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Asalanka ton powers Sri Lanka to 279

Published

2 years ago

2023/11/6

Priyan

This was Asalanka's second century in ODIs

Charith Asalanka’s second ODI hundred saw off regular strikes from Bangladesh to take Sri Lanka to 279 in the World Cup match at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Friday (November 6). In an eventful innings played in the midst of severe pollution in Delhi, Angelo Mathews became the first player to be ‘timed out’ in international cricket.

Bangladesh hit the right notes from the get go when wicketkeeper Mushfiqur Rahim completed a stunning one-handed catch to dismiss the returning Kusal Perera in the first over. Shoriful Islam’s next over though wasn’t so successful though, with Pathum Nissanka hitting three boundaries and setting the base for his steady 61-run stand with Kusal Mendis.

Both batters however fell in quick succession. Mendis, who struggled for timing and took 14 balls to get off the mark, hit a six, his first in his last six innings after a whirlwind start to the tournament, before holing out to long-on. It took Shakib Al Hasan all of three balls on the day to pick his first wicket. Pacer Tanzim Hasan Sakib then followed up in the next over and had Nissanka bowled for 41 off 36 balls, giving Bangladesh some control back.

That led Sri Lanka to another period of recovery through a 63-run stand for the fourth wicket between Sadeera Samarawickrama and Charith Asalanka. Samarawickrama scored at run a ball, hitting four boundaries, before falling prey to Shakib’s flight again and holing out to deep midwicket. But what happened thereafter divided opinions.

In the 25th over, Mathews was readying to take strike when his helmet strap broke. He gestured to the dugout for a new helmet but didn’t consult with Shakib Al Hasan, the opposition captain, who went on to successfully appeal for “timed out” to onfield umpires.

In the meantime, Asalanka got to his fifty off 56 balls, keeping the scoreboard ticking amidst fall of wickets at the other end. His 78-run partnership with Dhananjaya de Silva helped Sri Lanka get their bearing back even as Mathews led intense discussions in the dugout about his dismissal.

De Silva, scored 34 off 36 but failed to get to the pitch of a delivery after stepping out and was stumped off Mehidy Hasan’s bowling. Asalanka thereafter continued to pick the odd boundary and got to his hundred off 101 balls in the 48th over. It was the ninth hundred scored at the venue, the most in this World Cup.

Maheesh Theekshana added 22 important runs but once Asalanka was caught in the deep off Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Sri Lanka went on to lose their last three wickets for 1 run and were bowled out with three balls remaining in the innings.

Brief Scores:
Sri Lanka 279 in 49.3 overs (Charith Asalanka 108, Pathum Nissanka 41, Sadeera Samarawickreme 41, Dhananjaya de Silva 34, Maheesh Theekshana 22; Tanzim Hasan Sakib 3-80, Shoriful Islam 2-52, Shakib Al Hasan 2-57) vs Bangladesh

(Cricbuzz)

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Heat Index at Caution Level in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Sabaragamuwa, Eastern and Southern provinces and in Monaragala district

Published

2 hours ago

2026/04/18

Priyan

Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre
Issued at 3.30 p.m. on 17 April 2026, valid for 18 April 2026.

The Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Sabaragamuwa, Eastern
and Southern provinces and in Monaragala district.

The Heat Index Forecast is calculated by using relative humidity and maximum temperature and this is the condition that is felt on your body. This is not the forecast of maximum temperature. It is generated by the Department of Meteorology for the next day period and prepared by using global numerical weather prediction model data.

Effect of the heat index on human body is mentioned in the above table and it is prepared on the advice of the Ministry of Health and Indigenous Medical Services.

ACTION REQUIRED
Job sites: Stay hydrated and takes breaks in the shade as often as possible.
Indoors: Check up on the elderly and the sick.
Vehicles: Never leave children unattended.
Outdoors: Limit strenuous outdoor activities, find shade and stay hydrated.
Dress: Wear lightweight and white or light-colored clothing.

Note:
In addition, please refer to advisories issued by the Disaster Preparedness & Response Division, Ministry of Health in this regard as well. For further clarifications please contact 011-7446491.

Latest News

Navy seize 161kg heroin shipment in high-seas operation

Published

7 hours ago

2026/04/17

Priyan

Being a key frontline stakeholder in the national mission, ‘A Nation United,’ the Navy continues to maintain a vigilant maritime shield to eradicate the drug menace from society.

During yet another successful operation on the high seas south of Sri Lanka, the Navy intercepted a local multi-day fishing trawler and apprehended four suspects in connection with the
smuggling of a stock of suspected narcotics.

The intercepted trawler, along with the suspects, was escorted to the Dikowita Fisheries Harbour today, (17 April 2026).

During a special inspection at the fisheries harbour, the Police Narcotic Bureau (PNB) confirmed the presence of over 161kg of heroin.

The Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekera (Retd), and the Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Kanchana Banagoda, to inspect seized narcotics.

Addressing the media, the Deputy Minister emphasized that drug trafficking has long persisted as an organized and sophisticated criminal enterprise. He highlighted that under the current government’s national mission, ‘A Nation United,’ a robust state mechanism is now in motion, integrating the Tri-Forces, Police, Special Task Force, PNB, and international agencies to dismantle these networks.

Underscoring the Navy’s operational success, the Deputy Minister revealed that in 2025 alone, the Navy seized narcotics valued at over Rs. 75,000 million. In the first four months of 2026, the momentum has continued with nearly Rs. 50,000 million worth of drugs intercepted and produced for legal action.

During this short period, 14 local multi-day trawlers and 127 suspects have been apprehended. He issued a stern assurance that seized drugs would never find their way back into society, as they are systematically destroyed under strict protocols.
“Human capital is our nation’s most vital asset,” the Deputy Minister noted, adding that a healthy population leads to a quality workforce and a resilient economy. He further remarked that the vision of a “A Thriving Nation – A Beautiful Life”, extends beyond financial stability to include the dignity, discipline, and mindset of the citizenry.

“On the instructions of the President, new legislation is being drafted for Parliamentary approval to further empower this national mission and ensure a law-abiding, civilized society for future generations”, he stated.

Concluding the briefing, the Deputy Minister lauded the media for their role in drug prevention and urged continued responsible journalism to educate the public on the dangers of narcotics.

Meanwhile, the apprehended suspects, the multi-day trawler, and the 161kg heroin shipment were handed over to the Police Narcotic Bureau for onward investigation and legal proceedings.