News
SAFF Preview – Based on Sri Lanka
South Asian Football Federation (SAFF), founded in 1997, is an association of the football-playing nations in South Asia and is affiliated to the Asian Football Confederation.
Its founding members are Bangladesh, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. Bhutan joined the federation in 2000.

SAFF Championship, (previously known as South Asian Association of Regional Co-operation Gold Cup and SAFF Gold Cup), is the main international association football competition of the men’s national football teams governed by the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF)
The South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) Championship kicked off in Lahore in 1993. Since its inception, the biennial competition has developed into South Asia’s premier football tournament, promoting the regional development of the game

The 1993 South Asian Association for Regional Co-operation Gold Cup was the 1st South Asian Football Federation Cup, the countries that competed in this tournament were India, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka reached the finals before losing out to eventual winners India, since then India has won 7 times meanwhile Maldives 2 and Bangladesh Afghanistan and Sri Lanka winning once respectively.

The 1995 tournament is a special one for Sri Lanka because were the hosts and they have crowned champions in that tournament by beating India in the Finals. Thanks to Sarath Wellage’s only goal of the match. Since then it has not been very favourable to Sri Lanka.



Mohammed Amanulla and E.B Channa became top goals scorers in 1995 and 2005 editions respectively.

The highest goal scorer of all time is Ali Ashraf with 20 goals.

The 2021 SAFF Championship is the thirteenth edition of the SAFF Championship. Initially, it was decided to be hosted by Pakistan in 2020 but was postponed to September 2021 in Bangladesh. However, the tournament was postponed again to October due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with the Maldives as the host

The Sri Lanka team goes into this tournament with high hopes under the leadership of Sujan Perera. Can the Lions bring back the trophy home? That is the big question!!!


Cricket
Chamindu Wickramasinghe’s bowling action under scrutiny?
Sri Lankan fast bowler Chamindu Wickramasinghe has come under the spotlight after his bowling action was officially reported as suspicious during a recent domestic encounter.
The incident occurred in a match of the National Super League held from April 6 to 9, where the Dambulla side faced Colombo. Wickramasinghe, representing Dambulla, drew attention from match officials, prompting concerns over the legality of his action.

The on-field umpires, Deepal Gunawardena and Ravindra Wimalasiri, made the report in accordance with standard procedures. Match referee Manoj Mendis also oversaw the process, ensuring that all regulations were followed.
Following the report, the matter has been referred to the Sri Lanka Cricket High Performance Unit for further assessment. Wickramasinghe may now be required to undergo biomechanical testing to determine whether his bowling action complies with the laws of the game.
Cricket
Sri Lanka lasses continue to impress
Sri Lanka Under-19 Women extended their impressive run in the Tri-Series with a composed four-wicket victory over Australia Women Under-19 cricket team at Bill Pippen Oval Today.
After being put in to bat, Australia U-19 struggled to build momentum against a disciplined Sri Lankan bowling attack. Ayla Johnson top-scored with 18 off 29 balls, while Alyssa Dermody added a quick 13. However, regular wickets halted their progress as they finished on a modest 91 for 9 in 20 overs. Limansa Thilakarathne led the bowling effort with an impressive 3 for 26, well supported by Chamudi Praboda, who claimed 2 for 21.
In response, Sri Lanka Women Under-19 cricket team chased down the target with 92 for 6 in 19.3 overs. Despite a few setbacks, Pramudi Methsara anchored the innings with an unbeaten 21 off 17 balls, while Danodya Sewmini contributed a steady 14. Australia’s Filippa Suesee (3 for 18) and Ira Aery (2 for 13) fought hard, but Sri Lanka held their nerve.
News
Football Chief Jaswar Umar Enters Race for NOC Presidency
Jaswar Umar, President of the Football Federation of Sri Lanka, has officially submitted his nomination to contest for the presidency of the National Olympic Committee of Sri Lanka at the upcoming Annual General Meeting.
Umar becomes the fourth candidate in the race, joining Shirantha Peiris, Deva Henry, and Asanga Seneviratne, who are also contesting for the top position in the country’s Olympic body.
His time as football chief has created divided opinions among sports professionals who evaluate his performance. On one hand, Sri Lanka’s national team has shown improvement in international results, including a rise in the FIFA rankings from 204 to 191, along with notable performances against stronger opposition.
However, his approach has also faced criticism. Stakeholders have raised concerns over the increased reliance on Sri Lankan-origin overseas players, with claims that it has limited opportunities for local talent. The long-term vision for developing youth and building grassroots football programs has become a subject of public inquiry.
Umar now aims to advance his career through NOC while he leads Sri Lankan football with both positive results and ongoing public criticism of his work.
The upcoming election will become a competitive battle because four candidates will vie for control of a key position which holds major power within the country’s sports system.
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