by Rex Clementine

After nearly a decade of lingering in the lower half of the rankings, Sri Lanka’s national cricket team is on a compelling upward trajectory. Their recent historic series win against New Zealand, the first in 15 years, has catapulted them from sixth to fifth place in the ICC Test rankings.

For years, Sri Lanka hovered in the shadows of the top teams, often finding themselves in the bottom half of the table. But in a stunning turnaround this year, they have won six of their eight Test matches, three of them against powerhouses like England and New Zealand. This resurgence is a testament to their growing momentum and ambition.

The eight-wicket victory over England last month was particularly sweet—Sri Lanka’s first win over the Three Lions in a decade, either home or away. Following their memorable triumph at Headingley in 2014, Sri Lanka endured a dismal record against England, including a crushing 2-0 defeat during the 2016 UK tour, followed by 2-0 and 3-0 whitewashes at home in 2018 and 2021, respectively. The recent win breaks the long drought, signaling a return to form.

Equally significant was the triumph over New Zealand, their first series win since 2009. In the six series between then and this latest victory, New Zealand dominated, winning four, with two ending in stalemates.

So, what’s behind Sri Lanka’s resurgence? A shift in training philosophy has been pivotal. Fielding, once a perennial weak point, is now a cornerstone of their strategy, and an emphasis on minute details, such as running between the wickets, has sharpened their game.

Backing the right players and giving them confidence has also paid dividends, as evidenced by the prolific form of Kamindu Mendis.

At the helm of this revival is Head Coach Sanath Jayasuriya, whose hands-on approach has revitalized the team. Not to be overlooked, the selectors have shown a boldness in decision-making, unafraid to make tough calls. Against England, they opted for an all-seam attack in the final Test at The Oval, leaving out spinner Prabath Jayasuriya—a move that proved to be a masterstroke. Similarly, after Ramesh Mendis claimed six wickets in the first Test against New Zealand, dropping him seemed unthinkable. Yet, the selectors had the foresight to make the tough decision, replacing him with debutant Nishan Peiris, who responded by taking nine wickets, including a decisive five-wicket haul in the second innings.

This steady success has seen Sri Lanka climb the ranks in the World Test Championship (WTC). Led by Dhananjaya de Silva, they are now sitting third in the WTC points table, behind only India and Australia. With just four matches remaining, three wins could see them through to the final at Lord’s next summer.

Sri Lanka’s path to the WTC final will not be easy, with crucial series against South Africa in Port Elizabeth and Durban in November, followed by a January showdown against Australia in Galle. But with their newfound confidence and form, Sri Lanka are poised to continue their upward march, leaving the days of mediocrity far behind.

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Sri Lanka Police boxer Hasitha Nuwan Jinadasa, a four-time Stubbs Shield champion and a Dharmaraja College alumnus, earned the prestigious Layton Cup, awarded to the Best Boxer since 1942, after a hard-fought win in the minimum weight (48kg) category at the 82nd Layton Cup Boxing Championship, concluded on Saturday at Browns Beach, Negombo.

Known for his defensive prowess, Jinadasa edged out Daniel Tissaaratchy of Back2Fit in a closely contested bout, using counter punches to secure a split-decision victory at the event organised by the Boxing Association of Sri Lanka (BASL).

Jinadasa also received a gift voucher worth Rs. 50,000 from Arpico and a return ticket to Singapore from SriLankan Airlines.

In the flyweight (51kg) category, Police’s Umayanga Mihiran delivered a masterclass performance, knocking out last year’s Layton Cup winner, Navy’s Gayan Indika Bandara. The 21-year-old Mihiran showcased his speed and precision, ultimately forcing a stoppage in the second round after Bandara was deemed unable to continue.

Among the women, Air Force’s Ishara Thushari Perera earned the title of Best Boxer with her tactical superiority and skill, which helped her easily outpoint Army’s Dilani Silva. Perera, who holds a national championship title, used her reach advantage effectively, showcasing her technical acumen. She was awarded a gift voucher worth Rs. 50,000 from Arpico for her stellar performance.

The finals also saw impressive displays from Yazmin Mohamed Usaith in the middleweight (75kg) category, who triumphed over Army’s K.G. Pathmasiri. Meanwhile, Army’s Sanduni Priyadarshani secured the flyweight (52kg) title, showcasing her dominance against Police’s Maleesha Widanagamage. Vidyarathana SC’s Keshani Hansika (57kg) and Air Force’s Sajeewani Cooray (60kg) also stood out with commanding performances, signalling a bright future for Sri Lankan boxing.

