Business

Four runs, a thousand dreams: How a small-town school bowled its way into the record books

Published

2 months ago

2026/02/8

The Under-13 Cricket Team of Kalawana National School, which set up the new school cricket record

By the time the last wicket fell at Gangakanda Vidyalaya in Pelmadulla, silence briefly hung over the ground. The scoreboard told an almost unbelievable story: the Under-13 team of Kalawana National School had dismissed their opponents, Mihindu Vidyalaya, Ratnapura, for just four runs. In six overs and five balls, a group of boys from a remote corner of Sabaragamuwa had etched their names into Sri Lanka’s schools cricket record books.

The achievement soon found its way onto the official Sri Lanka Cricket Facebook page. But behind that viral moment lies a quieter, more powerful story of children who train without a proper ground, a coach who works without pay, and parents who refuse to let poverty dictate their children’s dreams.

For the boys of Kalawana National School, cricket is not played on manicured turf. There is no proper pitch. Practice nets are borrowed and returned. The few bats and pads available are worn and broken. During the rainy season, there is often nowhere to practise at all.

Yet, every evening, they turn up.

“Our children play under conditions where even the most basic facilities are lacking,” said N. V. Pushpakumara, a parent. “There is no proper playground, no pitch. Still, they keep winning. We hope the authorities will see what these children are capable of and give them the support they deserve.”

: Cricket players of Kalawana National School undergoing training amid challenges

At the centre of this effort is their coach, Chanuka Pradeep Madhushan, who joined the school in late 2021. He trains the children voluntarily, without a salary, accepting only small contributions from parents who themselves struggle to make ends meet.

“I didn’t come here expecting facilities,” he said. “I came because I saw potential. One of our boys played for the district squad in 2025. This year, our Under-13 team is doing very well. We even have a left-arm bowler who has taken 21 wickets in four matches. When you see their commitment, you want to give your best, even without pay.”

The school’s principal, Ashoka Nandasiri, speaks of cricket at Kalawana National School as a journey marked by quiet persistence. The school began leather-ball cricket in 2011. In 2016, their Under-16 team broke into the top 16 at national level. In 2025, a student was selected to the Sabaragamuwa Under-15 provincial team. And in January this year came the moment that stunned school cricket circles across the country.

: N.V. Pushpakumara, Parent

: Chanuka Pradeep Madhushanka, Cricket Coach

: Ashoka Nandasiri, Principal of Kalawana National School

“These achievements did not come easily,” the principal said. “They came through the dedication of our coach and the sacrifices made by parents. Despite many difficulties, they have kept this programme alive.”

For the boys themselves, the record is not just about four runs. It is about being seen.

“We practise with many difficulties,” said team captain P. A. Pamod Lakshan. “We don’t have proper equipment or a proper ground. When it rains, we have nowhere to go. Once, a kind uncle from Kalawana helped build us a small indoor place to practise. We are very grateful. We want to go a long way in cricket.”

In a country where cricketing dreams often begin in elite school grounds with lush pitches and modern facilities, the story of Kalawana National School stands as a reminder of how talent can grow in the most unlikely soil. These children do not ask for luxury—only for a fair chance.

Their record-breaking performance is now part of Sri Lanka’s cricketing statistics. But the deeper question remains: will their struggle also be noticed? Parents hope that this extraordinary moment will prompt sports authorities and policymakers to look beyond the usual centres of privilege and invest in rural schools where potential waits quietly, often unseen.

For the boys from Kalawana, the scoreboard has already given its verdict. Now they wait for the country to do the same.

By Upendra Priyankara Jathungama

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Business

Sri Lanka secures IMF staff-level deal for USD 700 million tranche

Published

19 hours ago

2026/04/10

Thilina Walpola

Sri Lanka has reached a staff-level agreement with the International Monetary Fund to secure the next tranche of funding under its ongoing bailout programme, marking a key step in the country’s fragile economic recovery.

The agreement, announced this week, will enable Sri Lanka to access approximately USD 700 million, subject to approval by the IMF Executive Board. The funds form part of the USD 2.9 billion Extended Fund Facility (EFF) programme agreed following the 2022 economic crisis.

