Lucy Barnett played a pivotal role in Isle of Man’s run to the Women’s Continental Cup final, finishing the tournament as the leading run-scorer.

The 19-year-old beat competitions from Suleeporn Laomi and Nannapt Koncharoenkai of Thailand to the award.

She enjoyed an outstanding campaign, registering a century and two fifties across the competition.

Barnett began with an unbeaten 71 against Romania, guiding Isle of Man to a comfortable run chase in just 13.1 overs.

After scoring only four runs against Greece, she responded in spectacular fashion against Norway, smashing an unbeaten 123 from 64 balls to help her side finish top of the group.

She also made an impact with the ball in those two matches, taking 1/8 against Greece and 1/11 against Norway.

Her strong run continued in the final against Turkey, where she was Isle of Man’s highest scorer with a 59, while also contributing two wickets for 22 runs.

Across four T20Is, Barnett amassed 257 runs at an exceptional average of 128.50 and a strike rate of 178.47.

With the ball, she claimed four wickets at an economy rate of 3.80 and an average of 14.25.

Speaking on the recognition, Barnett revealed the award gives her an added motivation to keep performing at the highest level.

“Winning the ICC Player of the Month award is an incredible feeling and, honestly, still feels a little unbelievable as I am making history of sorts for the Isle of Man,” Barnett said.

“I knew I had a strong month, but to be recognised ahead of so many others is something I’m immensely proud of and will cherish for a very long time.

“It’s a fantastic time for women’s cricket, and to have the spotlight on me now is a truly special feeling.

“I’m grateful to the ICC for this honour and to all my team-mates, coaches and officials who have made my international journey such an enjoyable and rewarding one.

“This award gives me even more motivation to keep pushing myself, and I hope to carry this form into the matches ahead and create many more special moments for my team.”

[ICC]

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that the new National Youth Policy, being formulated to address the current challenges faced by Sri Lanka’s youth and fulfill their aspirations for the future, is scheduled to be finalised and implemented by the first quarter of 2027.

The Prime Minister made these remarks on Wednesday [September 16], while addressing the 1st National Research Symposium on Youth Development – NRSYD 2026, jointly organised by the Open University of Sri Lanka (OUSL) and the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, held at the Water Supply and Drainage Board Auditorium in Ratmalana.

The symposium was held under the theme, ​“Young People as Right Holders and Change-Makers: Asset-based Pathways for Social Transformation.” Research papers are being presented under nine key thematic areas.

These areas include youth empowerment and leadership; education, vocational training and skills development; health, mental well-being and nutrition; youth entrepreneurship and economic participation; technology, digitalisation and innovation; climate change and sustainable development; minorities, social integration and the rule of law; youth migration and international relations; and arts, culture and creative expression.

The official publication of the symposium was presented to Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya and other distinguished guests by Deputy Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Dinindu Saman Hennayake and Secretary to the Ministry A.M.H.U. Aruna Bandara.

Speaking at the event, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya sated:

“Although a draft National Youth Policy was prepared in 2014, it was not implemented. Therefore, a new policy is currently being formulated with the participation of all stakeholders, taking into consideration the current changes in technology, the economy and the employment market.

Under the Government’s Public Investment Programme, Rs. 145 million has been allocated for research and development activities in the youth and sports sectors. Rs. 5 million has been allocated for this symposium. This allocation is a good beginning. It clearly demonstrates the seriousness with which we view evidence-based policymaking.

In the face of technological advancement and digitalisation, providing young people with academic knowledge alone is not sufficient. It is essential to equip them with practical, technical and vocational skills alongside knowledge. For this purpose, curricula within the existing education system must be updated in line with new technologies and global demand.

As for the Government, youth development is a cross-cutting issue that concerns all sectors. Our intention is to establish a unified policy framework that can provide guidelines and recommendations to address the challenges faced by young people in a scientific and sustainable manner.

Formulating a policy is only the beginning. The success of the National Youth Policy will depend on its implementation, monitoring and evaluation. Our objective should be to develop young people who are resilient and capable of facing changes, while also enabling them to become a generation that leads positive changes taking place in the world”.

The Prime Minister further stated that there is a proposal to hold the research symposium as an international conference next year, which would provide Sri Lankan researchers with significant opportunities to establish connections at regional and international levels.

The occasion was attended by the Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Sunil Kumara Gamage, Vice Chancellor of the Open University of Sri Lanka Senior Professor P.M.C. Thilakarathne, along with a large number of researchers, academics and young people.

[Prime Minister’s Media Division]