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Sri Lanka fined by the Asian Football Confederation

The Asian Football Confederation has decided to fine Sri Lanka $20,000 due to the last-minute cancellation of the Under-17 Asian Cup participation, which was scheduled to be held in Uzbekistan for the Sri Lanka Under-17 team.
The tournament was held in Uzbekistan from the 5th to the 9th of October, and Sri Lanka Under 17 team also started training to participate in it. However, when the sports minister cancelled the gazette to extend the suspension period of the sports association by one and a half months, all activities of the Sri Lanka Football Association came to a standstill. Due to this, the participation of the youth team had to be abandoned at the last moment.
The Sri Lankan team was scheduled to leave the island for this tournament on October 3rd, including 23 players and 05 officials. Their participation in this tournament was stopped at the last moment due to the non-allocation of relevant air tickets.
Although all arrangements were made for the tour to Uzbekistan, the tournament was missed due to the inability to get the necessary air tickets. The former heads of the Football Federation said that despite having the money needed to buy air tickets, they could not participate in this tournament due to the abolition of the authority to sign it in the Gazette.
Apart from this, the former president Mr Jaswar Umar says that there is political influence behind this and that some groups tried to disrupt this tournament by raising false allegations. He said Rodrigo was behind the plot. He said that if an international match ban is imposed, the responsibility will be given to Ranjith Rodrigo.
But in response to all this, Mr Ranjith Rodrigou has stated that the former president Mr Jaswar Umar should take full responsibility for this and that due to his short-sighted control and planning without proper management, the Sri Lankan team could not participate in this tournament. As Sri Lanka is on the brink of a ban by the World Football Confederation, Jaswar Umar should take responsibility for it, and Mr Umar has been informed about this situation through three letters from the World Football Confederation. Still, he has not paid attention to it and has made the situation more complicated. Rodrigo said.
The sports ministry says that the squad of players participating in the tournament should be forwarded to the ministry one month in advance. But it is also reported that the tournament was missed because the football administration at that time did not present the squad on time.
