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Vajira’s ton guides Lanka Cavaliers to clinch Coconut Miracle Trophy 

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M.H.Yakeem 

A sparkling knock by Vajira Wijegunawardena stroking a star-studded 122 runs not out in 92 balls including 8 fours and 7 sixes helped Lanka Cavaliers beat Legends of Richmond by a comfortable 103 runs in a Masters  30 overs league Cricket encounter, played for the Coconut Miracle Trophy at the Bloomfield ground, Reid Avenue, Colombo- 07 on Saturday. 

Lanka Cavaliers led by Nalliah Devarajan taking first lease of the wicket,  openers Punyakantha Abeygunasekera and Vajira Wijegunawardena were associated in a grand opening stand of 40 runs, with the dismissal of Punyakantha Abeygunasekera and the second wicket falling at 72 runs, Captain Nalliah Devarajan and Vajira Wijegunawardena, the pair together steadied the innings with a valuable 64 runs partnership. With the dismissal of Nalliah Devarajan at 136 runs and 4 more wickets falling at regular intervals, Lanka Cavaliers at this stage were 7 wickets down for 184 runs. Vajira Wijegunawardena, the opening batter at the crease along with Thusitha Karunaratne, the pair took them to a commanding position at the end of the 30th over. Prasanna Ramanayake, Asoka Sirimanne, and Thushan Jayawardena capturing 2 wickets apiece and Nishantha Mendis capturing a wicket were the pick of the bowlers for Legends of Richmond. 

Legends of Richmond led by Thushan Jayawardena in reply,  lost an early wicket at 2 runs on board. Wickets falling at regular intervals,  Legends of Richmond at one stage were reeling at 7 wickets down for 53 runs with Dilshan Amarasinghe and Prasanna Ramanayake entering double figures. Useful contributions from batters P.A. Gunawardena on 19 not out and Upul Yatawara on 10 not out, Legends of Richmond could only manage to reach 93 runs at their 30th over. A fine spell by Ravi Subasinghe, capturing 3 early vital wickets and well supported by Renuka Nonis, Krishan Dharmasena, and Niranjan Dabare capturing a wicket apiece guided Lanka Cavaliers to clinch the Coconut Miracle Trophy by a comfortable 103 runs. 

Scores

Lanka Cavaliers   – 193/7  in 30 overs

Punyakantha Abeygunasekera 12, Nalliah Devarajan 17, Vajira Wijegunawardena 122 not out, Prasanna Ramanayake 2/22, Asoka Sirimanne 2/39, Thushan Jayawardena 2/25, Nishantha Mendis 1/31

Legends of Richmond   –  90/7 in 30 overs

Dilshan Amarasinghe 13, Prasanna Ramanayake 13, P.A. Gunawardena 19 not out, Upul Yatawara 10 not out, Ravi Subasinghe 3/13, Renuka Nonis 1/21, Niranjan Dabare 1/9, Krishan Dharmasena 1/15

Caption 

Captain of the Lanka Cavaliers Cricket team, Nalliah Devarajan received the Coconut Miracle Trophy from the Founder and CEO of Coconut Miracle ( Pvt ) Ltd., Shanthini Ahangama, and Deepal Ahangama. 

Football

Sri Lanka Footballer Faces Disciplinary Action Over Palestine Support Message

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Colombo, June 11 – The Sri Lanka Football Federation (FFSL) is set to take disciplinary action against a national team squad member following a controversial post-match incident during the AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers against Chinese Taipei.

After Sri Lanka’s 3-1 historic win against 166th-ranked Chinese Taipei on June 10, an unused substitute player, Mohamed Thilham, was seen displaying a shirt bearing the message “PRAY FOR FREE PALESTINE”. The incident occurred during the post-match celebrations at the Colombo Race Course Stadium.

FFSL President Jaswar Umar, responding to media queries, stated that the act was not sanctioned by the federation, calling it “an unnecessary action that violates international football disciplinary norms.”

