News
New Director General of Sports Dr Shemal Fernando, PhD
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.
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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