The Mercantile Hockey Association successfully held its 70th Annual General Meeting on March 28, 2026, at the Burgher Recreation Club.

Veteran sportsman Dennis de Rosayro presided over the meeting, where Ajith De Silva of Brown & Company PLC was elected as President for the 2026–2027 term.

He succeeds outgoing President Vengadasalam Balagobi of Deloitte Sri Lanka, who completed three successful terms.

🔹 Office Bearers – 2026/2027

Patron:
Rohitha Silva (IDAC Pvt Ltd)

Vice Patrons:
Deva Ellepola, Ramesh Schaffter, Tharaka Ranwala, Manjula Wijemanne, Iqram Cuttilan, Kumar De Silva, Juragen Majid, Vengadasalam Balagobi

Trustee:
Deva Ellepola

President:
Ajith De Silva (Brown & Company PLC)

Vice Presidents:
Sumith Jayasena, Chandana Weragama, Sadique M. Hanas, Charitha Senanayake

Honorary Secretary:
Yogendren Suganthan

Assistant Secretary:
Vishwa Prabhath

Honorary Treasurer:
Sameera Ushantha

Assistant Treasurer:
Deepika Kariyawasam

🔹 Executive Committee

M.J.M. Irshad, Thilina Perera, G. Jayaprakash, Priyan Senevirathna, Laknath Guruge, Inthiqhab Majid, Roger Vijayakumar, Janitha Jayawardana, Gihan Peiris, Marlon De Alwis

The 66th edition of the “Battle of the Babes” big match between St. Sylvester’s College and Vidyartha College was abruptly called off on Wednesday after a tragic road accident claimed the lives of two St. Sylvester’s students.

The incident occurred as the students were on their way to witness the much-anticipated encounter at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium. According to police, the motorcycle they were travelling on collided head-on with a bus.

One of the victims, Sachith Karunaratne, died at the scene. The other student, Nethula Nimdinu, was rushed to the Kandy National Hospital but later succumbed to his injuries.
The shocking news cast a shadow over the annual fixture, prompting authorities to take swift action. Central Province Governor Sarath Abeykoon reportedly suggested halting the match, after which the principals of both schools jointly agreed to call off the game midway.

St. Sylvester’s College confirmed the untimely deaths, paying tribute to the two students as committed and valued members of their school community.

Meanwhile, Kandy Police have launched an investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the fatal accident.

Sri Lanka Cricket has announced a 15-member Women’s Under-19 squad for the upcoming Tri-Series tour of Australia, which will also feature England. The tour is set to provide valuable international exposure for the young Sri Lankan side as they prepare to face two strong cricketing nations in both One Day and T20 formats.

The team, led by captain Chamodi Praboda of Pagnagnanda MV, Monaragala, includes a promising mix of talent drawn from leading schools across the island. Several players from Devapathiraja College, Rathgama including Sanjana Kavindi, Nethagi Isuranjali, and Shashini Gimhani have earned selections, reflecting the school’s continued contribution to women’s cricket development.

Other notable inclusions are Vimoksha Balasuriya from Sinhala MV, Trincomalee, Umayangana Peiris of Princess of Wales College, Moratuwa, and Nethmi Upeksha from Maliyadeva Balika, Kurunegala. The squad also features players such as Aseni Thalagune (Mahamaya Girls School, Kandy), Chamodi Herath (Anura College, Matara), and Daria Dissanayake of Ladies College, Colombo, showcasing a diverse representation of emerging talent.

The team will play a total of six matches during the tour, including two One Day Internationals and four T20 games, scheduled on April 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, and 18. The squad is set to depart for Australia on April 3, 2026.

This tour is expected to play a key role in shaping the future of Sri Lanka’s women’s cricket, offering these young players a platform to gain crucial international experience.