News
Matale Ovilikanda Girls under 16 Hockey team emerge Joint Champs
M.H.Yakeem
Matale Ovilikanda Maha Vidyalaya emerged as Joint Champs with Medagama Maha Vidyalaya Polonnaruwa in their under 16 All Island Girls Hockey tournament 2023, organised and conducted by the Sri-Lanka Schools Hockey Association, under the guidance of the Ministry of Education, which was hosted by Polonnaruwa Royal College, played at the Royal College ground, Polonnaruwa on the 29th of October to the 01st of November 2023, which a Hockey tournament was held for the first time in the history of Hockey.
Ovilikanda Maha Vidyalaya, Matale competing in the Girls ” B ” division at this Championship 2023 and in their league matches played, they beat St. Paul’s by 4 goals to nil, Kekirawa Maha Vidyalaya by 5 goals to nil and Upananda Maha Vidyalaya by 5 goals to nil. Qualifying for the quarter-final, they beat Sumangala Vidyalaya by 2 goals to nil and in qualifying for the semi-final, they beat Janadhipathi Vidyalaya Galle on penalty strokes ( 6 / 5 ) in a thrilling contest. H.T.D S. Karunaratne and P.G.S.P. Wimalarathne of Ovilikanda Maha Vidyalaya Matale were adjudged as the Best Player and the Best Goalkeeper respectively.
Meeting Medagama Maha Vidyalaya Polonnaruwa in the final of the Girls ” B ” division Championship 2023, with the game ending in a draw, the officials decided to declare both teams as Joint Champions, due to bad weather.
Ovilikanda Maha Vidyalaya, a lesser known School from the district of Matale, Principal K.G.D.S.K. Dassanayake’s able support to uplift and develop Hockey in the School along with the MIC H.M.R.D. Herath was a boost to these young lasses. Coach D.K. Piyadigamage, who is also a talented player from Christ Church Matale has made a tremendous effort by guiding them to emerge as Joint Champions, where they have brought the name of the School to a state of recognition in the district of Matale with a lack of facilities.
The Principal of Ovilikanda Maha Vidyalaya, K.G.D.S.K. Dassanayake made a special thanks to the Director and the Officials of the Central Province Sports Academy, under the guidance of the Central Province Sports Department for the contribution of the Hockey materials made to these young lasses, where they have proved and showed their talents as an outstanding team in the future.
The team comprises of H.T.D.S. Karunarathne, D.D.C.P. Jayawickrama, D.G.S.N. Premadasa, P.H.N.N. Rathnapala, A.G.S. Thilakarathne, A.M.G.Y.M. Dharmakeerthi, P.G.S. Dewmini, L.G.A.D. Liyanage, K.G.I.D. Karunarathne, A.S.K. Samaranayake, B.W.D.M. Bulathwatte, W.D. Waniganeththi, K.D.I. Wijayanthi, U.G.C.W. Jayasinghe, E.G.A.S. Kumarasiri, G.G.M. Lochana, G.P.G.D.P. Sathsarani, E.G.S K. Somaweera, E.G.D.N. Senadheera, P.G.S.P. Wimalarathna
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Cricket
Tragedy Halts 66th Battle of the Babes in Kandy
The 66th edition of the “Battle of the Babes” big match between St. Sylvester’s College and Vidyartha College was abruptly called off on Wednesday after a tragic road accident claimed the lives of two St. Sylvester’s students.
The incident occurred as the students were on their way to witness the much-anticipated encounter at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium. According to police, the motorcycle they were travelling on collided head-on with a bus.
One of the victims, Sachith Karunaratne, died at the scene. The other student, Nethula Nimdinu, was rushed to the Kandy National Hospital but later succumbed to his injuries.
The shocking news cast a shadow over the annual fixture, prompting authorities to take swift action. Central Province Governor Sarath Abeykoon reportedly suggested halting the match, after which the principals of both schools jointly agreed to call off the game midway.

St. Sylvester’s College confirmed the untimely deaths, paying tribute to the two students as committed and valued members of their school community.
Meanwhile, Kandy Police have launched an investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the fatal accident.
Cricket
Sri Lanka Women’s U19 Squad Named for Australia Tri-Series Tour
Sri Lanka Cricket has announced a 15-member Women’s Under-19 squad for the upcoming Tri-Series tour of Australia, which will also feature England. The tour is set to provide valuable international exposure for the young Sri Lankan side as they prepare to face two strong cricketing nations in both One Day and T20 formats.

The team, led by captain Chamodi Praboda of Pagnagnanda MV, Monaragala, includes a promising mix of talent drawn from leading schools across the island. Several players from Devapathiraja College, Rathgama including Sanjana Kavindi, Nethagi Isuranjali, and Shashini Gimhani have earned selections, reflecting the school’s continued contribution to women’s cricket development.
Other notable inclusions are Vimoksha Balasuriya from Sinhala MV, Trincomalee, Umayangana Peiris of Princess of Wales College, Moratuwa, and Nethmi Upeksha from Maliyadeva Balika, Kurunegala. The squad also features players such as Aseni Thalagune (Mahamaya Girls School, Kandy), Chamodi Herath (Anura College, Matara), and Daria Dissanayake of Ladies College, Colombo, showcasing a diverse representation of emerging talent.

The team will play a total of six matches during the tour, including two One Day Internationals and four T20 games, scheduled on April 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, and 18. The squad is set to depart for Australia on April 3, 2026.

This tour is expected to play a key role in shaping the future of Sri Lanka’s women’s cricket, offering these young players a platform to gain crucial international experience.
Cricket
Sri Lanka Cricket Appoints New National Coaches for High Performance Centre
Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has announced two key appointments to its National High Performance Centre as part of efforts to strengthen the country’s coaching structure across all formats and levels.
Former Netherlands coach Ryan van Niekerk has been named the National Bowling Coach, while Jordan Gregory will take on the role of National Fielding and Spin Bowling Coach. Both appointments will come into effect from April 15, 2026, with each coach set to serve a two-year tenure.
In his new role, van Niekerk will oversee fast bowling development across all national teams, including the senior men’s side. He brings valuable international experience, having served as the bowling coach and interim head coach of the Netherlands national team from 2023 to 2026. Prior to that, he worked as the assistant coach and bowling coach of the Netherlands men’s team.
During his time with the Dutch side, van Niekerk played a role in their participation in major global tournaments, including the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 and the ICC Men’s T20 World Cups in 2024 and 2026.
Meanwhile, Gregory will be responsible for managing fielding standards and spin bowling development across all national squads. He previously worked as a fielding consultant with Netherlands Cricket and contributed to several international assignments, including the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2023.
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