Uncategorized
Rural Talent Gets a Boost: Cricket Equipment Distributed to Monaragala and Ampara Schools
Monaragala/Ampara, June 19 – In a major step toward promoting grassroots cricket in Sri Lanka, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports initiated a cricket development program aimed at identifying and nurturing young talent from rural schools. As part of this initiative, cricket equipment was officially handed over to selected schools in the Monaragala and Ampara districts today under the leadership of Deputy Sports Minister Sugath Thilakaratne.
The distribution events, held at the respective District Secretariats, were conducted in line with the Ministry’s broader goal of increasing accessibility to cricket across all regions of the country, especially areas with limited resources. This effort is part of a nationwide schools cricket development program overseen by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.
The events were graced by high-ranking officials from the Ministry, District Secretariats, school principals, coaches, members of school cricket associations, and a large number of students.
Speaking at the Monaragala event, Deputy Minister Thilakaratne emphasized that providing these resources is an investment in the future of Sri Lankan cricket.
“Even under limited facilities, many of these children show tremendous dedication. Our goal is to inspire them and provide every opportunity to rise through the ranks,” he said.



He also noted that the Ministry is committed to giving rural children equal opportunities as their urban counterparts, breaking the long-standing barriers in Sri Lanka’s sporting infrastructure.
“We hope to see international-level athletes emerging from districts like Ampara and Monaragala. Talent should not be defined by geography but by passion and discipline,” the Deputy Minister added.
He further stated that the Ministry will focus more on identifying and nurturing rural talent, while emphasizing values like resilience, unity, and national identity through sport.
Key Highlights:
- Cricket equipment distributed in Monaragala and Ampara districts
- Initiative under Schools Cricket Development Program
- Emphasis on rural youth and equal sporting opportunities
- Participation from school heads, students, and local officials
- Led by Deputy Sports Minister Sugath Thilakaratne
Football
Sri Lanka Suffer 8–0 Defeat to China PR in AFC U-17 Asian Cup Qualifiers – Matchday 4 Update
Sri Lanka’s AFC U-17 Asian Cup Qualifiers campaign took another difficult turn on Matchday 4 as they fell 8–0 to a dominant China PR side in Chongqing. China, who entered the fixture with 30 goals scored and none conceded, continued their perfect run with a commanding and clinical performance.

The defeat also slightly exceeded the earlier projected scoreline, as forecasts suggested a heavy loss in the range of 6–0 based on China’s form and Sri Lanka’s defensive struggles. China ultimately pushed beyond that margin with relentless second-half pressure and superior physicality.
China took control early when Zhao Songyuan opened the scoring in the 13th minute. Zhang Xuyao doubled the lead before the half-hour mark, and Kuang Zhaolei’s 41st-minute strike effectively settled the outcome before halftime.
The second half offered little relief for Sri Lanka. China maintained full command of possession and territory, adding five more goals through He Sifan (47’), Shuai Weihao (55’), Wan Xiang (75’, 77’) and Zhang Bolin (84’). The hosts’ sustained pressure, intelligent movement between the lines, and ruthless finishing highlighted the gap between the two nations at this age level.
With the win, China remain unbeaten with four straight victories, keeping pace with Bangladesh at the top of Group A. Owing to a significantly superior goal difference, China will only need a draw against Bangladesh on Sunday to finish as group leaders.

