Sports

Undergraduate Supuna eyes TT ‘crown’

Published

5 years ago

2021/03/31

Sahan Weerasooriya

The Warusawithana ‘table tennis family’: From left Supuna, Erandhi and Hiruna

by A Special Sports Correspondent

Table tennis player Supuna Warusawithana stole the show at the recently concluded Kegalla District Open Ranking Tournament when he won the men’s singles open and the achievement helped him set his sight to pursue more glory in the sport this year.

What’s special about Supuna is that he comes from a family that has so much involvement in table tennis. His sister Erandhi and younger brother Hiruna are also competitive table tennis players and have won honours in the sport at national level. There was a time when all three were in the national table tennis pool.

However all eyes are on Supuna who is playing well and has his eyes set on reaching the number one ranking in the men’s singles; a feat he achieved before the curtains fell on the sport as a result of the first wave of the Covid 19 pandemic. He is at present ranked fourth in the men’s singles.

Getting there will be hard and Supuna knows that. There is the challenge posed by players like Senura Silva, Krishan Wickremeratne and Chameera Ginige. That’s what makes the table tennis men’s singles event so exciting and doesn’t allow room for complacency in the playing careers of any of these four players.

Supuna is a ‘brain’ and is studying for a Information Technology degree at the University of Moratuwa. He is one player who balanced his studies and sports and reached some stability in life. “I love to continue playing table tennis, but I have realised that only education would secure my future. So my main goal in life is to complete my degree and find suitable employment,” said the 23-year-old player who had his school education at Dharmasoka Ambalangoda and Ananda College Colombo. For the record he obtained nine As at the O’ Level Examination and an A and two Bs at the A’ Level Examination studying mathematics.

As a result of playing table tennis at national level he said he received the expected recognition at the university. “My table tennis back ground gave me that advantage at the university,” said Supuna.

Like all other players Supuna too was affected by the Corona pandemic because it affected his studies and playing table tennis. But like all other players he too was so glad to return to competition when the Table Tennis Association of Sri Lanka conducted three tournaments this year. He also contested the Kegalle District Maheepala Herath Challenge Tournament and the Open Ranking Tournament held at Mount Lavinia and reached the quarter finals and semi finals respectively in the men’s open singles.

At the international scene he dazzled at the 2013 Junior South Asian Championships (Silver in the team event), 2014 South Asian Championships (Bronze in the team event) and 2016 South Asian Championships (Gold in the team event). “Sri Lanka can win a medal at the Commonwealth Games. I have hopes there too,” said Supuna.

Among the blessings he has to follow the sport he counts the supports he receives from his parents Sumudu (dad) and Nipunika (mom). “They’ve never set goals for me, but have given me all the support which is what I need,” he reflected.

It sometimes isn’t easy to play without outside pressure when so many members of one’s family and close relations have had links in table tennis. Apart from his siblings his dad Sumudu (School level), Grandfather Chandradeera (School level) and his uncle Kumudu (national level) were also involved in the racket sport.

But now the focus is on these three children from the same family who have done Ambalangoda proud. There have been occasions when Supuna has partnered his elder sister Erandhi in the mixed doubles. But he shares much more in the sport with his younger brother Hiruna (who schools at Ananda College) who is his partner in the men’s doubles event. “When I play with my brother the left hand right hand combination we produce comes in handy. We both play an attacking game and we share the same ideas in the sport. My sister is a defensive players and that’s her style of playing. There are times when we three practice together and prepare for tournaments. We have a table tennis table at home,” said Supuna.

It is with much love and appreciation that he remembered his coaches N.H Perera (who coached him at Ananda College), Upul Samantha and Chathura Dushan (who coached him at Dharmasoka Ambalangoda) and Nishan Perera who is his present private coach.

He said that he never stopped playing table tennis even close to examinations. But he said that when he does feel stressed out from all his activities he goes on a hike to the mountains with his friends.

One little area where he would like to improve is ‘training in the gym’ because Sri Lanka table tennis players don’t have a huge gym culture like with most of the players in the rest of the world. “I know it’s important to spend the hours in the gym, but the best of Sri Lanka’s players keep winning without the gym workouts,” he said. He said that he also doesn’t follow a special diet despite being a national player.