ආසියානු පාපන්දු සම්මේලනයෙන් ශ්රී ලංකාවට දඩයක්
ශ්රී ලංකා යොවුන් 17 පහල කණ්ඩායම උස්බෙගිස්ථානයේ පැවැත්වීමට නියමිතව තිබූ 17 පහළ ආසියානු කුසලාන පලමු කොටසේ තරග සදහා පිටත්ව යාමට නියමිතව තිබූ නමුත් අවසන් මොහොතේ එය අවලංගු කිරීම හේතුවෙන් ශ්රී ලංකාවට ඩොලර් 20 000 දඩයක් පැනවීමට ආසියානු පාපන්දු සම්මේලනය තීරණය කර ඇත.
මෙම තරගාවලිය ඔක්තෝබර් මස 5 වෙනිදා සිට 9 වෙනිදා දක්වා උස්බෙගිස්ථානයේදී පැවැත් වූ අතර, ශ්රී ලංකා 17 පහළ කණ්ඩායමද ඒ සදහා සහභාගී වීමට පුහුණුවීම් ආරම්භ කරන ලදී. කෙසේ වෙතත් ක්රීඩා අමාත්යවරයා ක්රීඩා සංගමයේ දුර කාලය මාස එකාහාමාරක් දීර්ඝ කර දීමේ ගැසට් පත්රය අවලංගු කර දීමත් සමග ශ්රී ලංකා පාපන්දු සංගමයේ සියලු කටයුතු ඇන හිටින ලදී. මේ හේතුවෙන් යොවුන් කණ්ඩායමේ සහභාගීත්වය අවසන් මොහොතේදී අත් හැර දමීමට සිදු විය.
ශ්රී ලංකා කණ්ඩායම මෙම තරගාවලිය සදහා දිවයිනින් පිටත්ව යාමට නියමිතව තිබුනේ ඔක්තෝබර් 3 වෙනිදා වූ අතර ඒ සදහා ක්රීඩකයින් 23 දෙනෙකු හා නිළධාරීන් 05 දෙනෙකු ඇතුළත් වේ. අදාල ගුවන් ටිකට් පත් වෙන් නොකිරීම හේතුවෙන් ඔවුන් හට මෙම තරගාවලියට සහභාගී වීම අවසාන මොහොතේ ඇණ හිටින ලදී.
උස්බෙගිස්ථාන තරග සංචාරය සදහා සියලු කටයුතු සංවිධානය කර තිබුනද, ඒ සදහා අවශ්ය ගුවන් ටිකට් පත් ලබා ගැනීමට නොහැකි වීම නිසා මෙම තරගාවලිය මග හැරී ඇත. ගුවන් ටිකට් පත් මිල දී ගැනීමට අවශ්ය මුදල් පැවතියද එයට අත්සන් කිරීමේ බලය ගැසට් පත්රය තුලින් අහෝසි වීම තුලින් මෙම තරගාවලියට සහභාගී වීමට නොහැකි වූ බව පාපන්දු සම්මේලනයේ හිටපු ප්රධානීන් පවසනු ලැබීය.
මීට අමතරව හිටපු සභාපති ජස්වර් උමර් මහතා පවසන්නේ මේ පිටුපස දේශපාලනික බලපෑමක් ඇති බවත් බොරු චෝදනා නගමින් මෙම තරගාවලිය කඩාකප්පල් කිරීමට යම් කණ්ඩායම් උත්සහ ගත් බවත් ඔහු පැවසීය. මෙම කුමන්ත්රණය පිටුපස රොඩ්රිගෝ සිටින බව ඔහු පැවසීය. යම් හෙයකින් ජාත්යන්තර තරග තහනමක් පැනවුවහොත් එහි වගකීම රංජිත් රොඩ්රිගෝ හට පැවරෙන බව ඔහු පැවසීය.
නමුත් මේ සියල්ලට පිළිතුරු දක්වමින් රංජිත් රොද්රිගූ මහතා ප්රකාශ කර සිටින්නේ මෙහි සම්පූර්ණ වගකීම හිටපු සභාපති ජස්වර් උමර් මහතා විසින් භාරගත යුතු බවත් ඔහුගේ අදූරදර්ශී පාලනය හා නිසි කළමාණකරනයකින් තොරව සැලසුම් සකස් කිරීම හේතුවෙන් මෙම තරගාවලියට ශ්රී ලංකා කණ්ඩායමට සහභාගී වීමට නොහැකි වූ බවයි. ශ්රී ලංකාව ලෝක පාපන්දු සම්මේලනයේ තහනමක අභියස සිටින බැවින් එහි වගකීම ගත යුත්තේද ජස්වර් උමර් විසින් බව පවසන අතර, උමර් මහතා හට ලෝක පාපන්දු සම්මේලනය විසින් ලිපි තුනක් මාර්ගයෙන් මෙම නිළවරණය පිළිබදව දැනුවත් කොට ඇතත් ඔහු ඒ පිළිබදව අවදානය යොමු නොකර මෙම තත්වය වඩාත් සංකීර්ණතවයට පියවර ගෙන ඇති බව රොද්රිගූ මහතා පැවසීය.
ක්රීඩා අමාත්යංශය පවසන්නේ තරගාවලියට සහභාගී වන ක්රීඩක සංචිතය මාසකයක පෙර අමාත්යංශය වෙත යොමු කල යුතු බවය. නමුත් එවකට පැවති පාපන්දු පරිපාලනය එම සංචිතය නියමිත වේලාවට ඉදිරිපත් නොකිරීම නිසා මෙම තරගාවලිය මග හැරී ඇති බවටද වාර්ථා වේ.
இலங்கைக்கு ஆசிய கால்பந்து கூட்டமைப்பு அபராதம் விதித்துள்ளது
