Sports

Badminton’s message of hope to war-torn Ampara

Published

5 years ago

2021/03/30

by A Special Sports Correspondent

Sport is a wise tool to use in reconciliation activities. It comes in handy when participants are less affluent and have physical and mental scars; in this instance due to a civil war that concluded. Representatives of Sri Lanka Badminton (SLB) were in Ampara a few days ago to conduct a coaching session for coaches, but nothing could stop some children also ‘getting inside’ and participating in the two-day event held at the Ampara Public Indoor Stadium. The camp was held on March 20 and 21.

The coaching camp was organised by the Coaching and Promotions Committee of the SLB. What really caught the eye of the organisers was the physical conditioning of participants. The people present are used to hardships and they commute long distances on foot or by bicycles. “Hence the physical qualities needed for badminton are already there,” said Chintaka Fernando who conducted the coaching programme.

It’s after many years that Ampara is picking up in civil life activities. There is little facilities for sports and this programme was certainly a boost for the people in this town and those who also came from far away areas like Dehiaththakandiya.

Amapara knows more about a civil war than sports. Ampara was once ravaged by the civil war and history reveals how the Gonagala massacre took place in 1999 where 54 people were killed. There were many children among them and the killers were largely women LTTE cadres. But during the war too the town produced gems in the sports field who went on to represent Sri Lanka. Medal winners Damayanthi Darsha and Dileema Peterson are from Ampara and later continued their sports by coming to Colombo.

Once inside the hall and attending the camp the participants were eager to learn new things. It’s not that there was clear tunnel vision for them during the sessions. But according to Fernando what really pulled the heart strings of the participants was the technical part of the game.

According to Fernando the mission of the camp was to create a sports culture in Ampara and to educate coaches so that they know how to impart true knowledge. Thanks to the President of SLB Rohan de Silva sports equipment was distributed to participants. But the most valuable possession they got from the session was the ‘certificate of participation’ which they were entitled to after sitting for a written exam.

Some of the participants at the coaching camp held at the Ampara Public Indoor Stadium on March 20 and 21 pose for a photograph

The message that was given to participants from the SLB representatives was that ‘nothing comes easy before it’s hard’.

Nothing in success comes without the role of volunteers and philanthropists. The camp in Ampara was largely successful because of the contributions of parliamentarian Dr. Tilak Rajapaksa who hails from Ampara. All what he did was to a village where he schooled at initially before shifting to Colombo to continue his studies. Mention must be made of his coordinator Lakshan de Silva and the efforts of Sri Lanka Badminton’s Coaching and Promotions Committee Chairman Deepal Madurapperuma and its Secretary Lalith Perera and Trevor Rackerman the CEO of SLB. For the record this camp was the second in the series following the first one in Colombo.

This is an era where individuals, especially young ones, ask the question ‘what’s in it for me’ before undertaking any venture or project because we are living in a ‘me era’. Individual returns have top most importance and selfishness reigns in life, politics and sports. But many of the organisers who were involved sacrificed a lot, especially their time to stay at home with their loved ones, to give rural fork a real badminton experience.

These folk who participated in the coaching camp needn’t be given lessons on how to make their focus sharp. They are from an area where the human elephant conflict is a daily occurrence. People in the area know the best times to move around and avoid facing the wrath of the jumbos. The organisers of the coaching camp were housed at the Irrigation Bungalow. While at the bungalow these representatives were reminded that there was an elephant corridor close by and no one should park his or her vehicle and block that passage. Not very long ago a van had been damaged because it was parked in a way that it blocked the corridor.

Something that would be a cause for sadness is that there were no Tamil participants at the camp. Ampara has Tamil citizens who didn’t have the best of life due to the armed conflict that concluded in 2009. The organisers of the coaching camp had taken a Tamil citizen, Sivalingam Kethees, who was ready to translate the content in the sports literature that was distributed and what was said by officials at the camp. The absence of Tamils makes the orgnisers of the camp ponder whether there was lack of coordination among the sports officials of Ampara and the citizens of this Eastern Town.

The coaching camp was loaded, but the participants found enough energy and enthusiasm needed to last and absorb the content of the two full days coaching. When the dusk was setting in on the final day and when it was ready to bid goodbye the best thing that the organisers heard from participants, where the majority were coaches and sports officials, was that they would target to produce medal winners at badminton in the future.

They also made a request for the SLB representatives to visit Ampara again; possibly to show results from what they have learned and to strengthen the bridge that Colombo build with the Eastern Province thanks to badminton.

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Sports

High-scoring draw gives West Indies rare series win

Published

9 hours ago

2026/07/9

Sahan Weerasooriya

Brandon King scored an unbeaten fifty in the fourth innings

After 1408 runs and 28 wickets, and even some rain delays over five days, the result that had long been telegraphed came to pass as West Indies and Sri Lanka and played out a draw in the second and final Test in North Sound. The stalemate means a first Test series victory in 11 attempts for West Indies, their last coming in 2023. For their last home Test series win, one would have to go back to June 2022.

