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New Director General of Sports Dr Shemal Fernando, PhD

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Dr. Shemal Fernando, PhD has been appointed as the Director General of Sports by the Cabinet of Ministers headed by the President, His Excellency Ranil Wickramasinghe on the recommendations of Hon. Roshan Ranasinghe, the Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs.

Dr. Fernando is the first Sri Lankan to achieve a doctoral degree (PhD) in sports science at a Sri Lankan university. He has fulfilled the strong criteria outlined for the key post in the country’s sports and topped the ‘Merit List’ compiled by a Cabinet Appointed Committee chaired by Anura Dissanayake, the Secretary to the Prime Minister and included Donald Fernando, the Secretary to the Cabinet and Mr K. Mahesan, the Secretary Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs.

Dr. Fernando has also completed the International Olympic Committee’s academic degree, and an Executive MSc in sports administration, securing an Olympic Solidarity scholarship. Besides, his credentials include a Master of Philosophy (MPhil) and a Master of Science (MSc) in management spheres and the International Staff Course at the prestigious United States Naval War College and other post-graduate qualifications.

He is the recipient of the prestigious Presidential Sports Award for Sri Lanka’s Most Outstanding Sports Science Academic in 2017 and 2018 as well as the Silk Sports Award for the Outstanding Academic Achiever of 2018. He is also chosen first in the “Order of Merit” of the Kotelawala Defence University Convocation for his doctoral thesis on “Strategies to win elite medals for Sri Lanka in sports.”

A product of Royal College, Colombo and a passionate sports administrator, he has gained invaluable experience and exposure through decades of interactive association with the National Olympic Committee as well as holding office of President, Vice President and Secretary General of National Sports Federations with wider international audiences all along his unblemished and decorative professional career in the Sri Lanka Navy where he rose to the two-star rank of an Admiral and held key Director General posts at Naval Headquarters. 

He has also become the first Sri Lankan to be honoured by the International Society of Olympic Historians (ISOH) in recognition of his post-doctoral research. Interested in the dissemination of sports philosophy, he has lectured at numerous universities and published more than 200 papers, in a variety of popular publications, including the Olympic World Library, extensively on Olympism, Olympic Games and almost on all sports. He serves as an Associate Professor at the Institute of Sports Management.

As the Chef-De-Mission of Team Sri Lanka, he contributed towards winning Men’s Cricket Gold for Sri Lanka at Incheon 2014 Asian Games. He has admirably led Sri Lankan Contingents to Athens 2004 Olympic Games, London 2012 Olympic Games, Manchester 2002 Commonwealth Games, Sherbrook 2003 World Youth Championships, Catania 2003 World Military Games, Doha 2006 Asian Games, Hyderabad 2007 World Military Games, Isle of Man 2011 Commonwealth Youth Games, Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games and Incheon 2014 Asian Games.

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Hasini’s Half-Century Powers Sri Lanka Women to Historic Series Win in the Caribbean

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Sri Lanka women’s national cricket team scripted history on Tuesday night by clinching their first-ever T20 series win in the Caribbean, sealing the three-match series 2-0 with a commanding nine-wicket victory over West Indies women’s national cricket team at St. George’s.

After the opening match was washed out, Sri Lanka seized control by winning the second T20. Their emphatic performance in the decider capped off a memorable tour, having already secured the ODI series 2-1.

Disciplined Bowling Effort

Batting first, West Indies Women posted 119/5 in their 20 overs. A fluent 32 off 15 balls from Chinelle Henry provided early momentum, while Deandra Dottin (28) and Stafanie Taylor (24) attempted to stabilise the innings.

However, Sri Lanka’s bowlers maintained tight control. Inoka Ranaweera was outstanding with figures of 2/16, while Sugandika Kumari supported with two wickets. Kavisha Dilhari also chipped in with a tidy spell.

Composed Chase Seals the Series

Chasing 120, Sri Lanka’s batting unit delivered with confidence and composure. Captain Chamari Athapaththu set the tone with a brisk 32 off 22 balls, striking five boundaries to put the visitors ahead of the required rate.

Following her dismissal, Hasini Perera anchored the innings superbly, crafting an unbeaten 52 from 59 deliveries. She was well supported by Imesha Dulani, who struck an aggressive 34 off 25 balls, guiding Sri Lanka to 121/1 in 17.4 overs.

The victory marks a significant milestone for Sri Lanka Women, underlining their growing confidence and consistency on the international stage.

Brief Scores

West Indies Women – 119/5 (20 overs)
Chinelle Henry 32* (15), Deandra Dottin 28 (39), Stafanie Taylor 24 (39)
Inoka Ranaweera 2/16, Sugandika Kumari 2/32, Kavisha Dilhari 1/13

Sri Lanka Women – 121/1 (17.4 overs)
Hasini Perera 52* (59), Imesha Dulani 34* (25), Chamari Athapaththu 32 (22)
Afy Fletcher 1/14

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Rising Middle East Tensions Cast Doubt on Sri Lanka–Afghanistan Series in UAE

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Sri Lanka’s upcoming white-ball series against Afghanistan in the United Arab Emirates is facing uncertainty amid escalating tensions in parts of the Middle East.

The tour, scheduled from March 13 to 25, includes three T20 Internationals in Sharjah and three One Day Internationals in Dubai. However, growing regional instability has raised concerns over security, travel logistics, and overall feasibility.

Recent developments in the region have prompted several airlines to suspend or adjust services near key transport corridors, creating additional challenges for team travel and operational planning.

Sri Lanka Cricket is understood to be closely monitoring the evolving situation, with player and staff safety remaining the top priority. Should conditions fail to stabilize, the board may be compelled to reconsider or postpone the tour. Afghanistan could also encounter logistical difficulties under the current circumstances.

The series was viewed as important preparation for both teams ahead of a demanding international schedule. Sri Lanka were expected to assess emerging talent in white-ball formats, while Afghanistan aimed to consolidate momentum from recent performances.

With regional tensions continuing to unfold, a final decision regarding the series is anticipated in the coming days. Until then, the tour remains uncertain, highlighting how external factors can impact the international cricket calendar.

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Jonathan Trott to replace Sanath Jayasuriya as Sri Lanka Head Coach?

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Jonathan Trott, the former England batter who recently concluded his tenure as Afghanistan’s head coach, has emerged as the leading contender to succeed Sanath Jayasuriya as Sri Lanka’s national head coach, it is learnt.

Jayasuriya had earlier indicated his intention to step down, prompting Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) to initiate the process of identifying a successor. However, an official announcement regarding the transition has yet to be made.

Trott’s name has quickly moved to the forefront of discussions, with his recent international coaching experience viewed as a valuable asset during what is expected to be a rebuilding phase for Sri Lanka. In the interim, SLC is considering appointing a temporary coach to oversee the upcoming Afghanistan series while deliberations continue.

The push for change follows Sri Lanka’s disappointing campaign at the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, co-hosted with India, where the team failed to secure a win in the Super 8 stage. The result has intensified calls for structural and strategic adjustments within both the playing group and support staff.

Despite the anticipated changes in the coaching setup, selectors are expected to retain Dasun Shanaka as T20 captain, indicating continued confidence in his leadership moving forward.

While no formal decision has been confirmed, Trott’s emergence as the frontrunner signals that Sri Lanka Cricket may be preparing for a new direction as the national team looks to regroup and rebuild.

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