Supuna would soon complete his degree and if all goes well he might reach the number one ranking this year and also become the national singles champion. The journey ahead for him in sport is hard, but achieving his dreams wouldn’t be that challenging with his brother and sister cheering him on and offering him all the assistance.

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Sports

Sri Lanka claim ODI series 1-0 after another washout in Kingston

Published

6 hours ago

2026/06/10

Sahan Weerasooriya

Kusal Mendis poses with the series trophy

For the second game running in Kingston, persistent rain forced an ODI between West Indies and Sri Lanka had to be abandoned without a ball being bowled. This one – the third and final ODI in this series at Sabina Park – meant Sri Lanka secured the trophy with a 1-0 margin, courtesy the 41-run victory they enjoyed in the series opener.

The umpires had several inspections, but after discussing with curators they decided that getting play started by the cut off of 8.02pm for a 20-over-shootout was almost impossible.

While the mood around both camps might be damp, both literally and metaphorically following two straight washouts, the outcome is still a landmark one for the visiting Lions. It is their first ODI-series victory in the Caribbean in 23 years – the last coming in 2003. A positive start for their newly appointed head coach Gary Kirsten and their new ODI captain Kusal Mendis, although they would’ve liked to have seen more in-game action from the players.

“Very happy to win the series, we did really well in that one game – in all three departments,” Mendis said. “There are not a lot of matches ahead of next year’s World Cup, happy with my first series victory as captain. Got support of the staff too.” He also praised the bowling unit.

For West Indies, the weather and the subsequent series result is undoubtedly a frustrating blow. Denied a chance to avenge their opening game defeat, it’s not only a first series loss at home in three years but, more critically, it’s a result that hinders their pursuit of vital ICC ranking points required for automatic, direct qualification for the 2027 ODI World Cup.

West Indies, for now, remain in tenth place in the ODI rankings, just outside of the top eight qualifying spots. They have ODI series campaigns against New Zealand (World No. 2) and India (No. 1) coming up next.

“You can’t control mother nature,” Shai Hope said. “Credit just be given to the Sri Lankan team for the way they played in the first game. [T20I series next] We need to look ahead, understand conditions. Adaptability will be key in Jamaica. We’ve got some experience, hope to bounce back there.”

Both sides will rapidly shift focus to the shortest format as a three-match T20I series is scheduled to kick off on Thursday, June 11, with subsequent matches on June 13 and June 14.

However, the teams will not be changing hotels just yet; all three T20Is are slated to take place at the exact same venue in Kingston. With rain expected to be a presence across Jamaica over the coming week, groundstaff will have their work cut out for them to ensure the upcoming matches escape a similar watery fate. Those matches will all start at 7.30pm local time.

[Cricinfo]

Sports

Hirun, Menula steer Isipatana to five-wicket win over St. Benedict’s

Published

6 hours ago

2026/06/10

Sahan Weerasooriya

Isipatana College Colombo produced a disciplined all-round performance to register a comfortable five-wicket victory over St. Benedict’s College Kotahena in their Under-17 Division I cricket encounter at BRC ground on Tuesday.

‎Chasing a modest target of 165, Isipatana suffered an early setback when Hasindu Kethmina fell with only three runs on the board. However, Savain Wijewardana and Hirun Wattegedara steadied the innings with a valuable second-wicket stand.

‎Savain made 30 off 48 balls before being dismissed, while Hirun anchored the chase with a composed 66 off 104 deliveries that included three fours and two sixes. His knock laid the foundation for the successful run chase.

‎Menula Dambakumbur

අ played an aggressive innings of 47 from just 45 balls, striking three boundaries and a six. His partnership with Hirun carried Isipatana close to victory before both batters departed late in the innings.

‎Kumar Abishek remained unbeaten on 3 as Isipatana reached 165 for 5 in 36.4 overs, sealing victory with many overs to spare.

‎For St. Benedict’s, Thisum Perera was the most successful bowler with figures of 2 for 31 from 10 overs, while Paranthaman Rohinth, Sethun Perera and Theumika Perera claimed a wicket each.

