Connect with us

News

SLC National Super League 50 over

Published

on

Priyanjan, Pavan shine in Dambulla’s win over Colombo

Ashan Priyanjan (6-20) followed by Pavan Rathnayaka’s half-ton, helped Team Dambulla outplay team Colombo by 6 wickets and continue their brilliant form in the ongoing SLC National Super League 50 over tournament at SSC on Sunday.

Put into bat first, Colombo was bundled out for 140 runs and in reply, Dambulla reached the target in just 27.3 overs.

Colombo didn’t have the best of the starts as they were reduced to 3-46 inside 11 overs with Sithara Gimhana (7), Krishan Sanjula (18) and Nipun Dhananjaya (4) all departing cheaply.

To make things worse, they lost two more quick wickets, that of Heshan Fernando (19) and Sachitha Jayathilake (4), to pin them down further.

With the scoreboard reading 5-72, Dushan Vimukthi joined Ashen Bandara in the middle and slowly revived their innings building 32 run partnership for the 6th wicket, but the partnership was short-lived when Vimkuthi (14) was caught at mid-on off Sonal Dinusha’s bowling.

With half of the side back in the pavilion, Ashen Bandara played a lone cameo of 36 runs off 40 deliveries including a boundary and a six before he was run out courtesy of a brilliant fielding effort from Lakshan Sandakan.

At one stage it looked like Dambulla wouldn’t go past the 120-run mark, but a late surge by Kalana Perera (24) saw them add some valuable runs from down the order before they were bowled out for 140 runs.

Ashan Priyanjan was the architect of Colombo’s collapse and ended with figures of 6-20, while Lahiru Samarakoon and Sonal Dinusha picked up a wicket each.

In reply, it was a walk in the park for team Dambulla as they took just 27.3 overs to achieve the target.

Pavan Rathnayaka top scored with a brilliant 53 ball 51 runs including 7 boundaries and a six, while Lasith Abeyrathna (30) and Sonal Dinusha (29*) also contributed with useful knocks.

Brief scores:

Colombo: 144 all out (38) (Ashen Bandara 36, Kalana Perera 24*, Ashan Priyanjan 6-20)

Dambulla: 146-4 (27.3) (Pavan Rathnayaka 51, Lasith Abeyrathna 30, Sonal Dinusha 29*, Dushan Vimukthi 1-30, Nuwan Pradeep 1-51, Danushka Sandaruwan 1-27)

SLC ජාතික සුපර් ලීග් පන්දුවාර 50

කොළඹට එරෙහිව දඹුල්ල ජයග්‍රහණයෙන් ප්‍රියංජන්, පවන් බැබළේ

අශාන් ප්‍රියංජන් (6-20) පසුව පවන් රත්නායකගේ අර්ධ ශතකය, දඹුල්ල කණ්ඩායම කොළඹ කණ්ඩායම කඩුලු 6කින් පරාජය කරමින් ඉරිදා SSC හි පැවැත්වෙන SLC ජාතික සුපර් ලීග් ඕවර 50 තරඟාවලියේදී ඔවුන්ගේ විශිෂ්ට දස්කම් දිගටම කරගෙන යාමට උපකාරී විය.

පළමුවෙන් පන්දුවට පහරදුන් කොළඹ කණ්ඩායම ලකුණු 140කට දැවී ගිය අතර පිළිතුරු ලෙස දඹුල්ල කණ්ඩායම පන්දුවාර 27.3කදී එම ඉලක්කය පසුකර ගියේය.

සිතාර ගිම්හාන (7), ක්‍රිෂාන් සංජුල (18) සහ නිපුන් ධනංජය (4) අඩු මුදලකට දැවී යාමත් සමඟ ඕවර 11 ක් ඇතුළත ලකුණු 3-46 කට සීමා වූ බැවින් කොළඹට හොඳම ආරම්භය නොතිබුණි.

