News

Wanindu Hasaranga suspended for two matches

Published

2 years ago

February 25, 2024

Editor

Wanindu Hasaranga, the captain of Sri Lanka’s T20I team, has been suspended for two international matches due to his accumulation of demerit points. This suspension comes after his latest breach of the ICC Code of Conduct, for which he received a 50 percent fine and three demerit points. Hasaranga was found guilty of personal abuse towards a player, player support personnel, umpire, or match referee during an international match, which is a violation of article 2.13 of the ICC Code of Conduct. As a result, his five demerit points have converted to two suspension points. Two suspension points lead to a ban from either one Test match or two ODIs or T20Is, whichever comes first for the player or player support personnel. Consequently, Hasaranga will be suspended for Sri Lanka’s first two T20Is against Bangladesh next month. The incident occurred after the match when Hasaranga confronted umpire Lyndon Hanibal to express his criticism of a decision. Additionally, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, an Afghanistan player, has also been penalized. He has been fined 15 percent of his match fee for breaching Level 1 of the ICC Code of Conduct in the same match. Rahmanullah was found to have disobeyed an umpire’s instruction during an international match, which is a violation of article 2.4 of the Code.

Furthermore, one demerit point has been added to Rahmanullah’s disciplinary record, as it was his second offense within a 24-month period, bringing his cumulative demerit points to two.

Rahmanullah was sanctioned for repeatedly changing the grip of his bat during the game, despite being warned not to do so. Both players acknowledged their wrongdoing and accepted the sanctions proposed by Chris Broad of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees. Consequently, formal hearings were deemed unnecessary. The charges were brought forth by on-field umpires Lyndon Hannibal and Raveendra Wimalasiri, third umpire Ruchira Palliyaguruge, and fourth umpire Ranmore Martinez. For Level 2 breaches, players face a penalty ranging from 50 to 100 percent of their match fee, along with three or four demerit points. On the other hand, Level 1 breaches result in a minimum punishment of an official reprimand, a maximum penalty of 50 percent of the player’s match fee, and one or two demerit points.

News

Ajith De Silva Elected MHA President at 70th AGM

Published

4 hours ago

April 3, 2026

Editor

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

Cricket

Tragedy Halts 66th Battle of the Babes in Kandy

Published

20 hours ago

April 2, 2026

Editor

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.

Cricket

Sri Lanka Women’s U19 Squad Named for Australia Tri-Series Tour

Published

20 hours ago

April 2, 2026

Editor

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.