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Sri Lanka Announces 60-Player Squad for Crucial Rugby Playoff Against Malaysia

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Sri Lanka Rugby (SLR) has unveiled a 60-player national squad for their high-stakes Asia Rugby Championship (ARC) Top 4 playoff against Malaysia, set for April 19 under floodlights at Racecourse Ground, Colombo. The winner will join Hong Kong, South Korea, and the UAE in the ARC Top 4, making this a must-win encounter for Sri Lanka.

Squad Selection & Training Plans

The selected players will undergo medical examinations on April 9 at SLR headquarters, with any existing injuries needing to be disclosed. After medical assessments, the squad will enter an intensive training camp in Colombo, taking a short break from April 13-15 for the Sinhala and Tamil New Year.

Sri Lanka’s final 30-player squad will be announced after medical evaluations to ensure a fully fit and competitive team. While Sri Lanka is just beginning preparations, Malaysia has already kicked off their training camp, potentially giving them an edge. However, playing on home turf under the Colombo lights gives Sri Lanka a strong advantage.

Squad Breakdown

The majority of the squad comes from Kandy SC, Havelock SC, and CR & FC, with Tarinda Ratwatte expected to lead the side under the guidance of head coach Sanath Martis.

Kandy SC Players:

Milan Weerasinghe, Malitha Wijesundara, Dilshad Fareed, Thilina Bandara, Tharindu Chathuranga, Dahan Wickramarchchi, Heshan Janson, Tharinda Ratwatte, Shahid Sumri, Kavindu Perera, Dinal Ekanayake, Dhanushka Ranjan.

CR & FC Players:

Senura Perera, Wenura Kodagoda, Naveen Marasinghe, Sohiru Anthony, Adeesha Weerathunga, Lasindu Karunathilaka, Omalka Gunarathna, Ravin De Silva, Thenuka Nanayakkara, Gamunu Chethiya, Zubair Dore.

Havelock SC Players:

Faiz Abdulla, Janindu Fernando, Shehan Silva, Azmir Fajudeen, Chathura Dilshan, Mohamed Rifan, Samuel Maduwantha, Sudesh Jayawickrama, Mushin Falil, Jayathu Rajarathna.

Other clubs contributing players include CH & FC, Police SC, Sri Lions SC, Army SC, Air Force SC, and Navy SC.

Aiming for ARC Top 4 Spot

With the opportunity to return to the top tier of Asian rugby, Sri Lanka will look to leverage home advantage and the experience of key players. However, long-term development remains a concern, as Sri Lanka Rugby still lacks a structured youth league and grassroots development system to nurture future talent.

Match Date: April 19, 2025

Venue: Racecourse Ground, Colombo

What’s at Stake? Winner qualifies for Asia Rugby Championship (ARC) Top 4

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‘Super Fighters’ Chess Big Match Set to Bring Three Schools Together

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The annual ‘Super Fighters’ Chess Big Match, a unique triangular chess tournament featuring
C.W.W. Kannangara Central College – Matugama,
Taxila Central College – Horana, and
Ananda Sastralaya National School – Matugama,
is set to take place in the coming days.

The official media briefing for the tournament was held under the patronage of the Matugama Zonal Deputy Director of Education, Chandima Priyadarshani, along with the principals of the three participating schools and the Secretary of the Kalutara District Chess Association, Sameera Dissanayake.

Having already secured the title on the previous two occasions, Taxila Central College, Horana, will enter the competition as the defending champions. Meanwhile, this year’s tournament will be hosted by C.W.W. Kannangara Central College, Matugama.

All three schools are expected to field highly competitive teams, featuring internationally rated players as well as several athletes who have represented Sri Lanka at international chess tournaments.

The primary objectives of the tournament are to popularize the “Big Match” concept in school chess, identify emerging talent, and strengthen the spirit of camaraderie among the three institutions.

With growing interest in school-level chess, the ‘Super Fighters’ tournament is expected to be a thrilling and high-quality contest, showcasing the next generation of Sri Lanka’s chess talent.

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Bhanuka Rajapaksa sends legal notice to actress Harshi Rasanga over gold chain dispute

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Sri Lanka cricketer Bhanuka Rajapaksa has issued a Letter of Demand (LOD) to actress Harshi Rasanga, accusing her of making false and misleading statements on social media following recent court proceedings.

According to Rajapaksa’s legal representatives, the actress had informed court that the gold chain at the center of the dispute had been pawned. However, they claim she later contradicted this statement publicly, prompting the cricketer to initiate legal action.

The controversy revolves around a gold chain valued at over Rs. 900,000. Rajapaksa alleges that the chain had been borrowed by Rasanga and pawned without his knowledge or consent.
Rasanga was arrested by the Sri Lanka Police’s Thalangama division and later produced before the Kaduwela Magistrate’s Court, where she was granted bail on two sureties of Rs. 500,000 each.

During the court hearing, the defence stated that the chain had indeed been pawned and indicated that steps could be taken to redeem and return it. However, speaking to the media afterward, Rasanga claimed that the chain had been given to her as a gift during a personal relationship.

The court has directed Thalangama Police to take custody of the gold chain and present it at the next hearing, which is scheduled for April 22.

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Cricket

Pathum Nissanka set to open alongside KL Rahul for Delhi Capitals opener

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Delhi Capitals are set to kick off their IPL 2026 campaign with a fresh opening combination, as Sri Lanka’s Pathum Nissanka is likely to partner India star KL Rahul at the top of the order.

The Capitals face Lucknow Super Giants in their opening match today at the Ekana Cricket Stadium B Ground in Lucknow, and all eyes will be on how the new-look batting lineup shapes up. While Rahul’s role as opener is confirmed, the team management has been weighing their options for the second slot, with Prithvi Shaw and Abhishek Porel also in contention.

However, indications suggest that Nissanka has edged ahead in the race, with the franchise keen to utilize his consistency and ability to anchor innings in the powerplay. His calm approach at the crease could complement Rahul’s experience, giving Delhi a balanced start at the top.

The Capitals have also bolstered their middle order with the inclusion of David Miller, who adds firepower alongside fellow South African Tristan Stubbs. The duo is expected to provide the late-innings acceleration that Delhi often lacked in previous seasons.

Despite missing Australian pacer Mitchell Starc for the opening fixture due to injury, Delhi still boast a formidable bowling attack. Captain Axar Patel will lead from the front with his all-round abilities, while the spin department is strengthened by the ever-reliable Kuldeep Yadav.
In the pace department, South Africa’s Lungi Ngidi brings experience and variation, having impressed with his clever change of pace in recent T20 competitions. Meanwhile, left-arm seamer T Natarajan returns fully fit after a lengthy injury layoff, adding further depth to the attack.

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