இலங்கை 17 வயதுக்குட்பட்ட அணிக்காக உஸ்பெகிஸ்தானில் நடைபெறவிருந்த 17 வயதுக்குட்பட்ட ஆசியக் கிண்ணப் போட்டிகள் இறுதி நிமிடத்தில் இரத்துச் செய்யப்பட்டமையினால் இலங்கைக்கு 20,000 டொலர் அபராதம் விதிக்க ஆசிய கால்பந்து கூட்டமைப்பு தீர்மானித்துள்ளது.
உஸ்பெகிஸ்தானில் கடந்த ஒக்டோபர் மாதம் 5ஆம் திகதி முதல் 9ஆம் திகதி வரை இந்தப் போட்டிகள் இடம்பெற்றதுடன், இலங்கை 17 வயதுக்குட்பட்ட அணியும் இதில் பங்குபற்றுவதற்கான பயிற்சிகளை ஆரம்பித்தது. எவ்வாறாயினும், விளையாட்டுச் சங்கத்தின் இடைநிறுத்த காலத்தை ஒன்றரை மாதங்களுக்கு நீடிப்பதற்கான வர்த்தமானியை விளையாட்டு அமைச்சர் ரத்து செய்ததால், இலங்கை கால்பந்து சம்மேளனத்தின் அனைத்து நடவடிக்கைகளும் ஸ்தம்பிதம் அடைந்தன. இதன் காரணமாக இளைஞர் அணி பங்கேற்பை கடைசி நேரத்தில் கைவிட வேண்டிய நிலை ஏற்பட்டது.
23 வீரர்களும் 05 அதிகாரிகளும் உள்ளடங்கிய இந்தப் போட்டிக்காக இலங்கை அணி எதிர்வரும் ஒக்டோபர் மாதம் 3ஆம் திகதி இலங்கையிலிருந்து புறப்படவிருந்தது. உரிய விமான டிக்கெட்டுகள் ஒதுக்கப்படாததால் கடைசி நேரத்தில் இந்த போட்டியில் அவர்கள் பங்கேற்பது நிறுத்தப்பட்டது.
உஸ்பெகிஸ்தான் சுற்றுப்பயணத்திற்கான அனைத்து ஏற்பாடுகளும் செய்யப்பட்டிருந்த போதிலும், தேவையான விமான டிக்கெட்டுகளைப் பெற முடியாத காரணத்தினால் போட்டித் தொடர் தவறிவிட்டது. விமானப் பயணச்சீட்டுக்களை கொள்வனவு செய்வதற்குத் தேவையான பணம் இருந்த போதிலும், வர்த்தமானியில் கையொப்பமிடும் அதிகாரம் இல்லாதொழிக்கப்பட்டதன் காரணமாக தாம் இப்போட்டியில் பங்குபற்ற முடியாதுள்ளதாக உதைபந்தாட்ட சம்மேளனத்தின் முன்னாள் தலைவர்கள் தெரிவித்தனர்.
இது தவிர, இதன் பின்னணியில் அரசியல் செல்வாக்கு இருப்பதாகவும், பொய்யான குற்றச்சாட்டுகளை முன்வைத்து போட்டியை சீர்குலைக்க சில குழுக்கள் முயற்சிப்பதாகவும் முன்னாள் ஜனாதிபதி ஜஸ்வர் உமர் தெரிவித்துள்ளார். சதித்திட்டத்தின் பின்னணியில் ரொட்ரிகோ இருப்பதாக அவர் கூறினார். சர்வதேச போட்டி தடை விதிக்கப்பட்டால் அதற்கான பொறுப்பு ரஞ்சித் ரொட்ரிகோவிடம் ஒப்படைக்கப்படும் என அவர் தெரிவித்துள்ளார்.
ஆனால் இவை அனைத்திற்கும் பதிலளித்த திரு.ரஞ்சித் ரொட்ரிகோ, இதற்கு முன்னாள் ஜனாதிபதி திரு.ஜஸ்வர் உமர் முழுப்பொறுப்பேற்க வேண்டும் எனவும், சரியான நிர்வாகம் இல்லாத அவரது குறுகிய கால கட்டுப்பாடு மற்றும் திட்டமிடல் காரணமாக இலங்கை அணியால் பங்கேற்க முடியவில்லை எனவும் தெரிவித்துள்ளார். இந்த போட்டி. உலக கால்பந்தாட்ட சம்மேளனத்தின் தடையின் விளிம்பில் இலங்கை இருப்பதால், ஜஸ்வர் உமர் இதற்கு பொறுப்பேற்க வேண்டும், இது குறித்து திரு. அது நிலைமையை மேலும் சிக்கலாக்கியுள்ளது என்றார் ரோட்ரிகோ.
போட்டியில் பங்கேற்கும் வீரர்களின் அணியை ஒரு மாதத்திற்கு முன்னதாக அமைச்சகத்திற்கு அனுப்ப வேண்டும் என்று விளையாட்டு அமைச்சகம் கூறுகிறது. ஆனால் அப்போதைய கால்பந்து நிர்வாகம் சரியான நேரத்தில் அணியை முன்வைக்காததால் போட்டி தவறவிட்டதாகவும் தெரிவிக்கப்படுகிறது.
News
Isipathana Clinches U19 Knockout Crown with Dramatic Final Victory Over Trinity

