Sri Lanka’s journey back to cricketing excellence will require patience, planning, and sustained effort, according to Sports Minister Sunil Kumara Gamage, who addressed Parliament on the future of the sport.

Highlighting the challenges facing the national game, the minister noted that the decline in cricket along with other sports—has unfolded over more than a decade. As a result, he cautioned against expectations of a quick turnaround, emphasizing that meaningful progress will take time.

Building strong athletes and competitive teams is a gradual process. It’s not something that can be rushed or treated like a short-term project

Gamage revealed that the government has already put in place a comprehensive, structured programme designed to rebuild the foundations of Sri Lankan cricket. He stressed that the initiative is focused on long-term development rather than immediate results.

Responding to criticism from opposition groups, the minister dismissed claims questioning the effectiveness of the plan, insisting that the strategy is firmly on track.

He also expressed confidence in the country’s ability to reclaim its former cricketing stature, assuring that the efforts underway will ultimately deliver results.

We are committed to restoring Sri Lanka cricket to its rightful place, and we are confident in the path we have taken,

A breathtaking opening assault from Yashasvi Jaiswal and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi powered Rajasthan Royals to their third consecutive victory in the Indian Premier League 2026, as they defeated Mumbai Indians by 27 runs in a high-octane 11-over contest in Guwahati.

After being asked to bat, Rajasthan came out firing on all cylinders. Jaiswal was at his explosive best, smashing 77 off just 32 balls, peppered with 10 fours and four sixes. He found an able partner in Sooryavanshi, who produced a stunning cameo of 39 from only 14 deliveries, including five towering sixes. The duo stitched together a rapid 80-run opening stand in under five overs, setting the tone for a massive total.

Despite a brief slowdown following a couple of wickets from AM Ghazanfar, contributions from skipper Riyan Parag ensured the Royals finished strongly at 150/3.

Chasing 151 in a shortened game, Mumbai never truly recovered from early setbacks. Jofra Archer and Sandeep Sharma struck crucial blows upfront, removing key batters including Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav cheaply.

A late flourish from Sherfane Rutherford, who hammered 25 off just eight balls, briefly raised hopes, but disciplined bowling from Ravi Bishnoi and Nandre Burger kept things in control.
Mumbai Indians eventually finished at 123/9, falling well short.

Sri Lanka Under-19 Women produced an impressive all-round performance to register a comfortable 52-run victory over England Under-19 Women in their second match of the Tri-Series played in Australia today.

After winning the toss and electing to bat first, Sri Lanka posted a competitive total of 170 in 42.4 overs. The innings was anchored by a composed half-century from Limansa Thilakarathne, who led the batting effort with confidence and maturity. Despite a few setbacks in the middle order, Sri Lanka managed to build useful partnerships to reach a challenging total.

In response, England Under-19 Women struggled to gain momentum against a disciplined Sri Lankan bowling attack and were bowled out for 118 in 42.1 overs. B. Gillgrass top-scored with 35 off 60 balls, while B. Willis remained unbeaten on 20, but lacked support from the rest of the batting line-up.

Sri Lanka’s bowlers delivered a clinical performance, with A. Thalagune leading the charge with an outstanding spell of 3 for 11. C. Praboda also impressed, claiming 3 for 13 to seal the victory.