Sports
Two weeks after cricketer Dinesh Schaffter’s murder, still no arrests
by Rex Clementine
Kandy’s leading lawyer Kshema Sangakkara chose the best for his children – Trinity for schooling, Bertie Wijesinha for cricket and Quentin Israel for rugby. No wonder son Kumar ended up as Sri Lanka’s highest run getter in Test cricket. Like Kshema, Chandra Schaffter too chose the best things for his children – Sherwood Hall in Madras for education and Bertie Wijesinha for cricket.
Chandra is Sri Lanka’s oldest living cricketer. His youngest son Dinesh, who was brutally murdered a fortnight ago, had played for Finchly Cricket Club in the Middlesex League. When he returned to Sri Lanka, the Tamil Union side had champion spinners of the caliber of Muttiah Muralitharan, Upul Chandana, Niroshan Bandarathileke and Rangana Herath, so he opted to ply his trade at Moors Sports Club, which he represented in 16 First Class games.
Dinesh was more than a decent bowler. His career best of six for 58 came against SSC and his victims included a certain M.S. Atapattu. Nothing flashy about his batting but he had the distinction of opening the batting and even going down at number 11. There was a bit of Kaushal Silva in Dinesh as he would never throw his wicket and had a knack of hanging in there. Once against NCC when he opened batting, Moors were falling apart like a pack of cards but Dinesh remained not out on one. Russel Arnold never one to shy away from a sledge reminded Dinesh that he better score a second run before the team is bowled out. Dinesh was too sweet a guy. Any other chap would have asked Russell whether he is the ugliest person to have played Test cricket for Sri Lanka?
Dinesh was also brilliant academically. He was only 18 when he completed his CIMA, becoming the youngest to do so.
Dinesh was a committee member of Moors SC at the time of his untimely death at the age of 51. His killing has sent shock waves in society and many were the cricketers who turned up to pay their last respect from Sanath Jayasuriya to Chaminda Vaas.
Since Dinesh’s death, there have been various theories and motives that have been out in public with some even claiming that he may have committed suicide and his businesses were bankrupt. Police have not concluded investigations and have asked the public not to jump into conclusions. The death and the case progressing at snail’s pace has been little consolation for Dinesh’s family. Don’t forget the fact that people owed Dinesh money and not the other way around.
The Island’s Editor is a veteran journalist counting close to 40 years of experience. He is very well versed on any subject be it Pele or President Premadasa. His theories are quite interesting and rarely does he get things wrong. When investigators were unable to make significant breakthroughs in the killing of fellow newspaper Editor Lasantha Wickramatunga, he commented that behind every unsolved crime, there’s a powerful politician. Truer words haven’t been spoken.
by Reemus Fernando
Two formidable teams Mahinda and Thurstan are set to produce a thrilling contest when they meet in the Under 19 Division I Tier ‘B’ cricket tournament final commencing at Sooriyawewa today.
After having recorded a remarkable Big Match victory over the weekend, Thurstan skippered by Thanuga Palihawadana will be looking to conclude the tournament with the coveted title. They had a minor set back on Tuesday when they were beaten by St. Anthony’s Wattala in a limited overs tournament match. Spinner Sethru Fernando who was rested for that match is expected to return for the decisive three-day final.
Mahinda are a team continuing to peak. The team captained by Kaveen Rukshan reached the final displaying a thoroughly dominant performance against St. Thomas’ Matara in the semi-final. The innings and 69 runs victory is their biggest win this season.
They also posted their highest innings total, 373 runs in that match with opening batsman Dulsith Darshana scoring a sensible knock of 96 runs and Senuka Damgamuwa hammering 200 runs in 153 balls.
Keeping Dangamuwa under control will be vital for Thurstan as he has the ability to turn the complexion of a game.
Mahinda will open batting with Dulsith Dharshana and Thevindu Rashmika. Wicketkeeper batsman Randul Mabarana, Sehas Ashinsa, Dineth Pehesara, Manitha Rajapaksha and Dangamuwa will form the top order batting lineup.
The new ball duties are shared by left-arm paceman Sadew Nethmina and Sahanjith Samadith. Left-arm spinners Senuka Dangamuwa and Arosha Udayanga and skipper Rukshan form a strong spin attack.
Thurstan too possess a strong spin department with Sri Lanka Under 19 skipper Vihas Thewmika, captain Palihawadana and Sethru Fernando sharing most of the duties.
Rachintha de Silva who excelled in the Big Match, Yovun Silpa and Lasindu Punsara form the pace attack.
Like Mahinda, Thurstan’s batting line up too produced their best performance of the season (383/8) in the semi-final with Sri Lanka Under 19 batsman Thanuja Rajapakse and Rachintha scoring centuries against their arch rivals.
Dinal Induwara and Rajapakse will open batting for Thurstan. Sethru Fernando, Janitha Rukshan, Thewmika, Rachintha and Pathum Dananjaya will form the top top order batting lineup.
This is not the first time these two teams are meeting this season. When they met during the league stage Thurstan posted 274 to earn first innings points. Mahinda could muster only 205 runs. That was a early third term encounter. Both teams have grown by leaps and bounds. Hence a mouthwatering encounter is on the cards.
In a groundbreaking move to enhance school cricket, the Executive Committee of Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), under the leadership of President Shammi Silva, has introduced three-day school matches in place of the traditional two-day encounters.
As part of this ambitious initiative, SLC has committed financial grants to 56 schools, enabling them to host their annual big matches as three-day contests. Until now, only three schools enjoyed this privilege, while the rest were restricted to two-day games. With this progressive shift, 28 big matches will now be played over three days, ushering in a new chapter for school cricket, effective from the ongoing season.
This transformation, executed in collaboration with the Sri Lanka School Cricket Association, is designed to provide young cricketers with extended match exposure, sharpen their skills, and ensure a seamless transition to first-class and international cricket.
Further strengthening this initiative, SLC has also revamped the U19 School Cricket competition by extending the three-day match format to the knockout stages of Division I and II (both Tier A and B), replacing the previous two-day structure.
Sri Lanka’s school cricket system is one of the most dynamic in the world, with over 6,800 matches played annually across U13, U15, U17, and U19 levels. SLC remains the primary financial pillar behind these tournaments, reaffirming its dedication to grooming the next generation of cricketing talent.
This initiative underscores SLC’s long-term vision for grassroots cricket, reinforcing the foundation that has historically produced Sri Lanka’s finest national players.
Dialog Axiata PLC proudly launches the 2025 Dialog Big Match Season, continuing its legacy of fostering school cricket and shaping future champions. As March arrives, the island will be swept by cricket fever as past and present students unite for this time-honoured tradition.
This year, Dialog sponsors seven iconic Big Matches, featuring 14 esteemed schools competing for pride and glory. The season’s crown jewel, the 146th Battle of the Blues, takes center stage at SSC on March 6th-8th, as Royal College and S. Thomas’ College renew their legendary rivalry. The Mustangs Trophy follows on March 15th.
Other marquee encounters include the 91st Battle of the Saints (April 3rd-5th) and One Day clash (April 26th), the 120th Lovers’ Quarrel (April 3rd-5th), and the 118th Battle of the Maroons in Kandy (April 4th-6th). Fans can also anticipate thrilling contests like the Battle of the Rocks and Battle of the Golds and more.
With its unwavering commitment to Powering the champions of tomorrow, Dialog invites fans to experience the excitement live at the grounds or via ThePapare TV and Dialog ViU. The 2025 season promises passion, tradition, and the birth of future cricketing stars.
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