Isipathana College emerged triumphant in the final of the 2025 Under-19 Schools Rugby Knockout Tournament, edging out Trinity College 12-9 in a nail-biting showdown at Sugathadasa Stadium. With this hard-fought win, Isipathana secured their 13th President’s Trophy title, further solidifying their legacy as one of Sri Lanka’s rugby powerhouses.

Early Advantage for Isipathana
The defending champions struck first with an impressive opening try, setting the tone for a high-stakes encounter. Avishka Hiran calmly added the conversion, giving Isipathana an early 7-0 lead.
Trinity responded with composure, as fly-half Shan Altaf slotted two well-taken penalties, reducing the deficit to a single point. Despite sustained pressure from both sides and chances that went begging, neither team could breach the opposition’s line again in the first half. The teams went into the break with Isipathana narrowly ahead, 7-6.
Grit and Discipline in the Second Half
The second half saw a continuation of the intense battle, but Trinity was handed a blow when Disal Thomas was sin-binned for persistent team infringements. Despite having a numerical advantage, Isipathana squandered a couple of penalty opportunities, as the kicking duties switched between players with no success.
Tensions escalated when Kaveen Jayasinghe was shown a yellow card for a biting offense, a disciplinary lapse that handed momentum back to Trinity. Fly-half Altaf seized the opportunity, delivering a beautifully executed drop goal to hand Trinity their first lead of the game, 9-7.
Late Heroics Seal the Title
As time ticked down and the match appeared to be slipping away, Isipathana found inspiration. Avishka Hiran, showing great awareness and timing, delivered a clever offload to Yuvindu Kodithuwakku, who powered his way past three defenders to score the match-winning try.
The conversion was missed, but it mattered little as the green shirts held on for a 12-9 victory, sealing back-to-back Knockout Championships.
Match Summary:
- Full Time: Trinity College 09 (3 Penalties) – Isipathana College 12 (2 Tries, 1 Conversion)
- Try Scorers: Adithya Madushan, Yuvindu Kodithuwakku (Isipathana)
- Conversion: Avishka Hiran (Isipathana)
- Penalties/Drop Goal: Shan Altaf (Trinity) – 2 Penalties, 1 Drop Goal
Glory for Isipathana, Lessons for Trinity
Isipathana’s ability to absorb pressure and respond in key moments underlined their championship pedigree. While Trinity displayed grit and tactical discipline, they were ultimately undone by missed opportunities and a lack of execution in the final stages.
As the curtains fall on the 2025 U19 Schools Rugby Knockout, Isipathana College once again stands tall, crowned champions in a finale that showcased the depth, drama, and raw emotion of school rugby in Sri Lanka.
Athletics
Ritzbury Celebrates Sri Lanka’s Rising Track Stars and Coaches for Historic Medal Haul at Asian Youth Athletics Championship 2025

Ritzbury, one of Sri Lanka’s leading supporters of youth athletics, proudly honoured five exceptional athletes and their coaches for their remarkable performances at the 6th Asian Youth Athletics Championship 2025, held in Dammam, Saudi Arabia. The felicitation ceremony was held on May 2nd at Cinnamon Life, Colombo, under the banner of Ritzbury’s signature initiative, Mawbimata Weerayek (A Hero to the Nation).