තත්වය තවත් නරක අතට හැරීම සඳහා ඔවුන්ට තවත් වේගවත් කඩුලු දෙකක් අහිමි විය. හේෂාන් ප්‍රනාන්දු (19) සහ සචිත ජයතිලක (4) එම කඩුලු තවදුරටත් බිඳ හෙළීමට සමත් විය.

ලකුණු පුවරුව 5-72ක් ලෙස සටහන් වෙද්දී දුෂාන් විමුක්ති අශේන් බණ්ඩාර සමඟ එක්ව 6 වැනි කඩුල්ලට ලකුණු 32ක සබඳතාවයක් ගොඩනැංවූ අතර ඔවුන්ගේ ඉනිම සෙමෙන් පණ ගැන්වූ නමුත් විම්කුති (14) සොනාල්ගේ පන්දුවකට මිඩ්-ඕන්හිදී දැවී යාමත් සමඟ එම සබඳතාව කෙටිකාලීන විය. දිනූෂගේ පන්දු යැවීම.

කණ්ඩායමේ අඩක් මණ්ඩපයට පැමිණ සිටියදී අශේන් බණ්ඩාර පන්දු 40 කදී හතරේ පහරක් සහ හයේ පහරක් ඇතුළුව ලකුණු 36 ක් රැස්කරමින් හුදකලා ක්‍රීඩා කරමින් ලක්ෂාන් සඳකැන්ගේ විශිෂ්ට පන්දු රැකීමේ උත්සාහයකින් දැවී ගියේය.

එක් අවස්ථාවක දී දඹුල්ල ලකුණු 120 සීමාව පසු නොකරනු ඇතැයි පෙනුනද, කලණ පෙරේරාගේ (24) ප්‍රමාද වූ පිබිදීමක් නිසා ඔවුන් ලකුණු 140කට දැවී යාමට පෙර අනුපිළිවෙලින් අගනා ලකුණු කිහිපයක් එකතු කරන ලදී.

කොළඹ කඩාවැටීමේ නිර්මාතෘ අශාන් ප්‍රියංජන් ලකුණු 6-20ක් ලෙසින් අවසන් වූ අතර ලහිරු සමරකෝන් සහ සොනාල් දිනූෂ කඩුල්ල බැගින් දවා ගත්හ.

පිළිතුරු ඉනිම ක්‍රීඩා කළ දඹුල්ල කණ්ඩායමට එම ඉලක්කය සපුරා ගැනීමට ගතවූයේ පන්දුවාර 27.3ක් පමණි.

පවන් රත්නායක පන්දු 53කින් හතරේ පහර 7ක් සහ හයේ පහරක් සමගින් ලකුණු 51ක් ලබා ගත් අතර ලසිත් අබේරත්න (30) සහ සොනාල් දිනූෂ (29*) ද ප්‍රයෝජනවත් දස්කම් දැක්වීමෙන් දායක වූහ.

කෙටි ලකුණු:

කොළඹ: සියලුම දෙනා දැවී 144 (38) (අශේන් බණ්ඩාර 36, කළණ පෙරේරා 24*, අශාන් ප්‍රියංජන් 6-20)

දඹුල්ල: 146-4 (27.3) (පවන් රත්නායක 51, ලසිත් අබේරත්න 30, සොනාල් දිනූෂ 29*, දුෂාන් විමුක්ති 1-30, නුවන් ප්‍රදීප් 1-51, ධනුෂ්ක සඳරුවන් 1-27)

SLC தேசிய சூப்பர் லீக் 50 ஓவர்

கொழும்பிற்கு எதிரான தம்புள்ளை வெற்றியில் பிரியஞ்சன், பவன் ஜொலித்தனர்

ஞாயிற்றுக்கிழமை SSC இல் நடைபெற்று வரும் SLC தேசிய சுப்பர் லீக் 50 ஓவர் போட்டியில், அஷான் பிரியஞ்சன் (6-20), பவன் ரத்நாயக்கவின் அரை சதம், தம்புள்ளா அணி கொழும்பு அணியை 6 விக்கெட் வித்தியாசத்தில் வீழ்த்தி, அவர்களின் சிறப்பான ஆட்டத்தை தொடர உதவியது.