This year’s Layton Cup, set against the backdrop of the Negombo coast, has redefined the Sri Lankan boxing landscape, with athletes and fans alike hoping it signals the start of a new era for the sport in the country.

A large crowd of boxing enthusiasts, including dignitaries such as Dr. Rear Admiral Shemal Fernando (rtd), Director General of the Department of Sports Development, gathered to witness this unique event.

BASL President Anuruddha Shanaka Bandara praised the efforts of BASL Vice President Eric Perera, Senior Superintendent of Police, Negombo Division, for successfully implementing the concept of popularising boxing beyond Colombo. Bandara reiterated his vision of sending Sri Lankan boxers to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, and this tournament marked a step in that direction as BASL hopes to form a national boxing pool for the first time in eight years.

The BASL selection committee, led by Abdulla Ibunu, were in attendance with BASL selecting a national boxing pool for the first time in eight years, athletes are also competing for a chance to represent Sri Lanka at the ASBC Asian Elite Boxing Championships in Jordan this November.

The finals, featuring 21 bouts across all men’s and women’s weight classes, were fiercely contested, with standout performances from both veteran and emerging athletes. The meet’s main sponsors, including 3R International, Melwa, and Pyramid Lanka Pvt Ltd, provided support, while Colombo Gem Bureau awarded cash prizes to male and female winners. The tournament’s best boxers were selected by international technical officials headed by the Technical Delegate of the event Capt. R.K. Indrasena (rtd).

K.K. Ishara Thushari Perera receiving her award

List of winners

MEN

48kg: T. Hasitha Nuwan Jinadasa (Police)

51kg: G.K.P. Umayanga Mihiran (Police)

54kg: G. Jayanath K. Ravindu Kumara (Vidyarathana SC)

57kg: P.A. Rukmal Prasanna (Army)

60kg: R.M.P.P.K. Rasnayaka (Army)

63.5kg: H.A. Hansa Dilsara Hettiarachchi (Navy Bismark)

67kg: P.S.P. Suranga Fernando (Army)

71kg: I.P.D. Chinthana Udayakumara (Air Force)

75kg: Yazmin Mohamed Usaith (St Sylvester’s Boxing Club)

80kg: J.M.I.P. Pathum Pushpakumara (Army Red)

86kg: Y.S. Prathap Sudamma (Army)

92kg: P.A. Rukman Sanjeewa Rupasingha (Army)

+92kg: U. Amitha Avishka (Army)

WOMEN

48kg: R.A. Nadeeka Pushpakumari (Vidyarathana SC)

50kg: K.K. Ishara Thushari Perera (Air Force)

52kg: H. Sanduni Priyadarshani (Army)

54kg: L.I. Nishadi Malshani (Air Force)

57kg: K.A. Keshani Hansika (Army)

60kg: M.P.S. Sajeewani Cooray (Air Force)

66kg: W.W.A.K. Thiwanka (Air Force)

75kg: K.A.G.N. Kaluarachchi (Air Force)

J. Mikirhan of Puwasenkulam M.V. and G. N. N. Gamage of Elapatha M.M.V. won the boys’ and girls’ titles respectively of the All Island Schools Games half-marathon held at Dambulla on Saturday.

J. Vidushan of Muththiyankandu Tamil M.V and D.M.I.D.M. Gamage of Welimada M.M.V settled for the first and second runner up positions in the boys’ category in this 21 kilometres race sponsored by Nestlé Lanka.

In the girls’ category, T.C.M. Dhananjani of Yahalarawa MV and B.N.D. Disaratne of Subaseth MV Yapahuwa were the first and second runners up.

The much-awaited fixture powered by Nestlé Nestomalt witnessed the participation of top school athletes from across the island. Some 300 runners across all provinces took part in the race proper while the five kilometre exhibition road event was held with a participation of 500 participants.

Winners of the boys’ event (front row), J. Mikirhan (centre), J. Vidushan (left) and D.M.I.D.M. Gamage pose with officials (back row from left) Athula Jayawardana, Assistant Director Sports of Central Province, Lalith Rohana, Senior Superintendent of Police, Matale Division, Mohomed Ali, Director Dairy and Beverages Nestle Lanka, Nishantha Ranasinghe, Deputy Director Finance of Central Province Education Department, Chathurika Nawarathne, Municipal Commissioner, Dambulla, Anura Abeywickrama, Director Sports of Ministry of Education, Sajeewa Wickramasinghe, Senior Manager Activations of Nestle Lanka and Upali Amaratunga, Deputy Director Sports of Ministry of Education with the winners.