Sports

An approach to improve school athletes’ present and future performance

Published

5 years ago

2021/08/17

The National and the Public Schools athletic meets are conducted during the Second and Third Term. In effect a school athlete will at most have only three or four athletic meets a year. Here school athletes are seen preparing for a 100 metres at a junior event at Diyagama.

by Nagalingam Ethirveerasingam. Ph.D.

Increasing Opportunities for Competition

Athletes in schools and those out-of-school do not currently have enough opportunities to participate in competitions. Scheduling competitions between schools within districts, and between districts for those who are out-of-school, will provide athletes with more opportunities to develop their skills and achieve a higher standard of performance. Factors that may present an obstacle to competitions include: 1) cost of ground preparation; 2) availability of qualified officials to conduct weekly dual athletic/sports meets between schools within the Education Zones; 3) lack of space for a 400m or 200m track in many schools; and 4) tradition requires the expensive practice of awarding certificates and trophies/medals in a formal presentation soon after the competition.

Many students now compete in the Inter-House athletic meets during the first term. Potential future athletes are identified at this time. The first three in an event compete in the Zonal or District meet. The first three from those meets are selected to compete in the Provincial school meet and those who place in the first three move on to compete in the National School Meet. Such an arrangement gives only one chance for an athlete to compete at the next level. The athlete who fails at the Inter-House meet or at any of the next levels has to wait another year to demonstrate his talent.

The National and the Public Schools athletic meets are conducted during the Second and Third Term. In effect a school athlete will at most have only three or four athletic meets a year. In the 1940’s and 1950’s I had only 4 meets per year. Those were: the Inter-House, the Jaffna School Sports Association meet, the Junior National meet, and the Open National meet.

In contrast school athletes in California (USA), then and now, have track meets between schools every week from February to April each year. That is about 12 meets during their track season. During the off-season they engage in conditioning and strengthening activities.

All schools in Sri Lanka have the traditional yearly Inter-House sports meet. Students engage in erecting and decorating sheds for their houses. It is a fun-filled school function where teachers and students interact outside the classroom. It includes the awarding of medals and certificates for winners and a lot of long speeches by dignitaries. Students get the experience oforganising an event and executing it by cooperating with fellow students and teachers.

Such a large-scale event and festive atmosphere is not needed for‘Dual Meets’ between schools. In secondary schools two school teams can compete, the results of the events are recorded, announced, and published. There is no need for speeches, certificates, medals, or trophies. The important thing is for the student to test his skills in competition with others of his age.

A New Approach

It is important for schools in the provinces to prepare Dual/Triangular athletic meet schedules for all schools including 1AB schools in their province at least twoyears in advance. The provinces should also prepare such a sports schedule for schools in other sports within their province. Any sports schedule prepared by the National Associations in sports such as cricket, athletics, or football should be in consultation with the Provincial Departments of Education and the schools. Provincial Departments of Education should ensure that the schedule of travel outside their provinces for sports events by school teams is structured in such a way to ensure that student class attendance is maximised and that classroom learning is not negatively affected.

Advent of Professionalism in sports

Since the time professional sportspersons were permitted to compete in the Olympic Games, athletes of national and international standard have been paid to take part and compete for prize money in their sports. The term “amateur” was dropped from international and national organizations names. The Sri Lanka Amateur Athletic Association, for example, was renamed Sri Lanka Athletics.

Athletes can now also receive sponsorship from shoe, clothing, or equipment manufacturers.

Although athletes in school are not currently permitted to lend their names to sporting goods and apparel manufacturers, the school/team can receive such sponsorship in the form of equipment and uniforms or monetary compensation. Schools also are able to garner funds by allowing businesses to advertise their products or services on the school grounds for a recurrent fee. Such income supplements the meagre allocation for sports from the Ministry of Education.

Athletes over 18 do not earn any income unless they are performing at national level. Many national level athletes in Sri Lanka can join the Sri Lanka Army, Air Force, or Police teams and get paid a monthly stipend of approximately Rs. 30,000. The only requirement is that the athlete regularly trains three to four hours per day and competes for them. The Sri Lanka Athletic Association provides similar monetary grants for selected national level athletes who are not paid by the armed forces. The three organisations depend on government funding for such programs. Some organisations in the business sector also sponsor athletes with varied requirements.

