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Prime Minister Directs the Vesting of 5 Sports Facilities to the Public Without Pomp and Ceremony

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Hon. Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, Prime Minister and Minister of Women, Child and Youth Affairs, and Sports, has directed the Director General of Sports to open five newly completed sports facilities in Colombo, Matale, Bingiriya, and Omanthai to the public without the customary formal ceremonies.

These projects were completed during the period late August and early September. This thoughtful decision by the Hon. Prime Minister, in line with the policies of the new government, was communicated during her first meeting with the heads of departments under the Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs, held on September 27, at the Ministry of Sports.

The Secretary to the Hon. Prime Minister, Mr. Pradeep Saputhanthri, and the Secretary to the Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs, Mr. K. Mahesan, were also present. In response, the Director General of Sports, Professor (Rear Admiral) Shemal Fernando is taking immediate steps to make these facilities available to school children, youth, and athletes across the country.

The department invites sports-loving Sri Lankans to help maintain these facilities at the highest standards and to safeguard them for future generations, recognizing the significant public funds invested by the government.

The five sports facilities completed by the Department of Sports Development are as follows:

  1. The Olympic-Level Blue Polytan Hockey AstroTurf in Colombo.
  2. The Olympic-Level Blue Polytan Hockey AstroTurf in Matale.
  3. The 50-meter Swimming Pool at the North Western Sports Complex in Bingiriya.
  4. The 25-meter Swimming Pool at the Vavuniya District Sports Complex in Omanthai.
  5. The Multi-Sport Indoor Stadium at the Vavuniya District Sports Complex in Omanthai.

Cricket

Sri Lanka U-19 Players Face Charges Over Alleged Hotel Recording Incident

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Two players from Sri Lanka’s Under-19 cricket squad have been taken into custody allegations that they covertly recorded individuals inside a hotel in the Narahenpita area, according to police.

The arrests came after multiple complaints were lodged by female medical professionals attending a conference at the hotel. The complainants reported that they had been secretly filmed while bathing in their rooms, allegedly using mobile phones.

Authorities revealed that preliminary investigations suggest the suspects may also have captured footage involving male guests at the same premises. Police are continuing inquiries to determine whether any of the recordings were distributed through online platforms.
The suspects were presented before the Aluthkade Magistrate’s Court and subsequently released on personal bail set at Rs. 500,000 each. Further investigations are ongoing.

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SunRisers Hyderabad Sri Lankan Trio Returns Home from IPL

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Three Sri Lankan players representing Sunrisers Hyderabad — Kamindu Mendis, Dilshan Madushanka and Eshan Malinga — have left the Indian Premier League as the tournament approaches its final stages.

The trio returned to Sri Lanka on Thursday morning to complete visa formalities ahead of the national team’s upcoming tour of the West Indies in June, which will feature matches across all formats. According to reports, their brief return is solely to complete biometric requirements for the visa process.

Despite their absence, the players are expected to rejoin the squad in India shortly after completing the necessary procedures. With sufficient time before their next fixture, all three are likely to be available for selection.

Sunrisers Hyderabad are scheduled to play their next match on May 3 at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium against Kolkata Knight Riders.

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Sri Lanka Women too strong for Bangladesh in second T20I

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Sri Lanka Women produced a polished all-round performance to defeat Bangladesh Women by 21 runs in the second T20I, sealing the series with a game to spare.

After being put into bat, the visitors posted a competitive 154 for 4 in their 20 overs, built on key contributions from skipper Chamari Athapaththu and Harshitha Samarawickrama. The innings began cautiously, with Hasini Perera falling early, but Athapaththu steadied the innings with a fluent 42 off 37 balls, striking six boundaries.

The momentum shifted significantly during the latter half as Samarawickrama played an aggressive knock of 49 off just 29 deliveries, including two sixes. She found good support from Imeesha Dulani (27) and Nilakshika Silva, who remained unbeaten on 22, ensuring Sri Lanka finished strongly at a healthy run rate of 7.70. Bangladesh’s bowlers shared the wickets, with Fariha Trisna, Sultana Khatun, Nahida Akter, and Ritu Moni picking up one apiece.

Chasing 155, Bangladesh made a steady start through Dilara Akter and Juairiya Ferdous, who added 46 for the opening wicket. However, regular breakthroughs and sharp fielding dented their progress. Ferdous scored a brisk 29, while Sharmin Akhter anchored the innings with an unbeaten 44, but lacked sufficient support from the middle order.

Sri Lanka’s discipline in the field proved decisive, effecting three crucial run-outs. Kavisha Dilhari was the standout with the ball, claiming 2 for 15 in her four overs, while Sugandika Kumari maintained excellent control, conceding just 14 runs.
Bangladesh eventually finished on 133 for 5, falling short despite a late push.

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