And it was perhaps the significance – and rarity – of this achievement that informed the hosts’ approach over the course of this Test, which was also the first in 2026 to end in a draw. Following Sri Lanka’s imposing first-innings effort, West Indies’ response – on a good batting surface – never really appeared to be in search of a victory.

Set a target of 302 John Campbell and Brandon King never threatened to take it on. Even so, both scoring fifties – Campbell for the second time this Test – will have given the pair and the West Indies dressing room cause for optimism after their recent batting travails in the longest format.

Moreover, with WTC points of less importance since they have already been eliminated from contention for a final berth, the series win was all that mattered for West Indies. And in that context, it was incumbent on Sri Lanka to do most of the running, though on a true surface that scarcely deteriorated over the course of the Test, the visiting bowlers were always facing an uphill challenge in picking up 20 wickets to win the game and level the series.

They did come out on the final morning with belief – however implausible – that they might be able to manifest a miracle. The first part of the plan was quick runs, and in that they excelled. Dinesh Chandimal and Kamindu Mendis were the overnight pair, and it was clear from the outset that they would look to take on the bowling.

West Indies, however, weren’t in any mood to make it easy, as they stuck to defensive fields and lines – stacking a 2-7 field to the seamers, while the spinners lived on leg-stump lines. Despite this, Sri Lanka galloped along at a scoring rate of 5.79 in the session, one where they struck 139 runs in 24 overs.

The risks they were forced to take also meant that six wickets fell in the first two hours of play – comfortably the most in a single session all Test. But a closer look at each and it was clear why Sri Lanka were not totally at ease with a lunch-time declaration.

Kamindu spliced a top edge looking to crash an off-side length ball from Jayden Seales, Dhananjaya de Silva holed out to long-off, while both Chandimal and Kusal Mendis carved chances straight to gully. Sonal Dinusha, meanwhile, was run out courtesy a direct hit from deep point as he strained to make it back for an ambitious second run, while Isitha Wijesundara missed with a wild heave.

After days of obdurate Test cricket, this period resembled the later overs of an ODI, as Sri Lanka scrambled desperately for every run on offer, but it was more batter errors than any demons in the surface.

At lunch, the lead had swelled to 281 and many speculated an imminent declaration, but Sri Lanka made the surprise call to continue batting. The target, it seems, was a lead of at least 300, and this was achieved in three overs after lunch, after which the declaration was promptly signalled.

Considering the relative ease with which Campbell and King proceeded for the remainder of the session – and the day – there was perhaps merit in padding the target – and in turn eating into roughly 25 minutes of play in the second session that would otherwise have been afforded West Indies to chase.

Scores:

Sri Lanka

549 for 9 dec 139.3 overs (Lahiru Udara 188, Kamindu Mendis 84, Kusal Mendis 69, Dinusha 92; Jayden Seales 2-98, Shamar Joseph 2-98) and 251 for 9 dec in 49 overs (Dinesh Chandimal 71, Kamindu Mendis 44; Alzarri Joseph 2-44) drew with West Indies 499 in 165.5overs (John Campbell 72, Shai Hope 112, Justin Greaves 180; Asitha Fernando 5-130, Prabath Jayasuriya 3-131) and 109 for 0 in 40 overs (John Campbell 51*, Brandon King 51*)

(Cricinfo)

Sports

Bipun, Pathiv shine with outstanding feats

Published

9 hours ago

2026/07/9

Sahan Weerasooriya

Bipun Alwis

A superb century by Pathiv Vehan for St. Sebastian’s College, Moratuwa and a five wicket haul by Bipun Alwis for De Mazenod College Kandana were among the top individual performances of the day in the Under 17 Division I cricket tournament continued on Wednesday.

‎‎Bipun Alwis continued his outstanding form with the ball, producing another match-winning five-wicket haul as De Mazenod College, Kandana defeated Christ King College, Ja-Ela by six wickets in their match played at the De Mazenod College Grounds, Kandana.

‎Alwis ripped through Christ King’s batting line-up, claiming a superb 5 for 19 from his 10 overs, including three maidens at an exceptional economy rate of 1.90. His victims included top order batsmen, Ashen Anjelo (24), Shevon Vihanga (29), Tujan Adithya (0), Sayura Akash (0) and Saduka Fernando (0), triggering a collapse from 65 for no loss to 91 for six. Christ King were eventually dismissed for 159 in 49.3 overs.

‎De Mazenod comfortably chased the target, reaching 163 for 4 in 38.1 overs. Dimeth Imendra anchored the innings with a composed 70 off 132 deliveries, while Ashel Perera struck a brisk 37 and Ushan Adithya remained unbeaten on 21 to steer the hosts home.

‎Alwis’ latest five-wicket haul further underlined his consistency this season, adding another outstanding spell to his growing list of match-winning bowling performances. His ability to dismantle top order batsmen has made him one of De Mazenod’s key performers in the 2026 Under-17 Division I campaign.

‎Meanwhile a superb century from Pathiv Vehan set the stage for St. Sebastian’s College, Moratuwa to record an exciting 24-run victory over Sri Sumangala College, Panadura in their Group A encounter played at the Bandaragama Public Grounds.