The latest development covers the combined fifth and sixth reviews of Sri Lanka’s reform programme, indicating that the country has made sufficient progress to move forward, while highlighting the need to sustain reform efforts.

Sri Lanka’s economy has shown signs of stabilisation in recent months, supported by improved revenue collection, easing inflation, and a gradual buildup of foreign reserves. However, the recovery remains vulnerable to both domestic and external pressures.

By Ifham Nizam

Business

Israeli attack on Lebanon triggers local stock market volatility

Published

19 hours ago

2026/04/10

Thilina Walpola

Initially CSE trading was somewhat volatile despite the ceasefire in West Asia but it experienced further volatility after Israel attacked Lebanon yesterday.

However, the IMF delegation which is now in Sri Lanka to release two tranches of its relief package created some positive sentiments for the market, analysts said.

The All Share Price Index went down by 73.06 points, while the S and P SL20 rose by 10.57 points.

Turnover stood at Rs 2.96 billion with six crossings. Those crossings were: JKH 5.5 million shares crossed to the tune of Rs 807.6 million and its shares traded at Rs 19.70, CIC Holdings two million shares crossed for Rs 54 million; its shares traded at Rs 32, Access Engineering 600,000 shares crossed for Rs 44.4 million; its shares traded at Rs 74, Central Finance 116,000 shares crossed to the tune of Rs 27.5 million ; its shares sold at Rs 237, LMF 250,000 shares crossed for Rs 22.8 million; its shares fetched Rs 91.10 and Kelani Cables 200,000 shares crossed for Rs 21 million and its shares traded at Rs 105.

In the retail market seven companies that mainly contributed to the turnover were; Dialog Rs237 million (7.5 million shares traded), LMF Rs 203 million (22 million shares traded), Colombo Dockyard Rs 199.7 million (1.1 million shares traded), HBA Foods Rs 163 million (18.5 million shares traded), JKH Rs 156 million (7.8 million shares traded), JKH Rs 156 million (7.8 million shares traded), Softlogic Holdings Rs 117 million (9.6 million shares traded) and Acme Printers Rs 107 million (15.6 million shares traded). During the day 133.3 million share volumes changed hands in 23666 transactions.

It is said that manufacturing sector counters, like JKH, performed well, while food sector counters, especially LMF and HBA Foods, performed well. Other sectors too performed somewhat well during the day.

Yesterday the rupee was quoted a Rs 315.42/48 to the US dollar in the spot market from 315.30/40 the previous day, dealers said, while bond yields were quoted higher.

By Hiran H. Senewiratne

Business

HNB Assurance marks 25 years with strategic transformation to ‘HNB Life’

Published

19 hours ago

2026/04/10

Thilina Walpola

Highlights from the new brand reveal as HNB Assurance transforms into HNB Life

Marking 25 years of trust, growth, and service excellence, HNB Assurance PLC has unveiled its new corporate identity, transitioning to HNB Life PLC a strategic evolution that reflects the company’s forward-looking vision and commitment to empowering lives with protection and the freedom to thrive, no matter where life takes them.

This milestone signifies more than a change in name or visual identity. It represents a deliberate transformation shaped by strong performance over the past few years, during which the company has achieved remarkable growth, strengthened its market position and enhanced its customer-centric capabilities.

The newly introduced logo, inspired by the form of a wing, symbolises HNB Life’s role as a proactive enabler. It reflects the organisation’s commitment to supporting individuals in navigating life’s journey with confidence, empowering them to pursue their aspirations and live life on their own terms.

The official unveiling took place at a launch event attended by key stakeholders, strategic business partners, well-wishers and employees.

Addressing the gathering, Chairman, Stuart Chapman highlighted the significance of this transformation, stating, “As we mark 25 years of progress, the transition to HNB Life reflects our strategic intent to evolve with the changing needs of our customers and the broader market. This new identity embodies our purpose, to enable and empower individuals to achieve what they truly aspire to in life, with confidence and security. As a company we are extremely excited on what the future holds for as, as we build on an incredible foundation laid over the past two and a half decades.”

The new Vision of the Company is “To be the leader in empowering lives with protection and freedom to thrive, no matter where life takes them”.