‎Earlier, St. Benedict’s were bowled out for 164 in 47.1 overs despite a fighting half-century from Paranthaman Rohinth. Rohinth top-scored with 54 runs off 75 deliveries, striking five fours and a six, while Sethun Perera contributed 19 and Daham Premasiri added 19 lower down the order.

‎St. Benedict’s struggled to build substantial partnerships as wickets fell at regular intervals. Rohinth’s dismissal at 101 for 4 in the 29th over triggered a middle-order collapse, leaving the innings heavily dependent on contributions from the lower order.

‎Isipatana’s bowlers shared the workload effectively. Nithila Athukorala and Kumar Abishek claimed two wickets apiece, conceding just 21 and 19 runs respectively. Abiru Walpola also picked up two wickets, while Hirun Wattegedara, Hiruna Vidushan and Anuhas Pandithage chipped in with one wicket each.

Scores:

‎St. Benedict’s 164 all out in 47.1 overs

(Paranthaman Rohinth 54, Sethun Perera 19, Daham Premasiri 19; Nithila Athukorala 2/21, Kumar Abishek 2/19, Abiru Walpola 2/33).

‎Isipatana 165 for 5 in 36.4 overs (Hirun Wattegedara 66, Menula Dambakumbura 47, Savain Wijewardana 30; Thisum Perera 2/31).

‎In the other matches played on Tuesday, Kingswood beat St. Thomas’ Matale y seven wickets while St. Sebastian’s Katuneriya beat Maris Stella, Thimbirigaskatuwa by two wickets.

[RF]

Sports

44th Executive Committee to steer MCA in 2026/27

Published

6 hours ago

2026/06/10

Sahan Weerasooriya

The 44th Executive Committee of the Mercantile Cricket Association

Seated from left:

Lakmal de Silva [Exco Member] .Rohan Somawansa [Vice President], Thushan Amarasuriya [Senior Vice President] Sirosha Gunatilake [President ], Achintha Hewanayake [General Secretary], Tarinda Kaluperuma [Vice President] , Hasitha Dassanayake [Treasurer ]

Standing from left:

Samantha de Mel [Exco Member], Sajith Atapattu [Assistant Treasurer ], Ajith Siyambalapitiya [Assistant Secretary], Pramodth Fernando [Exco Member], Anil Hapugoda [Exco Member], Ashan Peris [Exco Member], Feroze Ahamed [Exco Member]

Founded in 1911 as the ‘Mercantile Cricket Competition’, the Mercantile Cricket Association (MCA) has evolved under the stewardship of distinguished cricketing personalities — from its first President, to Sirosha Gunatilake its 44th President and the 30th Sri Lankan to hold the post.

Over the years, the MCA has made significant investments in cricketing infrastructure to further the development of the sport across the country and continues to play a vital role in nurturing cricketing talent within the mercantile sector and beyond.

Today, the MCA is recognized as one of the foremost cricket-promoting associations in Sri Lanka and has served as a model for many of the tournament structures adopted by Sri Lanka Cricket.

The Association annually conducts seven major tournaments and more than 500 matches, including the Super Premier League to Rising Leagues, the Mercantile Six-a-Side Tournament, the Over-40 Sixes, T10 and T20 competitions, the MCA Inter Academy Invitational Tournament, and the MCA Ladies Sixes (Softball) Tournament, which was introduced to promote women’s cricket and encourage greater participation of ladies in hard-ball cricket.

The 44th Executive Committee that will steer Sri Lanka’s premier corporate cricket association through 2026 / 2027:

President

– Sirosha Gunatilake Managing Director, (Trendex Lanka (Pvt) Ltd)

Senior Vice President –

Thushan Amarasuriya Managing Director/ Executive Director, (Singer Sri Lanka PLC)

Vice Presidents-

Tarindra Kaluperuma Executive Director , (Stafford Motors Co. Ltd)

Rohan Somawansa Head of Marketing and Corporate Communication / Director (DSI Samson Group (Pvt). Ltd)

General Secretary

Achintha Hewanayake Director/CEO/President , (CL Synergy Limited)

Treasurer

Hasitha Dassanayake Chief Sales & Digital Business Officer, (Citizen Development Business Finance PLC)