Promotion of Athletics at District Level

To promote District Athletics, it is important for District Athletic Associations to be funded by the government or the private sector. They could sponsor the first two athletes, in each event, who have potential to achieve national standing but do not have any sponsorship or other means of support. Payment of a monthly living allowance for the first two performers in each event in the district, similar to what the Army and Air Force pays the athletes who are enrolled with them, will help the district athlete to continue to develop their skills. This will allow the district level athlete to practice three to four hours a day and also attend job oriented tertiary courses. Such practice will ensure more opportunities for district level athletes to achieve National, South Asian, and Asian level standards. In exceptional cases the athlete may also be able to attain Olympic standards. It will also give opportunities for district level athletic coaches, who should also receive a stipend, to improve their coaching skills. An additional benefit is that the number of athletic officials will increase and they will acquire higher levels of organisational and officiating skills.

Promotion of Athletics at School Level

Since 2017, those who are not successful at the GCE O/L at age 16 and are thus not able to enter Grade 12, are required to continue in the Vocational Technical Program in 1AB schools. That is, a student who fails GCE O/L cannot dropout or be ‘Pushed Out’ at age 16. In effect education is compulsory for all until they are 19 years old. The above requirement was a recommendation made by the 2014 Northern Education System Review (NESR) and was adopted by the Northern Provincial Council. It was also adopted by the National Education Commission as a National Education Policy and accepted by the National Institute of Education (NIE). All athletes can now stay in school until they are 19 and benefit from continuing education while developing their skills in their respective sports. The NIE has prepared an excellent Vocational Technical Education Program for such students enrolled in Grade 12 and 13. Some 1AB schools have already adopted it. Others should do so in the near future. School age sportspersons can now continue their sports activities, even if they fail GCE O/L, and acquire skills to make them more employable.

School sports and athletic competitions are the responsibility of the Assistant Director of Education in the Provincial Department of Education. The Sri Lanka Athletic Association and the National Olympic Committee have no direct responsibility. However, they can provide advice, guidance, and distribute the funding that they receive from their respective international organisations such as the IAAF and International Olympic Committee.

(The writer Nagalingam Ethirveerasingam represented Sri Lanka at the 1952 and 1956 Olympic Games and is the first Sri Lankan to win an Asian Games gold)

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Sports

High-scoring draw gives West Indies rare series win

Published

29 mins ago

2026/07/9

Sahan Weerasooriya

Brandon King scored an unbeaten fifty in the fourth innings

After 1408 runs and 28 wickets, and even some rain delays over five days, the result that had long been telegraphed came to pass as West Indies and Sri Lanka and played out a draw in the second and final Test in North Sound. The stalemate means a first Test series victory in 11 attempts for West Indies, their last coming in 2023. For their last home Test series win, one would have to go back to June 2022.

And it was perhaps the significance – and rarity – of this achievement that informed the hosts’ approach over the course of this Test, which was also the first in 2026 to end in a draw. Following Sri Lanka’s imposing first-innings effort, West Indies’ response – on a good batting surface – never really appeared to be in search of a victory.

Set a target of 302 John Campbell and Brandon King never threatened to take it on. Even so, both scoring fifties – Campbell for the second time this Test – will have given the pair and the West Indies dressing room cause for optimism after their recent batting travails in the longest format.

Moreover, with WTC points of less importance since they have already been eliminated from contention for a final berth, the series win was all that mattered for West Indies. And in that context, it was incumbent on Sri Lanka to do most of the running, though on a true surface that scarcely deteriorated over the course of the Test, the visiting bowlers were always facing an uphill challenge in picking up 20 wickets to win the game and level the series.

They did come out on the final morning with belief – however implausible – that they might be able to manifest a miracle. The first part of the plan was quick runs, and in that they excelled. Dinesh Chandimal and Kamindu Mendis were the overnight pair, and it was clear from the outset that they would look to take on the bowling.

West Indies, however, weren’t in any mood to make it easy, as they stuck to defensive fields and lines – stacking a 2-7 field to the seamers, while the spinners lived on leg-stump lines. Despite this, Sri Lanka galloped along at a scoring rate of 5.79 in the session, one where they struck 139 runs in 24 overs.

The risks they were forced to take also meant that six wickets fell in the first two hours of play – comfortably the most in a single session all Test. But a closer look at each and it was clear why Sri Lanka were not totally at ease with a lunch-time declaration.

