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Mandiv Santhul of Isipathana College – a rising star in Hockey

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M.H.Yakeem

Mandiv Santhul Ranasinghe presently studying in grade 8 at Isipathana College Colombo had the distinction of Captaining the under 14  College Hockey team for 2 consecutive years in 2022 and 2023. Under his Captaincy, Isipathana College under 14 Hockey team won ” Gold Star  ” awards twice in a row at the boys all Island Hockey tournament held in Matale in 2022 and Kandy in 2023.

He  took an interest  playing Hockey at the age of 7 years and in grade 2, first participating in the under 9 category at the annual inter House Hockey meet held in 2017, his House emerged as Champions. At the annual inter House Hockey meet in 2018, he was adjudged as the  best player, as he guided his team to emerge as Champions in that year too. The annual inter House Hockey meet had to cancelled in the year 2019, 2020 and 2021 due to the Covid 19 Pandemic. 

In the year 2022, Mandiv Santhul Ranasinghe was appointed as the Captain of the College under 14 Hockey team and under his Captaincy and competing in group ” F “, Isipathana College under 14 Hockey team was awarded with a ” Gold Star ” by emerging as Champions in their respective group, played in Matale. 

He was re-appointed as the Captain to lead the side in the year 2023 too and participating at the under 14 boys all Island Hockey tournament 2023, he guided his team to win a ” Gold Star ” award twice in a row, where they emerged as Champions competing in group 

” B ” by  winning all their matches in their respective group, played in Kandy. Mandiv Santhul Ranasinghe scoring 5 goals in 4 matches played, showcased his talents as a rising  future Hockey star  with the performances he displayed at this tournament. 

Caption 

Mandiv Santhul Ranasinghe receiving a special award from Guest of Honor Udara Gintota for his performances at last year’s annual inter House Hockey meeet with Coach Praveen Chanaka in middle.

Cricket

Croospulle’s Century Powers Sri Lanka ‘A’ to Comfortable Win

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A brilliant century from Lasith Croospulle guided Sri Lanka ‘A’ to a convincing 44-run victory over New Zealand ‘A’ in the second unofficial ODI played in Hambantota.

After being put in to bat, Sri Lanka ‘A’ posted a formidable 368/9 in their allotted 50 overs. Croospulle led the charge with a brilliant 103 off 76 balls, striking 13 fours and six sixes in an aggressive display. He was well supported by Sonal Dinusha, who hammered 93 off 77 deliveries, and captain Sahan Arachchige, who contributed a solid 74. The top order maintained a high scoring rate throughout, consistently putting pressure on the visiting bowlers. Despite a few wickets falling at regular intervals, the hosts kept the momentum intact to reach an imposing total.

In response, New Zealand ‘A’ faced a revised target of 203 in 28 overs but managed only 158/3. Curtis Heaphy top-scored with an unbeaten 53, while Dale Phillips added 34. However, the required run rate proved too steep as Sri Lanka ‘A’ bowlers maintained control. Dilshan Madushanka struck early, and Milan Rathnayaka and Ravindu Fernando chipped in with key wickets to restrict the chase.

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Cricket

Sri Lanka U19 Women suffer narrow defeat in thrilling encounter

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Sri Lanka U19 Women suffered their first defeat of the tri-series after a dramatic one-wicket loss to Australia U19 Women in Match 3 of the Under-19 Women’s Tri-Series in Australia.

Batting first, Sri Lanka U19 Women posted a modest total of 174 in 49.3 overs. The innings was built around a patient 25 off 56 balls by V. Balasuriya and a brisk 20 from U. Peiris, but the side struggled to build lasting partnerships. Australia’s bowling attack kept things tight throughout, with M. Barwick leading the effort with an impressive 3 for 22, well supported by disciplined spells from the rest of the unit.

In response, Australia U19 Women chased down the target in 43.1 overs, finishing at 175 for 9 in a nail-biting finish. A. Dermody anchored the innings with a crucial 59 off 81 deliveries, while I. Panelli added a valuable unbeaten 37 off 43 balls to guide the hosts over the line.
Sri Lanka’s bowlers made a strong effort to defend the total, led by A. Thalagune’s outstanding five-wicket haul (5 for 42), which kept the contest alive until the final moments. N. Upeksha also provided excellent support with 3 for 5, applying pressure during the middle overs.

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Sri Lanka Eyes Long-Term Cricket Revival as Government Unveils Structured Plan

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Sri Lanka’s journey back to cricketing excellence will require patience, planning, and sustained effort, according to Sports Minister Sunil Kumara Gamage, who addressed Parliament on the future of the sport.

Highlighting the challenges facing the national game, the minister noted that the decline in cricket along with other sports—has unfolded over more than a decade. As a result, he cautioned against expectations of a quick turnaround, emphasizing that meaningful progress will take time.

Building strong athletes and competitive teams is a gradual process. It’s not something that can be rushed or treated like a short-term project

Gamage revealed that the government has already put in place a comprehensive, structured programme designed to rebuild the foundations of Sri Lankan cricket. He stressed that the initiative is focused on long-term development rather than immediate results.

Responding to criticism from opposition groups, the minister dismissed claims questioning the effectiveness of the plan, insisting that the strategy is firmly on track.

He also expressed confidence in the country’s ability to reclaim its former cricketing stature, assuring that the efforts underway will ultimately deliver results.

We are committed to restoring Sri Lanka cricket to its rightful place, and we are confident in the path we have taken,

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