Methika Jayasinghe and sister Binuthi Jayasinghe delivered exceptional performances at the recently concluded All-Island Under-20 Basketball Championship, securing championship titles and earning the prestigious Most Valuable Player (MVP) awards in their respective categories.

The tournament, held from April 8 to April 11, 2026, featured the finest young basketball talent from across Sri Lanka. The girls’ final took place on April 10, followed by the boys’ final on April 11.

Representing Holy Family Convent, Colombo, Binuthi Jayasinghe played a pivotal role in her team’s triumph in the girls’ final, producing an outstanding performance with 25 points. Her dominance on the court, combined with her composure and technical ability, earned her the MVP award, marking her as one of the most promising young athletes in the sport. Notably, she is an Under-17 player who competed at the Under-20 level, making her achievement even more commendable.

In the boys’ competition, Methika Jayasinghe, representing St. Joseph’s College, Colombo, led his team as captain of the Under-20 side. Demonstrating exemplary leadership and consistent performance throughout the tournament, he guided his team to victory in the finals. His influence on the game and overall excellence were recognized with the awarding of the MVP title. Furthermore, Methika has achieved an outstanding record in school basketball, having won all championships in his age category without suffering a single defeat.

Both Methika and Binuthi also held Youth Captain roles, further highlighting their leadership qualities and importance to their respective teams.

Their dual achievement of securing both championship titles and MVP honours stands as a remarkable milestone, reflecting their dedication, discipline, and commitment to excellence. The success of the Jayasinghe siblings at this national-level competition underscores their potential to make a significant impact on the future of Sri Lankan basketball.

Both their parents also represented Sri Lanka in basketball with distinction.

GCC Junior Cricket Championship 2026

GCC Blue 2026 Under-15 team held their nerve in a closely fought encounter to record a hard-earned nine-run victory over Kingfisher Cricket Academy U15 in a low-scoring but exciting final of the GCC Junior Cricket Championship 2026 held on 04th April 2026 at the Kumar Devapura Cricket Grounds in Colombo 07.

‎Batting first, GCC Blue posted a competitive total of 153 for 8 in their 29 overs. Aken Dias led the batting effort with a brisk 34 off 28 balls, striking three boundaries and two sixes, while the rest of the lineup chipped in with valuable contributions to push the total past the 150 mark.

‎In reply, Kingfisher CA fought valiantly but were bowled out for 144 in 27.4 overs, falling just short of the target. Minidu Yehen top-scored with an aggressive 36 off 29 balls, including three sixes, while Mishika Abeywardane added a steady 29 runs. Despite their efforts, the GCC Blue bowling attack proved decisive at crucial stages.

‎Kaushika Nikesh was outstanding with the ball, claiming three wickets for just 19 runs in his six overs at an impressive economy rate of 3.17. He was well supported by Mihela Minthaka, who delivered a match-winning all-round performance, taking three wickets for 20 runs in his full quota of overs. His contribution earned him the Player of the Match award.

‎The disciplined bowling display ensured GCC Blue defended their total successfully, sealing a narrow victory in what turned out to be a competitive and entertaining final.

‎In the Under 13 final played at the same venue in the morning, Fingara Under 13 team cruise to emphatic 121-Run victory over ARS Under 13 team.

‎Fingara Cricket Academy 2026 team produced a commanding all-round performance to register a resounding 121-run victory over ARS Academy team.

‎Batting first, Fingara posted an imposing 198 for seven in their allotted 30 overs, building their innings on several strong individual contributions. Ashel Jonathan led the way with a composed 57 off 57 balls, striking six boundaries and two sixes. He was well supported by Ruvin Sehas Withanage, who made a fluent 47 off 45 deliveries, while Kenul Binuka provided late acceleration with a brisk 44 off just 26 balls, including five fours and two sixes.

‎In response, ARS Academy struggled to cope with Fingara’s disciplined bowling attack and were bowled out for 77 in 20 overs. The standout performer was Dilma Ransana Bandara, who delivered an exceptional spell taking four wickets for just 18 runs in his six overs, maintaining an impressive economy rate of 3.00. Manula Mihisara also played a key supporting role, claiming three wickets for 29 runs.

‎For his outstanding all-round impact, particularly with the ball, Dilma Ransana Bandara was deservedly named Player of the Match.

‎The comprehensive victory in the final highlights Fingara Cricket Academy’s strength in both batting depth and bowling discipline, marking them as a formidable side in the Under-13 circuit.

‎In the consolation finals of the GCC Junior Cricket Championship 2026 Mutwal CA team and the GCC Blue teams became victorious in Under 15 and Under 13 respectively. Consolation finals were played on 29th March 2026 at the same venue.

Colombo Colts Cricket Club signed off the 2025-2026 season in style, popping the champagne after a title-winning run built on old-fashioned application and a dressing room that pulled in one direction.

The old warhorses Dinesh Chandimal and Angelo Mathews rolled back the years, leading from the front and more importantly, setting the tone. Chandimal churned out over 800 runs through the campaign, batting like a man possessed, while Mathews weighed in when the chips were down, proving once again he still has plenty left in the tank.

In an era where many prefer the comforts of Colombo, the senior duo put their heads down and travelled the length and breadth of the island, making themselves available for key games, a gesture that did not go unnoticed in the Colts dressing room.

Colts’ last taste of silverware had come 14 years ago, and this one was no walk in the park. If anything, it had more twists than a day-five pitch. In the decisive final week, Nondescripts Cricket Club piled on 431 batting first, leaving Colts staring down the barrel.

But just when the game seemed to be slipping through their fingers, Chandimal dug in, anchoring the chase with a sublime 144, an innings carved out of patience and class, to drag Colts over the line and seal the title in stunning style.

The supporting cast played their hands to perfection. Akila Dananjaya spun a web around opposition batters, while Sangeeth Cooray, Kavishka Anjula, Dilshan Madushanka and Dunith Wellalage chipped in at crucial junctures, ensuring Colts kept their noses ahead when it mattered most.

A felicitation ceremony held at the clubhouse last week brought the curtain down on a memorable season. Addressing the gathering, Mathews said the camaraderie within the side was so strong that he had “little doubt” the title was heading Colts’ way, a dressing room, clearly, where egos were parked at the door.

Colts, a club steeped in over 150 years of history, claimed the premier title for only the fourth time, with Dananjaya Lakshan captaining the side with a calm head and steady hand on the tiller.

Former President K. Mathivanan was among the dignitaries present, alongside club stalwart Roy Dias, as the club celebrated a triumph that had been a long time in the making.

Behind the scenes, former players Chaminda Vaas and Chaminda Mendis played key roles, while club president Nishantha Ranatunga once again showed he knows his way around the corridors of cricket administration, having previously called the shots at both Ananda College and Sri Lanka Cricket.

If runs win you matches, good planning wins you championships. Colts ticked both boxes. In a domestic landscape where many clubs are paddling upstream, Colts managed to rope in Servo as their title sponsor, a move that ensured the wheels kept turning through the season.

More significantly, the club handed players three-year contracts, offering a measure of financial security to those outside the national setup, a move that may well set the benchmark for others to follow.

But the real moment that tugged at the heartstrings came away from the scorecards. In a gesture that spoke volumes, Colts honoured their ground staff with cash awards, with players mingling freely and sharing the spoils of victory, a reminder that cricket, at its core, remains a team game well beyond the boundary rope.

Colts, it seems, are not just back on the honours board, they are building a culture. And if this season is anything to go by, they might just be here to stay.

by Rex Clementine