.
Umar now aims to advance his career through NOC while he leads Sri Lankan football with both positive results and ongoing public criticism of his work.
The upcoming election will become a competitive battle because four candidates will vie for control of a key position which holds major power within the country’s sports system.
Cricket
Matheesha Pathirana Cleared for IPL Return
Sri Lanka’s rising pace sensation Matheesha Pathirana is set to make his return to competitive cricket, with a move to the Indian Premier League (IPL) expected in the coming days.
After a period on the sidelines due to injury concerns, the young fast bowler has successfully completed all required fitness tests, clearing the final hurdle in his recovery process. His return comes as welcome news for both fans and team management, who have been awaiting his comeback.
Sources indicate that Pathirana is now preparing to travel to India, where he is likely to link up with the Kolkata Knight Riders squad. His inclusion could provide a significant boost to the team’s bowling attack as the tournament moves into a crucial phase.
Known for his unique action and death-over effectiveness, Pathirana’s return adds depth and firepower, potentially strengthening Kolkata’s chances in the latter stages of the competition.
Cricket
Chamari Athapaththu Named to WCA Advisory Board
Sri Lanka has earned a proud moment on the global cricketing stage as national women’s captain Chamari Athapaththu has been appointed to the Player Advisory Board of the World Cricketers’ Association (WCA).
The latest reshuffle of the board brings together some of the most influential voices in international cricket. Athapaththu joins a distinguished lineup that includes Pat Cummins, Jason Holder, Heather Knight, Aiden Markram, Scott Edwards, and Laura Wolvaardt.
She also joins newly inducted members such as Rashid Khan, Wayne Madsen, Daryl Mitchell, and Maddy Green. The new appointments come as former board members Tim Southee and Sophie Devine step down from their roles.
Speaking about her appointment, Athapaththu described the opportunity as both a personal honour and a milestone for Sri Lankan cricket as a whole. She emphasized that her inclusion reflects growing recognition for players from Asia on the global stage.
The experienced all-rounder expressed her eagerness to bring her international insights to the table, highlighting the importance of ensuring that players from all regions have a meaningful voice in shaping the future of the sport. She particularly stressed the need for stronger representation from Asian cricketing nations in global decision-making.
Athapaththu also reaffirmed her commitment to collaborating with fellow board members to enhance player welfare, support the development of the game, and contribute to a more balanced and inclusive global cricket structure.
According to the WCA, the refreshed Player Advisory Board comes at a crucial time for international cricket. The body aims to strengthen player representation and ensure that athletes play a central role in guiding the long-term direction and sustainability of the game.
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