The SLAF recognized its outstanding athletes who brought international acclaim by securing medals at the Asian Beach Games 2026 in China. A special felicitation ceremony was held on Wednesday at the Air Force Headquarters under the patronage of the Commander of the Air Force and President Air Force Sports Council, Air Marshal Bandu Edirisinghe.

‎In appreciation of their exceptional performances in wrestling, kabaddi and long jump, the athletes were promoted to the rank of Corporal. In addition to these promotions, they were awarded special cash prizes in recognition of their dedication and achievements.

‎The ceremony also highlighted the invaluable contribution of the coaches, whose guidance and commitment played a pivotal role in these successes. The Commander of the Air Force presented special cash awards to the coaches in acknowledgment of their efforts.

‎Nipuni Wasana Dharmadasa (Gold in wrestling), Hansika Bandara (Silver in

‎kabaddi), Shanika Bandara (Silver in Kabaddi), Chaminda Samarakoon (Bronze in Kabaddi) and Shashikala Lankathilaka (Bronze in long jump) were the Air Force athletes felicitated.

Tokyo Cement Group, in collaboration with the Mahaweli Authority, launched the 2026 tree-planting season of the Ivuru Rakina Pawuru project near the Polgolla Dam in Kandy, joined by members of the touring New Zealand Under-85kg rugby team. The event reflected the sustained commitment to restoring and safeguarding the banks of the Mahaweli River, gaining international recognition for its far-reaching value creation.

The event brought together officials representing the Mahaweli Authority, the Central Environment Authority, ranking officers of the Sri Lanka Rugby Federation, students from Kandy Model School in Polgolla, and residents of the surrounding community, with members of the New Zealand Under-85kg rugby team, to plant 100 Kumbuk saplings along the riverbank, highlighting a shared dedication to environmental stewardship.

Tokyo Cement Group’s Ivuru Rakina Pawuru programme partners the Ministry of Environment and Mahaweli Authority since 2017, in their concerted efforts to reforest the Mahaweli riverbanks with native species such as Kumbuk and Mee, supporting the sustainable management of vital water catchment areas.

The Double Wicket Cricket Tournament, set to be worked off for the third time later this month, is gathering plenty of momentum with 24 teams set to be in the fray this year, organisers Lanka Heritage Cricket Club announced during a media briefing in Colombo on Wednesday.

The organisers have attracted several sponsors for the much-anticipated event, which will feature cricketers over the age of 45 and by next year they hope to take the tournament global by inviting teams from overseas.

The tournament will be worked off on May 16 and 17 at Moors Cricket Ground with former Sri Lanka batsman Roy Dias gracing the opening ceremony as Chief Guest. Former Sri Lanka captain Anura Tennekoon will attend the final day as Chief Guest and give away the prizes.

The think tank of Lanka Heritage Cricket Club, comprising former St. Joseph’s cricketers Dushan Soza and Susilough de Silva Wijeyratne along with former St. Benedict’s cricketer Basil Perera, have been regulars at the Tamil Union bar, often huddled in a corner with Sir Donald Bradman’s portrait keeping them company. It has now emerged these were not mere drinking sessions, but brainstorming meetings where the pieces of the Double Wicket Tournament were carefully put together.

The tournament promises plenty of fun. Cricket itself is a game of glorious uncertainties and the double wicket format adds another layer of intrigue. Nine independent fielders will patrol the field while the two batters can continue batting despite being dismissed. However, every dismissal carries a penalty of minus five runs. Each team comprises four players, but only two can take the field during a match.

A side may appear to have sealed victory with two balls to spare, only to end up losing the contest. In double wicket cricket, teams must bat out their full quota of two overs and even if the winning runs are scored midway through the over, another dismissal could drag the total into the red. In short, it is never over until the fat lady sings.

A & E has stepped forward as the principal sponsor for the third edition of the tournament alongside Future Life Holdings, LOLC Finance, Phoenix, Nithyakalyani Jewellery, PEO Sports, Janashakthi Group and Chance Sports.

by Rex Clementine