Former Test captain Marvan Atapattu has heaped praise on Angelo Mathews, who drew the curtain on his illustrious Test career last week, calling him “the best finisher Sri Lanka had since the great Arjuna Ranatunga.”

Atapattu and Mathews go a long way back in Sri Lankan cricketing colours. Atapattu was at the helm as Batting Coach when a young Mathews was finding his feet in the national side. By 2014, Mathews had taken over the captaincy and Atapattu had succeeded Paul Farbrace as Head Coach — a combination that turned out to be a match made in cricketing heaven.

“When I think of that historic Test series win in England, it’s Angelo’s gritty 160 that immediately comes to mind. That innings at Headingley laid the foundation for a memorable triumph,” Atapattu reminisced. “And let’s not forget the century he carved out at Lord’s. He led from the front, both with the bat and as captain.”

That 2014 series saw Sri Lanka battle from the jaws of defeat. England had piled up a sizeable first innings lead of over 100 runs and the visitors were teetering. “We were fighting tooth and nail just to stay afloat,” Atapattu recalled. “Then Dhammika Prasad walks in, plays a reckless stroke and gets out first ball. Angelo’s face said it all — he was furious. But more than that, he was a man on a mission.”

Together with Rangana Herath, Mathews steadied the ship. “That stand gave us a second wind. It was a turning point — not just in the match, but in the series. The morale in the dressing room soared. That was the series where Angelo truly came of age,” Atapattu said.

“He had the temperament of a monk and the toughness of a street-fighter. When it came to batting under pressure, absorbing the heat and taking the side home, he was in a league of his own. After Arjuna, he was the best finisher we produced. Like Michael Bevan or Javed Miandad, he had that sixth sense — an uncoachable knack — for timing the chase and sealing the deal.”

Mathews’ all-round contribution in that series often flies under the radar. “He wasn’t just wielding the willow,” Atapattu pointed out. “In England’s first innings, he picked up four crucial wickets — including that of Joe Root. Angelo wasn’t express pace, but he had a sharp cricketing brain. He could read a batter like a book and outfox them with subtle variations. Very shrewd operator.”

Atapattu, who had a front-row seat to Mathews’ rise, believes that the right-hander had the potential to go even further. “In 2014, I saw a player who could carry the torch after Sanga and Mahela. He had all the ingredients. His technique wasn’t textbook-perfect, but he had the nous — the gritty know-how — to churn out runs in the longest format. Frankly, I expected him to get past the 10,000-run mark in Test cricket.”

“He’s a tough nut. But over the years, he’s had his fair share of challenges — on and off the field. The distractions and the weight of expectation must’ve taken a toll. Still, he wore his heart on his sleeve and gave everything he had for the cap.”

by Rex Clementine

Madushani Herath bagged the triple jump gold with Sri Lanka’s second furthest jump in history at the Thailand Open Athletics Championship on Monday.

Madushani cleared 13.58 metres to win the women’s triple jump just a day after clinching the long jump gold.

The former Nannapurawa MV, Bibila athlete’s best jump was just eight centimeres behind the national record mark of Vidusha Lakshani.

Madushani has now overtaken Randi Cooray to occupy the second spot of the all time best performers list in the triple jump.

On Sunday, Madushani won the long jump gold with a feet of 6.37 metres.

Meanwhile, Wathsala Hapuarachchi won the silver medal of the 100metres hurdles with a feat of 14.27 seconds.

by Reemus Fernando

In a stirring celebration of unity and true sportsmanship, the long-awaited Battle of Dreams between St. Aloysius’ College, Galle, and Holy Cross College, Kalutara unfolded with grace and grandeur at the iconic Galle International Cricket Stadium on the 30th and 31st of May 2025.

Though the match ended in a draw, the real triumph lay far beyond the scoreboard. It was the radiant spirit of friendship, mutual respect, and brotherhood that soared above all, proving that in this battle, it was camaraderie, not competition that claimed the ultimate victory.

From the very outset, the encounter transcended the boundaries of a mere cricket match. It became a moving testament to the unbreakable bonds of brotherhood between two proud institutions. As the students of Holy Cross College, accompanied by their beloved teachers, parents and well-wishers, arrived in Galle by train, they were met with a sight that stirred the heart. The students and teachers of St. Aloysius’ College stood lined along the streets, waving the vibrant flags of both schools, their cheers ringing out in a joyous chorus of unity and celebration.

This heartfelt and honourable welcome was more than a gesture – it was the perfect prologue to two unforgettable days marked not just by competition, but by camaraderie, respect, and shared spirit.

On the field, the game was fierce and thrilling, despite being shortened to just a few overs and hours due to the relentless hand of nature. But it was beyond the boundary lines that the true spirit of the occasion shone brightest. When an unexpected downpour brought play to a halt, it wasn’t hesitation but heartfelt hospitality that took center stage. With remarkable grace and warmth, students of St. Aloysius’ College rushed forward, guiding their brothers from Holy Cross College to shelter beneath tents. These spontaneous acts of kindness; unrehearsed and genuine, spoke far louder than any scoreboard ever could. They were a powerful reflection of the deep-rooted respect, love, and solidarity that unite the two schools in a bond far greater than the game itself.

In the stands, the atmosphere was nothing short of electric. Students and Old Boys from both colleges danced together to the rhythm of the ‘papare’ bands, shared laughter, and cheered for every moment of brilliance regardless of which side it came from. Wickets were celebrated jointly, not with rivalry but with the shared joy of the game. It was a rare and beautiful sight— one where sportsmanship triumphed over competitiveness.

In a time when many school encounters are marred by conflict and discord, the Battle of Dreams stood out as a shining example of harmony and maturity. The match concluded not in controversy but in handshakes, hugs, and heartfelt smiles. Both teams, along with their supporters, embraced the result with grace, proving that cricket, at its best, unites rather than divides.

As the players and spectators departed the grounds, they did so not merely as members of two different schools, but as friends bonded by shared memories and a renewed commitment to the true spirit of sports. It was a day that reminded everyone present that cricket is not just a sport, but a bridge between hearts.

With the stage now set, all eyes turn to the inaugural one-day encounter, scheduled to take place on 28th June 2025 at the Galle International Cricket Stadium. If the recent match is any indication, it promises to be yet another unforgettable chapter in this inspiring journey of friendship, sportsmanship, and unity. (Rev. Fr. Milan Bernard/Ms. Sachini Mendis)