Kamindu spliced a top edge looking to crash an off-side length ball from Jayden Seales, Dhananjaya de Silva holed out to long-off, while both Chandimal and Kusal Mendis carved chances straight to gully. Sonal Dinusha, meanwhile, was run out courtesy a direct hit from deep point as he strained to make it back for an ambitious second run, while Isitha Wijesundara missed with a wild heave.

After days of obdurate Test cricket, this period resembled the later overs of an ODI, as Sri Lanka scrambled desperately for every run on offer, but it was more batter errors than any demons in the surface.

At lunch, the lead had swelled to 281 and many speculated an imminent declaration, but Sri Lanka made the surprise call to continue batting. The target, it seems, was a lead of at least 300, and this was achieved in three overs after lunch, after which the declaration was promptly signalled.

Considering the relative ease with which Campbell and King proceeded for the remainder of the session – and the day – there was perhaps merit in padding the target – and in turn eating into roughly 25 minutes of play in the second session that would otherwise have been afforded West Indies to chase.

Scores:

Sri Lanka

549 for 9 dec 139.3 overs (Lahiru Udara 188, Kamindu Mendis 84, Kusal Mendis 69, Dinusha 92; Jayden Seales 2-98, Shamar Joseph 2-98) and 251 for 9 dec in 49 overs (Dinesh Chandimal 71, Kamindu Mendis 44; Alzarri Joseph 2-44) drew with West Indies 499 in 165.5overs (John Campbell 72, Shai Hope 112, Justin Greaves 180; Asitha Fernando 5-130, Prabath Jayasuriya 3-131) and 109 for 0 in 40 overs (John Campbell 51*, Brandon King 51*)

(Cricinfo)

Sports

Bipun, Pathiv shine with outstanding feats

Published

30 mins ago

2026/07/9

Sahan Weerasooriya

Bipun Alwis

A superb century by Pathiv Vehan for St. Sebastian’s College, Moratuwa and a five wicket haul by Bipun Alwis for De Mazenod College Kandana were among the top individual performances of the day in the Under 17 Division I cricket tournament continued on Wednesday.

‎‎Bipun Alwis continued his outstanding form with the ball, producing another match-winning five-wicket haul as De Mazenod College, Kandana defeated Christ King College, Ja-Ela by six wickets in their match played at the De Mazenod College Grounds, Kandana.

‎Alwis ripped through Christ King’s batting line-up, claiming a superb 5 for 19 from his 10 overs, including three maidens at an exceptional economy rate of 1.90. His victims included top order batsmen, Ashen Anjelo (24), Shevon Vihanga (29), Tujan Adithya (0), Sayura Akash (0) and Saduka Fernando (0), triggering a collapse from 65 for no loss to 91 for six. Christ King were eventually dismissed for 159 in 49.3 overs.

‎De Mazenod comfortably chased the target, reaching 163 for 4 in 38.1 overs. Dimeth Imendra anchored the innings with a composed 70 off 132 deliveries, while Ashel Perera struck a brisk 37 and Ushan Adithya remained unbeaten on 21 to steer the hosts home.

‎Alwis’ latest five-wicket haul further underlined his consistency this season, adding another outstanding spell to his growing list of match-winning bowling performances. His ability to dismantle top order batsmen has made him one of De Mazenod’s key performers in the 2026 Under-17 Division I campaign.

‎Meanwhile a superb century from Pathiv Vehan set the stage for St. Sebastian’s College, Moratuwa to record an exciting 24-run victory over Sri Sumangala College, Panadura in their Group A encounter played at the Bandaragama Public Grounds.

‎Batting first, St. Sebastian’s posted a formidable 291 for 8 in their 50 overs, built around an outstanding knock of 130 off 97 balls by Pathiv Vehan. His match-deciding innings featured 21 boundaries and two sixes, dominating the Sri Sumangala bowling attack. Navinu Fernando provided valuable support with a composed 54, while Nisila Dimath contributed 29 and Nithusha Fernando remained unbeaten on 25. Sakun Pansilu claimed 4 for 72 and Chanithu Ranyuru picked up 3 for 57 for Sri Sumangala.