முதலில் துடுப்பெடுத்தாடிய கொழும்பு அணி 140 ஓட்டங்களுக்குச் சுருண்டது, பதிலுக்கு துடுப்பெடுத்தாடிய தம்புள்ளை அணி 27.3 ஓவர்களில் வெற்றி இலக்கை எட்டியது.

சிதார கிம்ஹானா (7), கிரிஷன் சஞ்சுலா (18), நிபுன் தனஞ்சய (4) ஆகியோர் மலிவாக வெளியேறியதால், 11 ஓவர்களுக்குள் 3-46 ரன்களுக்குக் குறைக்கப்பட்டதால் கொழும்பு சிறந்த தொடக்கத்தைக் கொண்டிருக்கவில்லை.

நிலைமையை மோசமாக்குவதற்கு, அவர்கள் மேலும் இரண்டு விரைவான விக்கெட்டுகளை இழந்தனர், ஹெஷான் பெர்னாண்டோ (19) மற்றும் சச்சித ஜயதிலக (4), அவர்களை மேலும் பின்தள்ளினார்.

ஸ்கோர்போர்டு 5-72 ஆக இருந்த நிலையில், துஷான் விமுக்தி, அஷேன் பண்டாரவுடன் இணைந்து 6வது விக்கெட்டுக்கு 32 ரன் பார்ட்னர்ஷிப்பை உருவாக்கி, அவர்களின் இன்னிங்ஸை மெதுவாக மீட்டெடுத்தார், ஆனால் விம்குதி (14) சோனாலின் பந்தில் மிட்-ஆனில் கேட்ச் ஆனபோது அந்த பார்ட்னர்ஷிப் சிறிது காலம் நீடித்தது. தினுஷாவின் பந்துவீச்சு.

40 பந்துகளில் ஒரு பவுண்டரி மற்றும் ஒரு சிக்ஸர் உள்ளடங்கலாக 36 ரன்கள் எடுத்திருந்த நிலையில், அஷேன் பண்டார, லக்ஷான் சந்தகனின் சிறப்பான பீல்டிங் முயற்சியால் ரன் அவுட் ஆவதற்கு முன், அஷேன் பண்டார தனி ஒருவராக விளையாடினார்.

ஒரு கட்டத்தில் தம்புள்ளை 120 ரன்களுக்கு மேல் செல்லாது என்று தோன்றியது, ஆனால் கலனா பெரேரா (24) 140 ரன்களுக்கு ஆட்டமிழக்க முன் அவர்கள் வரிசையில் இருந்து சில மதிப்புமிக்க ரன்களைச் சேர்த்ததைக் கண்டது.

அஷான் பிரியஞ்சன் கொழும்பின் சரிவை உருவாக்கி 6-20 என்ற புள்ளிகளுடன் முடிவடைந்தது, லஹிரு சமரகோன் மற்றும் சோனால் தினுஷா ஆகியோர் தலா ஒரு விக்கெட்டை கைப்பற்றினர்.

பதிலுக்கு துடுப்பெடுத்தாடிய தம்புல்லா அணி இலக்கை அடைய வெறும் 27.3 ஓவர்கள் மட்டுமே எடுத்துக்கொண்டது.

பவன் ரத்நாயக்க சிறந்த 53 பந்துகளில் 7 பவுண்டரிகள் மற்றும் ஒரு சிக்ஸர் உள்ளடங்கலாக 51 ஓட்டங்களைப் பெற்றதோடு, லசித் அபேரத்ன (30) மற்றும் சோனல் தினுஷா (29*) ஆகியோரும் பயனுள்ள ஆட்டங்களை வெளிப்படுத்தினர்.

