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
Chamudi Praboda to Lead Sri Lanka U19 Women on India Tour
The Sri Lanka Cricket Selection Panel has named a 15-member Sri Lanka Under-19 Women’s squad for the upcoming tour of India, where the young cricketers will compete in both T20 and One Day formats.
Chamudi Praboda has been appointed captain of the side, while Sanjana Kavindi will serve as vice-captain and wicketkeeper. The tour is expected to provide valuable international exposure and competitive experience for the emerging players.
Sri Lanka will play three T20 matches in Chennai on June 22, 24 and 27, followed by three One Day matches in Pondicherry on June 30 and July 3 and 6.
The series will offer Sri Lanka’s young talents an important opportunity to test their skills against strong opposition and gain experience in challenging Indian conditions as they continue their development at international level.
The squad comprises Chamudi Praboda (Captain), Sanjana Kavindi (WK, Vice-Captain), Nethmi Upeksha, Manudi Nanayakkara, Limansa Thilakarathna, Umayangana Peiris, Danodya Sewmini, Nethagi Isuranjali, Pramudi Methsara, Yesali Jithara, Vimoksha Balasooriya, Sanuki Pathirage, Chamodi Herath, Aseni Thalagune and Daria Dissanayaka.
Athletics
Rumesh Tharanga Reaches Historic World No. 3 Ranking
Sri Lankan javelin star Rumesh Tharanga has achieved a remarkable milestone by climbing to World No. 3 in the latest global rankings, bringing pride and recognition to Sri Lankan athletics on the international stage.
Tharanga now holds 1,324 ranking points, placing him among the world’s elite javelin throwers. His rise to third place marks the highest-ever ranking achieved by a Sri Lankan male athlete in world athletics history, highlighting his dedication, hard work, and consistent performances over recent years.
The achievement is even more significant as Tharanga has become Asia’s highest-ranked javelin athlete, surpassing India’s celebrated thrower Neeraj Chopra. This accomplishment reflects the growing strength of Sri Lankan athletics and demonstrates the country’s ability to compete with the best athletes in the world.
Sports officials and fans across the island have welcomed the news with great enthusiasm.
Many view Tharanga’s success as an inspiration for young athletes who aspire to represent Sri Lanka on the global stage. His journey from a promising talent to one of the world’s top-ranked competitors showcases the rewards of perseverance and commitment to excellence.
His achievement stands as a proud moment for Sri Lanka and a significant chapter in the country’s sporting history.
News
Dinara and Aahil Reach Finals at SSC ITF J30 Week 2
Sri Lanka’s Dinara de Silva and Aahil Kaleel advanced to the girls’ and boys’ singles finals respectively at the ITF J30 Week 2 Junior Tennis Tournament being held at the SSC Courts from 2 to 8 June.
Dinara secured a dominant semifinal victory over the Maldives’ Karin Saizan, while Aahil battled through a tough three-set encounter against India’s Vivaan Mirdha to keep Sri Lankan hopes alive in the boys’ competition.

In the girls’ singles semifinals, Dinara produced an impressive display to defeat Karin Saizan 4-1, 4-0. Fellow Sri Lankan Yuhansa Peiris also booked her place in the final after overcoming India’s Aahida Singh 5-4, 4-0. Their victories set up an all-Sri Lankan championship clash.
The boys’ singles semifinals featured a thrilling contest between Aahil and Vivaan Mirdha. After winning the first set 4-2 and dropping the second 2-4, Aahil held his nerve to claim the match tie-break 10-7. In the other semifinal, India’s Shiok Chauhan defeated compatriot Punith Manchira 5-3, 4-2 to reach the final.

The girls’ final will see Dinara face Yuhansa, while Aahil will take on Chauhan in the boys’ title match.
Dinara enters the final in outstanding form, having won the Week 1 singles title. She also teamed up with Yuhansa to capture the Week 1 girls’ doubles championship. The tournament is particularly significant for Dinara as it marks her final ITF Junior tournament appearance on Sri Lankan soil before embarking on the next stage of her international tennis journey.
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