‎In reply, Sri Sumangala fought bravely and finished on 267 for 9 in 49.5 overs. Chanithu Ranyuru led the chase with a blistering 74 off 57 deliveries, while Sanithu Hemsara scored 40 and Dinuga Thathsilu remained unbeaten on 40. However, St. Sebastian’s bowlers held their nerve, with Adeesha Lakshan producing 4 for 41. Sanoj Perera, Navinu Fernando and Nithusha Fernando claimed a wicket each as St. Sebastian’s secured a hard-fought 24-run victory.

(RF)

Sports

Sri Lanka Tennis Premier League unveils vision to transform the business of tennis in Sri Lanka

Published

31 mins ago

2026/07/9

Sahan Weerasooriya

From left: Avishka Silva (CL Synergy - Title Sponsor), Yasser Farook (Wilson - Powered By Sponsor), Arjun Fernando (SLTPL Steering Committee), Kamal Munasinghe (Cinnamon Hotels - Hospitality partner), Chalaka Bogoda (DIMO - Luxury Automobile Partner), Iqbal Bin Issak (President SLTA), Rukmal Cooray (Vice President SLTA ), Roshan Silva - (Director SLTPL), Pradeep Goonasekera (Secretary General SLTA)

Stake holders of the Sri Lanka Tennis Premier League at the launch

The Sri Lanka Tennis Association (SLTA) officially launched the Sri Lanka Tennis Premier League (SLTPL), at The Studio – Cinnamon Life City of Dreams, unveiling a landmark franchise-based sporting property designed to redefine the future of tennis in Sri Lanka through professional league management, corporate partnerships and technology-driven tournament operations.

The launch event was attended by key stakeholders including Iqbal Bin Issak – President SLTA, Rukmal Cooray – Vice President SLTA, Roshan Silva – Director SLTPL, and Steering Committee Members Aasiri Iddamalgoda, Sanjay Wijemanne, and Arjun Fernando. The event also saw the presence of potential franchise owners, prospective sponsors and strategic partners, reflecting strong early interest in the League’s commercial and sporting potential.

Set to be held from 27–30 August 2026, the inaugural edition of the SLTPL will feature eight franchise teams, bringing together Sri Lanka’s leading tennis talent across multiple age categories in an innovative team-based competition.

The League has been conceived as a long-term platform that extends beyond competition, with the objective of creating sustainable commercial value for the sport while providing players, franchises, sponsors and fans with an enhanced tennis experience.

A significant milestone at the launch was the announcement of the League’s founding commercial partners, who have committed to supporting the SLTPL from its inaugural season.

CL Synergy was announced as the Title Sponsor, Wilson as the Powered By Partner, Cinnamon Life as the Hospitality Partner, and DIMO as the Exclusive Luxury Automobile Partner.

League officials presented commemorative tokens of appreciation to each partner in recognition of their confidence in supporting the League during its formative stages and contributing towards the establishment of a new era for Sri Lankan tennis.

Another defining feature of the launch was the unveiling of the League’s integrated digital ecosystem, developed specifically to manage every aspect of the tournament.

The official website, www.sltpl.lk, together with the SLTPL Digital Platform, provides a comprehensive technology infrastructure encompassing player registration, player management, franchise auctions, tournament scheduling, live scoring, results management, player rankings, statistical reporting and performance analytics.

Designed as a fully integrated operational platform, the system enables efficient administration while significantly enhancing transparency, accessibility and the overall experience for players, franchises, officials, sponsors, media and fans.

The initiative has received enthusiastic support from the wider tennis community, including players, coaches and administrators, who view the League as a significant step forward for the sport in Sri Lanka.

Speaking at the launch, League officials highlighted that the SLTPL represents more than a tournament; it is a strategic investment in the future of Sri Lankan tennis. By introducing a professionally managed franchise model, the League seeks to create new commercial opportunities, strengthen player pathways, encourage greater private sector participation and elevate the overall standard of the sport.

The League is expected to serve as a catalyst for increased investment into tennis infrastructure, player development and high-performance competition, while creating a sustainable ecosystem capable of supporting the sport’s long-term growth.

With strong institutional leadership from the Sri Lanka Tennis Association, the support of leading corporate partners and the deployment of modern digital infrastructure, the Sri Lanka Tennis Premier League aims to establish itself as one of Sri Lanka’s premier sporting properties and a benchmark for the professional management of sport in the country.

As preparations continue for the inaugural tournament in August, the League is expected to announce further strategic partnerships, franchise developments and player-related milestones in the lead-up to the opening serve.