சுருக்கமான மதிப்பெண்கள்:

கொழும்பு: 144 ஆல் அவுட் (38) (அஷேன் பண்டார 36, கலன பெரேரா 24*, அஷான் பிரியஞ்சன் 6-20)

தம்புள்ளை: 146-4 (27.3) (பவன் ரத்நாயக்க 51, லசித் அபேரத்ன 30, சோனல் தினுஷா 29*, துஷான் விமுக்தி 1-30, நுவன் பிரதீப் 1-51, தனுஷ்க சண்டருவன் 1-27)

Football

FFSL Misses FIFA Opportunities Again Amid Concerns of Transparency and Inaction

Published

on

By

While FIFA continues to invest heavily in global football development through initiatives like Forward 3.0 and Football for Schools (F4S), the Football Federation of Sri Lanka (FFSL) once again finds itself lagging behind—not because of lack of funding opportunities, but due to its own failures in administration, planning, and transparency.

Millions Left on the Table

FIFA’s Forward 3.0 programme offers USD 8 million per member association for the 2023–2026 cycle—an increase from previous cycles. These funds are specifically allocated for operational costs and football development projects, including infrastructure, national team support, grassroots leagues, and more.

Under Forward 3.0, FIFA allocates:

  • USD 5 million for operational costs
  • USD 3 million for infrastructure and development projects

Yet, as of April 2025, FFSL has failed to fully leverage these funds. Most notably, Sri Lanka missed out on FIFA’s Football for Schools initiative, which offers USD 50,000, training content, digital platforms, and Adidas footballs for schools. Since the programme began in 2019, over 100 nations have actively rolled it out. Sri Lanka is not one of them.

Lack of Vision or Lack of Will?

Despite FIFA’s clear roadmap and generous funding, FFSL’s inability to fulfill the conditions required—such as active domestic leagues, functional youth structures, and proper digital systems—has blocked their eligibility for key fund releases.

The federation’s operations are also marred by repeated promises and half-baked publicity stunts. Take for example the international stadium project, which was announced multiple times across various locations—Port City, Negombo, and most recently Colombo—but not a single brick has been laid. These announcements appear to be more about media optics than serious project planning or execution.

Global Benchmark: A Stark Contrast

While other nations are making strides in football development using FIFA funds—as showcased in FIFA’s Member Associations in Focus – January 2025 (link)—Sri Lanka continues to fall behind. Countries like India, Nepal, and the Maldives have successfully hosted international matches, built infrastructure, and even expanded their youth programmes using Forward funding.

Meanwhile, FFSL’s financial practices continue to raise questions. A lack of clear audits, poorly executed projects, and insufficient stakeholder engagement have painted a picture of administrative incompetence.

Time for Accountability

As Sri Lanka’s football stagnates while the rest of Asia pushes forward, fans and stakeholders must demand greater transparency, professionalism, and action. It’s time the FFSL stopped making headlines and started building foundations—literally and metaphorically—for the future of football in the country.

Continue Reading

Athletics

Sri Lanka Secures Three Medals at Asian U18 Athletics Championships – Day 3 Highlights

Published

on

By

Dammam, Saudi Arabia – April 17

The third day of the 6th Asian U18 Athletics Championships in Dammam, Saudi Arabia, delivered a vibrant mix of speed, strength, and rising talent from across the continent. Set against the backdrop of Prince Nayef Sports City, over 400 athletes representing 31 nations competed with passion and purpose. Among them, Sri Lanka earned three spots on the podium with standout performances in track and field.

🌟 Sewmini Fernando was the star on the track, sprinting to silver in the Girls’ 100m final. Clocking an impressive 11.92 seconds, she finished just behind China’s Zhang Qian, in what was one of the evening’s most closely watched races. Her performance not only demonstrated raw speed but also Sri Lanka’s growing potential in sprint events on the Asian stage.

🥉 Meanwhile, in the Boys’ 1500m final, Lahiru Achintha displayed excellent race awareness and endurance, finishing in third place with a time of 3:59.47. His tactical approach and strong finish earned Sri Lanka a bronze medal, making him one of the standout middle-distance performers of the day.

