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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 Cricket to name a women’s cricket tournament under late ‘Gwen Herat.’

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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.

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Cricket

Leadership Change Looms at Sri Lanka Cricket

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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.

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Athletics

Tharanga Claims Historic Gold in Nairobi with Record-Breaking Throw

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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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