For Sri Lanka, the result reinforces the defensive and structural challenges identified throughout the campaign — particularly in dealing with high-pressing teams and managing space between defensive lines. The team now turns its attention to their final group match against Timor-Leste, a fixture they are expected to approach with confidence and a realistic chance of securing a second victory.
Sri Lanka have one match remaining in the qualifiers and will aim to finish on a stronger note as they continue their learning curve at continental level.
If you need an updated standings table, match preview for Sri Lanka vs Timor-Leste, or social media posts for this result, I can prepare those next.
Updated Group A Standings (After Matchday 4)
| Team | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| China PR | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 38 | 0 | +38 | 12 |
| Bangladesh | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 23 | 5 | +18 | 12 |
| Bahrain | 4 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 7 | 6 | +1 | 6 |
| Sri Lanka | 4 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 5 | 15 | -10 | 3 |
| Timor-Leste | 4 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 30 | -30 | 0 |
| Brunei Darussalam | 4 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 24 | -24 | 0 |
Sri Lanka vs Timor-Leste – Match Preview
Sri Lanka enter their final AFC U-17 Asian Cup Qualifiers Group A match against Timor-Leste with a crucial opportunity to end the campaign on a positive note. Both teams have faced heavy defeats throughout the group stage, with Timor-Leste failing to score a single goal and conceding 30.
Sri Lanka showed strong attacking quality in their 4–0 win over Brunei and were competitive in stretches against Bahrain before losing 2–1. Despite the 8–0 loss to China PR, the team retains the advantage in pace, transitional play, and individual technical ability over Timor-Leste.
Timor-Leste have struggled to maintain defensive shape and have been vulnerable in both wide areas and in transition. Their inability to build out from pressure offers Sri Lanka a clear opportunity to dominate possession and control attacking phases.
This match represents Sri Lanka’s best chance to secure a second win and finish the group in fourth place.
Match Prediction – Sri Lanka vs Timor-Leste
The previous prediction for this match was 3–1 in favour of Sri Lanka.
Based on both teams’ updated performances and form trends, this prediction remains accurate.
Predicted result: Sri Lanka 3–1 Timor-Leste
Sri Lanka are expected to:
• Control the midfield
• Create more chances from wide areas
• Use pace effectively in transition
• Limit Timor-Leste’s attacking threat
Uncategorized
2025 Asian Snooker Championship Breaks Off in Colombo with 14 Nations Competing
Colombo – June 22:
The prestigious 2025 Asian Snooker Championship officially commenced on June 22 at the historic Moors Snooker Club in Colombo. The championship, scheduled to continue until June 28, brings together elite cueists from across Asia in a week-long battle for continental glory.
Organized by the Sri Lanka Billiards and Snooker Association in collaboration with the Ministry of Sports, this year’s tournament was originally set to feature 18 countries, but due to ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, 4 nations have withdrawn, leaving 14 countries to compete.
Representing Sri Lanka, 7 top national players will participate against cueists from countries such as India, China, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Qatar, Hong Kong, Bahrain, Macau, Cambodia, and Singapore. In total, 36 players are vying for the championship title in Colombo.
This tournament marks a significant moment for Sri Lanka as it hosts one of Asia’s most prestigious snooker events and provides local talent with a rare chance to shine on home soil.
📍 Venue: Moors Snooker Club, Colombo
📅 Dates: June 22 – 28, 2025
🎱 Total Participating Nations: 14
👥 Total Players: 36
News
Netball Academy by Sri Lankan Sports Academy is Back!
The Sri Lankan Sports Academy Netball Academy is officially restarting on 6th February 2025 at Torrington Indoor Stadium from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM.
This is your chance to train under experienced coaches, enhance your skills, and be part of a dynamic netball community! Our sessions are open for both kids and adults, ensuring everyone gets the opportunity to develop their game in a structured and professional environment.
Training Details:
📅 Start Date: 6th February 2025
📍 Venue: Torrington Indoor Stadium
🕕 Time: 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
📆 Sessions: Every Tuesday & Thursday
Fee Structure:
💰 Registration Fee: LKR 7,500/- (Includes a free playing kit)
🏐 Monthly Coaching Fee (Adults & Kids): LKR 6,000/-
🏐 Half-Month Coaching Fee (Adults & Kids): LKR 4,000/-
Why Join Us?
✅ Professional coaching for all skill levels
✅ Structured training sessions for kids & adults
✅ A fun and energetic community
✅ Indoor facilities for all-weather training
Register Now!
Don’t miss this chance to be part of Sri Lanka’s growing netball community. Secure your spot today!
📞 Contact Us for More Details:
📲 Call/WhatsApp: +94 72 644 4226
📧 Email: academy@srilankansportstv.com
🌐 Website: www.srilankansportstv.com
#NetballAcademy #SriLankanSportsAcademy #GameOn #NetballSL #TrainToWin
-
Football10 months agoSri Lanka Schools National Championship 2025: Super 8 Fixtures and Grouping
-
News11 months ago2025 Schools Rugby Season Set to Thrill Fans with Knockout and League Action
-
Live4 years agoLive Broadcast of Syria vs Sri Lanka | AFC U23 Asian Championship Qualification
-
Cricket6 months agoNuwan Thushara Shines as RCB Storms into IPL 2025 Final
-
Football11 months agoFFSL Rebrands Division-1 as ‘League-One’ with a Bold New Vision
-
News7 months agoMajor Shake-Up in Sports Governance: New 2025 Regulations Reform National Sports Bodies in Sri Lanka
-
Cricket11 months agoSri Lanka’s Greatest Cricketers: Top Batters and Bowlers of All Time
-
Football7 months agoSri Lanka Announces U19 Football Squad for SAFF Championship 2025


You must be logged in to post a comment Login