Out of the eight Sri Lankan medalists at the continental event, five belong to the Mawbimata Weerayek program, showcasing the success of Ritzbury’s long-term investment in grassroots athletic development. These young athletes, who carried the nation’s hopes with pride, were not only felicitated with awards but also received financial support to further their sportingu journeys.

Among the honourees was M.G.T. Abhisheka Premasiri, who brought home Sri Lanka’s only Gold medal in the Girls’ 800m and added a Silver in the medley relay. Dananjana Sewmini Fernando shone with two Silvers—one in the 100m sprint and another in the medley relay. Meanwhile, H.D. Shavindu Avishka (800m), G.D. Lahiru Achintha (1500m), and J.H.P. Nethya Sampath (High Jump) earned Bronze medals, contributing to Sri Lanka’s highest-ever medal tally at the championship.

Recognising the vital role of coaching, Ritzbury also paid tribute to the five national coaches behind this success: Buddhika Nuwan, Anuradha Nanayakkara, R.H.M. Jude Chinthaka, K.H.A.D.S.I. Kularathna, and Suranjith Senarath. Their guidance, discipline, and preparation were applauded as critical to transforming potential into podium finishes.



Speaking at the event, Kamal Geeganage (CEO) and Niluksha Bastiansz (General Manager – Marketing, CBL Foods International) expressed their pride and reaffirmed Ritzbury’s long-standing commitment to national athletics. They highlighted that the Mawbimata Weerayek program, launched in 2019, now supports 65 young talents across Sri Lanka with financial aid and mentorship, aiming to elevate Sri Lankan athletics on both national and international stages.
With their eyes now set on bigger global competitions, these young athletes symbolize a bright future for Sri Lankan athletics. Initiatives like Mawbimata Weerayek not only bring recognition but also lay the foundation for long-term sporting excellence.
News
Trinity and Isipathana Set Up Thrilling Showdown in President’s Trophy Rugby Final

The stage is set for a blockbuster finale in the Sri Lanka Schools Under-19 President’s Trophy Knockout Rugby Tournament as Trinity College and Isipathana College stormed into the final with convincing wins in their respective semi-finals. The much-anticipated final will take place on May 18 at 3:45 PM at the Sugathadasa Stadium.
Quarterfinal Recap:
Zahira College earned automatic qualification to the semi-finals after St. Peter’s withdrew from the tournament.
Trinity College secured a 24-15 win over S. Thomas’ College with a dominant display, scoring three tries, three conversions, and a penalty.
Royal College overcame DS Senanayake College with an emphatic 41-24 win, showcasing their attacking firepower.
Isipathana College proved too strong for Wesley College, triumphing 24-10 to book their spot in the semis.
Semi-final Highlights:
Trinity College vs Zahira College: Trinity continued their fine form, beating Zahira 29-12. Their win came through four tries, three conversions, and a penalty, underlining their dominance in the tournament.
Isipathana College vs Royal College: In a fiercely contested battle, Isipathana edged past Royal 24-17 with three tries, three conversions, and a crucial penalty.
With both teams displaying exceptional skill and resilience throughout the tournament, the final promises to be a thrilling encounter between two powerhouses of school rugby.
Final Match Details:
Trinity College vs Isipathana College
Date: May 18, 2025
Venue: Royal College Sports Complex
Kick-off: 3:45 PM
Stay tuned to Sri Lankan Sports TV for live updates, post-match analysis, and exclusive coverage of the President’s Trophy final
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