News
Polonnaruwa Royal College under 16 stickers emerges Joint Champs
M.H. Yakeem
In the History of the sport of Hockey, an All Island Boys/Girls under 16 Hockey tournament was held for the first time in Polonnaruwa, which was hosted by Royal College Polonnaruwa under the direction of the Sports Minister, Roshan Ranasinghe.
At this first ever Hockey tournament, the host Royal College Polonnaruwa competing in the “C” division at this championship 2023, emerged as Joint Champions with Maris Stella College, Thimbirigaskatuwa. This was an initiative taken by the Sri-Lanka Schools Hockey Association, under the guidance of the Ministry of Education to promote the Sport in Polonnaruwa, which was held at the Royal College ground, Polonnaruwa from the 29th of October to the 01st of November 2023.
The Sports Minister Roshan Ranasinghe, who is also an Old Boy of Royal College Polonnaruwa, played an instrumental role in getting this tournament to be staged in Polonnaruwa and the Principal, Ravilal Wijewansa giving his fullest support and cooperation along with the Vice Principal, Manjula Undugoda and MIC Dinesh Rathnayake made all arrangements to host this first-ever tournament in Polonnaruwa. Sports Minister, Roshan Ranasinghe, who was very keen to have this tournament In Polonnaruwa was the Chief Guest, who graced this wonderful occasion.
Royal College Polonnaruwa, in their league matches played, won against Harischandra Vidyalaya Gampaha and Upananda Vidyalaya Galle, and drew with Kengalla Vidyalaya. In the semi-final, they beat Girandurukotte National School on penalty strokes 2/1, and in the final, they drew against Maris Stella College, Thinbirigaskatuwa to emerge as Joint Champs. All credit has to go to the Coach, Dhammika Abeyrathne, an ex-National Hockey player from Christ Church College Matale, who represented Sri Lanka from 1997 to 2010 and had the distinction of Captaining the National team in 2010 at the SAF games. As he is now residing in Polonnaruwa, it will be an asset to develop the game in Polonnaruwa.
The team comprises Achiru Yapa Kavisha Costa, Anuhas Amaraweera, Reshan Mayantha, Dineth Nirupama, Dineth Gankewela, Ashith Navodha, Bosura Seneviratne, Damhiru Kasthuriarachchi, Keshan Perera, Nagana Dineth, Akidu Anujitha, Hasaral Chandika, Hirun Gamitha, R.kodithuwakku, Theekshana Navarathne, Thinura Thulitha, D. Kumarasinghe A. Navarathne, Leethicha
Caption
1 – The Royal College Polonnaruwa under 16 winning stickers with Sports Minister, Roshan Ranasinghe, Principal Ravilal Wijewansa, and other officials.

2 – Coach Dammika Abeurathne, guided the team to emerge as Joint Champs at this first-ever tournament.

Cricket
Sri Lanka Cricket to name a women’s cricket tournament under late ‘Gwen Herat.’
Sri Lanka Cricket decided to dedicate the ‘Major Club Women’s 50-Over Tournament’ in memory of the late Gwen Herat, the founding president of the Sri Lanka Women’s Cricket Association.
This decision has been made in recognition of the outstanding service rendered by Mrs. Herat towards the founding of Women’s Cricket Association in the country.
It was under her leadership that the Sri Lanka Women’s Cricket Association was established in 1997, where she served as its founding president.
Accordingly, in memory of her from 2026 onwards, the Major Club Women’s 50-Over
Tournament will be named the Gwen Herat Memorial Trophy.
“The significant role played by the late Mrs. Gwen Herat in laying the foundation for women’s cricket is well remembered by the cricketing fraternity. By naming a tournament in her honor, Sri Lanka Cricket aims to preserve her legacy for future generations,” said Mr. Bandula
Dissanayake.
Marking this significant initiative, the family of Mrs. Gwen Herat presented a trophy to Sri Lanka Cricket, which will be awarded to the champions of future editions of the tournament.
The handover was carried out by Mrs. Herat’s family members, including her daughters, Shamarra Herat and Parveen Herat, and her son, Avancka Herat.
The Gwen Herat Memorial Trophy was officially handed over to Mr. Bandula Dissanayake, Honorary Secretary of Sri Lanka Cricket, in the presence of Mr. Ashley de Silva, CEO of Sri Lanka Cricket, and distinguished guests Mr. Chandra Schaffter and Mr. Hemaka Amarasuriya.
Mr. Chinthaka Edirimanne, Head of National Cricket Operations, and Mr. Upul Nawaratne
Bandara, Head of Marketing at SLC, also were present at the ceremony, which took place at SLC last week.
Cricket
Leadership Change Looms at Sri Lanka Cricket
Sri Lanka Cricket could be on the verge of a major leadership shake-up, with reports suggesting that President Shammi Silva is expected to resign from his post on Wednesday, potentially ending a seven-year tenure at the helm of the governing body.
According to a report published by Daily Mirror, Silva’s anticipated resignation follows a request from the government, signaling possible political involvement in the administration of the sport.
The report further indicates that former Member of Parliament and State Minister Eran Wickramaratne is likely to be appointed as the Interim President of Sri Lanka Cricket, should Silva step down as expected.
Silva, who was first elected to the position in February 2019, has maintained his leadership through multiple election victories, overseeing Sri Lanka Cricket during a period marked by both challenges and transitions.
While no official confirmation has yet been issued, the reported developments have already sparked widespread discussion within cricketing and political circles, raising questions about the future direction of the country’s cricket administration.
Athletics
Tharanga Claims Historic Gold in Nairobi with Record-Breaking Throw
Sri Lanka’s rising javelin sensation Rumesh Tharanga delivered a remarkable performance on the international stage, clinching gold at the Kip Keino Classic in Nairobi with a stunning meet record throw of 89.28 metres.
Competing against an elite field, Tharanga outshone some of the sport’s biggest names, including Olympic champion Thomas Röhler and Kenya’s celebrated Olympic silver medallist and world champion Julius Yego. His victory marks one of the most significant achievements in Sri Lankan athletics in recent years.
The triumph is further highlighted by Tharanga’s consistency, as this is his second throw exceeding 89 metres within a month. Such performances signal his growing dominance and position him firmly among the world’s top javelin throwers this season.
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