🏅 In addition to these podium finishes, Janith Lakshan Jenkins leapt into medal contention in the Men’s U18 Triple Jump, claiming silver with a mark of 15.10 meters, just behind China’s Dong Zhiyuan.

Though only three athletes officially medaled on Day 3, performances across the board showed promise, heart, and competitive spirit — vital traits for building a strong future in athletics.

Stay tuned as Team Sri Lanka continues to compete and inspire at this prestigious youth championship.

🟡 Sri Lanka’s Medal Count – Day 3
🥈 Sewmini Fernando – Girls’ 100m
🥈 Janith Lakshan Jenkins – Boys’ Triple Jump
🥉 Lahiru Achintha – Boys’ 1500m

#SriLankaAthletics #AsianU18 #SewminiFernando #LakshanJenkins #LahiruAchintha #SriLankanYouth #Dammam2025 #TrackAndField #SriLankanSportsTV #PrideOfTheNation

Continue Reading

News

Sri Lanka Names 25-Man Squad for Crucial Rugby Clash Against Malaysia

Published

on

By

Sri Lanka Rugby has officially received the Sports Minister’s approval for a 25-member national squad, led by seasoned campaigner Nigel Ratwatte, ahead of the high-stakes playoff match against Malaysia. The game will determine qualification for the Asia Rugby Top 4 Championship, a key milestone in Sri Lanka’s bid for a spot at the 2027 Rugby World Cup.

The match, scheduled for April 19, is expected to be a fierce contest as the Tuskers aim to re-establish themselves among Asia’s rugby elite. A win would secure home games against South Korea and UAE, with the away fixture coming against Hong Kong.

The squad features a mix of experienced players and promising young talent, showing the depth of Sri Lanka’s rugby potential. Backline firepower includes Danushka Ranjan, Akash Madhushanka, and Janidu Dilshan, while the forward pack boasts names like Janidu Fernando, Pulasthi Dissanayake, and Lasindu Karunathilake.

Approved Squad for Malaysia Match

Forwards:

  1. Janidu Fernando
  2. Pulasthi Dissanayake
  3. Senura Perera
  4. Naveen Marasinghe
  5. Thilina Bandara
  6. Nizran Nillar
  7. Tharindu Chathuranga
  8. Lasindu Karunathilake

Backs:

  1. Heshan Jansen
  2. Nigel Ratwatte (Captain)
  3. Janidu Dilshan
  4. Akash Madhushanka
  5. Danushka Ranjan
  6. Dinal Ekanayake
  7. Mursheed Zubair

Finishers (Replacements):

  1. Vimukthi Gamage
  2. Nirosh Perera
  3. Mohamed Rifan
  4. Thenuka Nanayakkara
  5. Pasindu Bandara
  6. Thanuja Jayaweera
  7. Dahan Wickramarachchi
  8. Venura Kodagoda

Standby:

  1. Malitha Wijesundara
  2. Hirantha Perera

Team Management & Support Staff

  • Chef De Mission: Udaya Hettiarachchi
  • Team Manager: Rohan Chinthaka
  • Head Coach: Sanath Martis
  • Forwards Coach: Dushanth Lewke
  • Backs Coach: Saliya Kumara
  • Strength & Conditioning Coach: Tharaka Algama
  • Team Doctor: Dr. Pradeep Kiriella
  • Physiotherapist: Shafin Majeed
  • Masseurs: Manoj Silva, Sanka Dilshan de Silva, L. P. P. Sameera

With preparations intensifying, the squad is in full training mode under the guidance of Sanath Martis and his coaching unit. The players are eyeing a return to the continental spotlight, and the nation will be rallying behind the boys in maroon as they take on Malaysia in this do-or-die battle.

Stay tuned to Sri Lankan Sports TV for full match coverage and updates.

Continue Reading

Trending