Sri Lanka fast bowler Nuwan Thushara has initiated legal action against Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), seeking court intervention to secure a No Objection Certificate (NOC) that would allow him to participate in the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL).

The matter was taken up before the Colombo District Court, which has scheduled the next hearing for April 9. Thushara has named several top SLC officials as defendants, including President Shammi Silva, Secretary Bandula Dissanayake, Treasurer Sujeewa Godaliyadda, and CEO Ashley de Silva.

According to court filings, Thushara was picked by Royal Challengers for the 2026 IPL season, having previously featured in the tournament in both 2024 and 2025 after receiving the necessary clearance from SLC. However, the board has declined to issue the NOC this year, citing his failure to meet required fitness standards.

Thushara, in his petition, has challenged this decision, stating that his contract with SLC expired on March 31, 2026, and that he had already informed the board of his intention not to renew it. He further claims he had been made aware that he was not in contention for national selection, making the fitness-based refusal unreasonable.

The pacer has also argued that his current fitness levels are consistent with those maintained during previous seasons when he was granted NOCs. He warns that the denial could cost him his IPL contract, resulting in significant financial loss and missed career opportunities.
Through the case, Thushara is seeking legal recognition of his right to obtain the NOC, along with court orders compelling SLC to grant him clearance to play in the IPL and other overseas leagues.

The annual ‘Super Fighters’ Chess Big Match, a unique triangular chess tournament featuring
C.W.W. Kannangara Central College – Matugama,
Taxila Central College – Horana, and
Ananda Sastralaya National School – Matugama,
is set to take place in the coming days.

The official media briefing for the tournament was held under the patronage of the Matugama Zonal Deputy Director of Education, Chandima Priyadarshani, along with the principals of the three participating schools and the Secretary of the Kalutara District Chess Association, Sameera Dissanayake.

Having already secured the title on the previous two occasions, Taxila Central College, Horana, will enter the competition as the defending champions. Meanwhile, this year’s tournament will be hosted by C.W.W. Kannangara Central College, Matugama.

All three schools are expected to field highly competitive teams, featuring internationally rated players as well as several athletes who have represented Sri Lanka at international chess tournaments.

The primary objectives of the tournament are to popularize the “Big Match” concept in school chess, identify emerging talent, and strengthen the spirit of camaraderie among the three institutions.

With growing interest in school-level chess, the ‘Super Fighters’ tournament is expected to be a thrilling and high-quality contest, showcasing the next generation of Sri Lanka’s chess talent.

Sri Lanka cricketer Bhanuka Rajapaksa has issued a Letter of Demand (LOD) to actress Harshi Rasanga, accusing her of making false and misleading statements on social media following recent court proceedings.

According to Rajapaksa’s legal representatives, the actress had informed court that the gold chain at the center of the dispute had been pawned. However, they claim she later contradicted this statement publicly, prompting the cricketer to initiate legal action.

The controversy revolves around a gold chain valued at over Rs. 900,000. Rajapaksa alleges that the chain had been borrowed by Rasanga and pawned without his knowledge or consent.
Rasanga was arrested by the Sri Lanka Police’s Thalangama division and later produced before the Kaduwela Magistrate’s Court, where she was granted bail on two sureties of Rs. 500,000 each.

During the court hearing, the defence stated that the chain had indeed been pawned and indicated that steps could be taken to redeem and return it. However, speaking to the media afterward, Rasanga claimed that the chain had been given to her as a gift during a personal relationship.

The court has directed Thalangama Police to take custody of the gold chain and present it at the next hearing, which is scheduled for April 22.