Race against time for Tokyo
Sri Lanka’s record holder in the 3,000 metre steeplechase Nilani Ratnayaka is agonisingly close to qualification for the Tokyo Olympics, but is battling a race against time to achieve her dream. She has been diligently undergoing high altitude training in Diyatalawa during the COVID-19 pandemic but lack of international competition has resulted in her slip [...]
No Barmy Army and journos for SL vs England Tests
When England return for their rescheduled Test series in January, there will be no partying and songs from the Barmy Army, their world-famous support group. Nor will hear our own papare music because the series will be played behind closed doors in a bio-secure environment owing to the current global pandemic. While the fun, frolic [...]
98th Athletics Nationals to be held under strict health guidelines
Sri Lanka Athletics (SLA) will conduct the 98th Senior National Championship from December 26 to 29 at the Sugathadasa Stadium following strict health regulations because of the COVID-19 pandemic with limited participation of athletes and without spectators. “We have taken into consideration the need to adhere to guidelines set by health authorities and Institute of [...]
Former Sri Lanka full back Zubair Doray passes away
Former Wesley, CR and FC and Sri Lanka rugby full back Zubair Doray passed away after a brief illness yesterday. One of the finest attacking full backs Sri Lanka has seen, he represented the country in both XVs and 7s. The rugby community is Sri Lanka is shocked by the sudden demise of Doray who [...]
Are LPL franchise owners getting return on investment?
Franchise owners shelled out sums ranging from $1m to $1.5m to own and manage teams at the inaugural edition of the Lanka Premier League (LPL). But what is their return on investment after dumping such astronomical sums on a completely new venture? Many agree that the franchises will not make profits this year – or [...]
Southern Stars meet Central Crusaders in Li Ning-Lanka Challenge final
Southern Stars will meet Central Crusaders in the grand finale of the inaugural Li Ning-Lanka Shuttle Challenge 2020 at the Sri Lanka Badminton (SLB) courts in Maitland Place today. The country’s first high-profile franchise-based badminton tournament will come to an end today after an exciting period of five days when Southern Stars, led by Sachin [...]
Umpire D.M.H. Dissanayake no more
Long standing veteran cricket umpire, D.M.H. Dissanayake passed away at his residence in Colombo recently, after a brief illness. He started his life as a government school master (he was the master-in-charge of the First XI cricket at Lumbini Vidyalaya some decades back). Later he entered the Law College and became an Attorney-at-Law. Then he [...]
Umpires keeping pace with technology
Former Sri Lanka and Thurstan College all-rounder Hemantha Boteju, who attained the distinction of being the youngest cricket umpire in the Emerging Panel of Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), is relishing the challenge of keeping pace with technology in the modern game after his experience at the inaugural Lanka Premier League (LPL). “The LPL was good [...]
LPL a success despite pandemic fears
When Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) announced the launch of the Lanka Premier League (LPL) tournament, the cricket adoring public gave a sigh of relief as competitive cricket was being played in the country after a gap of nine months albeit behind closed doors in a bio-secure environment in Hambantota. They overcame numerous challenges along the [...]
No conclusion yet on 2011 World Cup fixing inquiry
The police Special Investigation Unit (SIU) probing former Sports Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage’s allegation of Sri Lanka fixing the 2011 World Cup final have yet to record a statement from then Secretary to the Ministry of Sports Anura Jayawickrema to shed light into the contentious issue. The Attorney General’s Department on September 9, directed the police [...]
Renown Football Academy kids shine at the 2020 F4F programme
A delegation of seven kids including five young journalists, a young coach and a young player from Renown Football Academy represented Sri Lanka in the eighth season of Gazprom International Children’s Social Programme, Football For Friendship (F4F). The event which is usually held in the host city of the Champions League final was held online [...]
Althea International awards sponsorship to 12 football players
Alethea International School, Sri Lanka has awarded 12 football players who are trained by Manchester Soccer Academy (MSA) with full academic and sports scholarships. Sri Lanka MSA provides world class training under the guidance of professional and experienced coaches in Sri Lanka led by Augustine George, the founder of the academy. The training sessions consist [...]
SLAAA calls off John Tarbat Athletic Meet
The 87th Sir John Tarbat Athletics Championship, conducted annually by the Sri Lanka Schools Athletic Association (SLSAA), has been called off indefinitely. The four-day meet was scheduled to take place from December 21 to 24 at the Sugathadasa Stadium in Colombo, but now the meet is unlikely to be held even in the coming months. [...]