‎Batting first, St. Sebastian’s posted a formidable 291 for 8 in their 50 overs, built around an outstanding knock of 130 off 97 balls by Pathiv Vehan. His match-deciding innings featured 21 boundaries and two sixes, dominating the Sri Sumangala bowling attack. Navinu Fernando provided valuable support with a composed 54, while Nisila Dimath contributed 29 and Nithusha Fernando remained unbeaten on 25. Sakun Pansilu claimed 4 for 72 and Chanithu Ranyuru picked up 3 for 57 for Sri Sumangala.

‎In reply, Sri Sumangala fought bravely and finished on 267 for 9 in 49.5 overs. Chanithu Ranyuru led the chase with a blistering 74 off 57 deliveries, while Sanithu Hemsara scored 40 and Dinuga Thathsilu remained unbeaten on 40. However, St. Sebastian’s bowlers held their nerve, with Adeesha Lakshan producing 4 for 41. Sanoj Perera, Navinu Fernando and Nithusha Fernando claimed a wicket each as St. Sebastian’s secured a hard-fought 24-run victory.

(RF)

Sports

Sri Lanka Tennis Premier League unveils vision to transform the business of tennis in Sri Lanka

Published

9 hours ago

2026/07/9

Sahan Weerasooriya

From left: Avishka Silva (CL Synergy - Title Sponsor), Yasser Farook (Wilson - Powered By Sponsor), Arjun Fernando (SLTPL Steering Committee), Kamal Munasinghe (Cinnamon Hotels - Hospitality partner), Chalaka Bogoda (DIMO - Luxury Automobile Partner), Iqbal Bin Issak (President SLTA), Rukmal Cooray (Vice President SLTA ), Roshan Silva - (Director SLTPL), Pradeep Goonasekera (Secretary General SLTA)

Stake holders of the Sri Lanka Tennis Premier League at the launch

The Sri Lanka Tennis Association (SLTA) officially launched the Sri Lanka Tennis Premier League (SLTPL), at The Studio – Cinnamon Life City of Dreams, unveiling a landmark franchise-based sporting property designed to redefine the future of tennis in Sri Lanka through professional league management, corporate partnerships and technology-driven tournament operations.

The launch event was attended by key stakeholders including Iqbal Bin Issak – President SLTA, Rukmal Cooray – Vice President SLTA, Roshan Silva – Director SLTPL, and Steering Committee Members Aasiri Iddamalgoda, Sanjay Wijemanne, and Arjun Fernando. The event also saw the presence of potential franchise owners, prospective sponsors and strategic partners, reflecting strong early interest in the League’s commercial and sporting potential.

Set to be held from 27–30 August 2026, the inaugural edition of the SLTPL will feature eight franchise teams, bringing together Sri Lanka’s leading tennis talent across multiple age categories in an innovative team-based competition.

The League has been conceived as a long-term platform that extends beyond competition, with the objective of creating sustainable commercial value for the sport while providing players, franchises, sponsors and fans with an enhanced tennis experience.

A significant milestone at the launch was the announcement of the League’s founding commercial partners, who have committed to supporting the SLTPL from its inaugural season.

CL Synergy was announced as the Title Sponsor, Wilson as the Powered By Partner, Cinnamon Life as the Hospitality Partner, and DIMO as the Exclusive Luxury Automobile Partner.

League officials presented commemorative tokens of appreciation to each partner in recognition of their confidence in supporting the League during its formative stages and contributing towards the establishment of a new era for Sri Lankan tennis.

Another defining feature of the launch was the unveiling of the League’s integrated digital ecosystem, developed specifically to manage every aspect of the tournament.

The official website, www.sltpl.lk, together with the SLTPL Digital Platform, provides a comprehensive technology infrastructure encompassing player registration, player management, franchise auctions, tournament scheduling, live scoring, results management, player rankings, statistical reporting and performance analytics.

Designed as a fully integrated operational platform, the system enables efficient administration while significantly enhancing transparency, accessibility and the overall experience for players, franchises, officials, sponsors, media and fans.

The initiative has received enthusiastic support from the wider tennis community, including players, coaches and administrators, who view the League as a significant step forward for the sport in Sri Lanka.

Speaking at the launch, League officials highlighted that the SLTPL represents more than a tournament; it is a strategic investment in the future of Sri Lankan tennis. By introducing a professionally managed franchise model, the League seeks to create new commercial opportunities, strengthen player pathways, encourage greater private sector participation and elevate the overall standard of the sport.

The League is expected to serve as a catalyst for increased investment into tennis infrastructure, player development and high-performance competition, while creating a sustainable ecosystem capable of supporting the sport’s long-term growth.

With strong institutional leadership from the Sri Lanka Tennis Association, the support of leading corporate partners and the deployment of modern digital infrastructure, the Sri Lanka Tennis Premier League aims to establish itself as one of Sri Lanka’s premier sporting properties and a benchmark for the professional management of sport in the country.

As preparations continue for the inaugural tournament in August, the League is expected to announce further strategic partnerships, franchise developments and player-related milestones in the lead-up to the opening serve.