“This was not something done with the knowledge or approval of the FFSL. Even though it happened after the match, it is still an act that goes against the FIFA Code of Conduct. It was a politically sensitive message displayed on an international platform, which we cannot condone,” said Jaswar.

While many in the public and online community have expressed solidarity with the player’s message, the FFSL is viewing the matter strictly from a governance standpoint.

Thilham, a talented youngster from a remote region and relatively new to the national setup, has shown great promise. However, the FFSL President stressed that

“no personal motivations or emotions can justify violations of international sports protocols.”

Editorial Note:

While some fans hailed Tilham’s act as courageous and principled, others criticized the Sri Lankan Sports TV. Our own Sri Lankan Sports TV team had previously hidden the slogan in our match coverage out of respect for international sporting protocols and to safeguard the player’s future. However, it appears that a section of social media users intentionally spotlighted the statement, which may have contributed to the federation’s decision.

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Sri Lanka I-League: The Ultimate Battle of Club Football Begins!

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Colombo: The Sri Lanka I-League, hailed as the nation’s premier club football showdown, kicks off with a mission to redefine elite football on the island. Featuring eight top-tier football clubs from across the country, the I-League promises high-octane action, drama, and moments of brilliance as teams clash for national glory.

This year’s tournament introduces a dynamic two-stage format designed to test skill, resilience, and strategy. In the first round, teams are split into two groups where each club competes in three crucial matches. The top two from each group advance to the electrifying play-offs, paving the road to the Grand Final—the ultimate showdown where champions rise.

Participating Teams:

  • Renown Football Club
  • Red Star Sports Club
  • Blue Star Football Club
  • New Star SC
  • Sounders Sports Club
  • Java Lane Sports Club
  • Moragasmulla SC
  • Maligawatta United SC

All matches will be held at the Sugathadasa Stadium, providing a centralized battleground that maximizes fan engagement and showcases footballing talent under one iconic venue.

The second round features a knockout-style play-off format:

  • First Qualifier: Group champions lock horns for the first Grand Final slot.
  • Eliminator: Runners-up fight for survival.
  • Second Qualifier: A last chance duel to decide the final Grand Finalist.
  • Grand Final: A title clash where the best of the best face off.

This prestigious tournament not only fosters competitive football but also reflects a new era for Sri Lankan club football, where professionalism, performance, and passion take center stage.

Stay tuned to Sri Lankan Sports TV and our digital platforms for exclusive updates, behind-the-scenes stories, and expert insights throughout the tournament. Let the battle for the crown begin—Where Champions Rise!

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Sri Lanka Set to Face South Korea in Asia Rugby Men’s Championship – Skipper Nigel in Doubt

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Colombo | Friday, 13 June 2025 | Kickoff: 4:00 PM (IST)

Sri Lanka will kick off their Asia Rugby Emirates Men’s Championship 2025 Pool A campaign this Friday (13th June) at ARMC #1 in Colombo, taking on higher-ranked South Korea in a crucial Round 1 encounter.

This marks South Korea’s first match of the tournament, while Sri Lanka enters the game high on confidence, following a resounding 59-19 win against Malaysia on April 19 at the Racecourse Ground, Colombo.

However, the Lankan Lions face a potential setback, with skipper Nigel Ratwatte possibly missing the match due to illness. Sources close to the team confirm that Nigel is recovering from a fever and remains a game-time decision. His absence could leave a leadership gap as Sri Lanka look to challenge a technically sound South Korean outfit.

World Rugby Rankings Ahead of the Clash:

  • South Korea: Ranked 35th, 50.77 points
  • Sri Lanka: Ranked 39th, 47.99 points

The upcoming match is not only vital for tournament progression but also crucial for World Rugby ranking points, with Sri Lanka having a golden opportunity to close the gap on their Pool A rivals.

With the home crowd behind them and recent form in their favour, Sri Lanka will be hoping for a strong start—even without their inspirational skipper.

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