Sports

Tales of two future prospects

Published

5 years ago

2021/07/21

Uditha Chandrasena had the ability to clear hurdles with both legs, an advantage in 400 metres hurdles. Here he takes part in an athletics event at Diyagama. (Pic RF)

Waiting for the next Olympic hurdler – Part VI

by Reemus Fernando

When one young kid called Ushan Thivanka from a little known school made the winning jump in the Under-11 long jump at a local meet, the talent scouts of Maris Stella College, Negombo made a beeline to the budding talent. No sooner he was recruited by the then athletics stronghold, Maris Stella, he came under the supervision of veteran jumping coach Philip Ranjith. There was no such attention paid to Uditha Chandrasena from Sri Gnanawasa MMV, Divulapitiya, who was placed second in the same event. He went home like all others, not knowing what the future holds for him. Neither Thivanka nor Chandrasena knew that they would soon cross paths again. Today, Chandrasena, who went on to record many outstanding 400 metres hurdles performances at national school level, is an officer in the Sri Lanka Air Force, while Thivanka, the Sri Lankan national record holder in the men’s high jump is perusing his Olympic dream in the US. According to World Athletics statistics, Thivanka’s 2.30 metres performance recorded in May is the 15th best feat in the world this year.

Maris Stella College, Negombo has been in the possession of nearly 100 hurdles since 2010 after the school administration took a bold decision to invest in track and field sports. The three sports schools in the Western Province, namely Henegama Central, Rajasinghe Central and Taxila Central, combined have less than half that number. However, the presence of hurdles does not produce hurdlers. It was by chance that the best hurdler the school has produced to date came under the supervision of the likes of Susan Thamel, Lalith Silva and Tony Silva at Maris Stella around that time.

Studious youngster, Chandrasena passed the grade-five scholarship exam and his mother who had seen the ‘majesty of the College situated adjacent to the Negombo hospital’ during one of her visits, wanted to admit her child there. But her efforts were to no avail as the school was allocating only ten spots for the grade five scholarship students.

But a rare opportunity came his way when Maris Stella conducted a workshop for young athletes. Chandrasena’s father heard the news that reputed sprint coach and Olympian Sunil Gunawardena, his wife Badra and their famous charge Shehan Ambepitiya were coming to conduct the workshop. After his father obtained permission, Chandrasena could attend it and would not miss the coaching eye of Gunawardena who later inquired from the school authorities about the child. “It was the wise words of Gunawardena that made the school recruit me,” says Chandrasena, who later commenced training under Philip Ranjith and surpassed Thivanka to win medals at Junior National level in the long jump.

A couple of years later Ushan Thivanka set his eyes on the high jump as he came under the guidance of Suranji Fernando. Winning the long jump at the national level was not enough for Uditha he wanted to try his luck at a new event, the hurdles.

Maris Stella was famous for allowing young athletes to take up more than one discipline as the points earned by them would come in handy when the national schools championship titles were decided. However, there was no overloading as training was done only three days per week. Uditha however had to take an extra effort to convince ‘Silva Sir’ (Lalith Silva) to take up hurdling. He trained alone before performing a hurdle clearance to convince Silva. It did not take long for him to produce results. In his first year as a Senior John Tarbet Under-16 hurdler, he was only second to Youth Asian Games medallist Anuruddha Vidusanka.

Then on one fine Saturday, he saw pole vaulters undergoing training. Uditha was taken up by the event and immediately wanted to try it. The first thing he did after returning home was to prepare a makeshift pole vault area. After he got substantial training by himself he went to the pole vault coach and exhibited what he could do. In his first year as an Under-17 athlete, Uditha won podium places in all three events, the long jump, hurdles and pole vault at the junior national level.

Uditha Chandrasena making one of his last appearances for Maris Stella. (Pic Nishan S. Priyantha)

Uditha was just over five feet tall when he entered the Under-18 age category but compensated for the height disadvantage with his ability to clear hurdles with both legs. His outstanding performances found him a place in the team for the first-ever Asian Youth Athletics Championships in Doha where he almost won a medal. St. Sylvester’s hurdler Dharshana Rajapaksa compensated by winning the silver. Sri Lanka had two hurdlers featuring in that final.

Both Ushan and Uditha were fighters and had the natural ability to overcome barriers. Thivanka tall and lanky and Uditha short in stature but stoutly built were the shining stars of Maris Stella when they reached their final years. But now only Ushan is pursuing a career in athletics.

“By the time I entered the final year at school I started to realise that if I failed in studies I would be left with nothing. I had missed studies. The good performances at the junior national level were not going to help me. With just six months ahead of A/L, I decided to put all my efforts just to pass the exam. I passed the exam in the maths stream. I could have achieved better grades if I tried again but with my father having to take care of my mother who was ill with cancer I decided to apply to Air Force,” says Chandrasena.

Chandrasena was good in his studies. He had obtained seven ‘A’s and two ‘B’s for the GCE O/L. By the time he left school, he had many junior hurdles records against his name. Certainly, he had displayed the qualities of a future Olympian and could have reached the top at international level like his friend Thivanka, had he received support at the crucial juncture. The search for next Olympic hurdler continues.

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Sports

Unbeaten Joes take on resilient Petes

Published

4 hours ago

2026/03/19

Sahan Weerasooriya

St. Peter’s Team with officials

Seated (ffrom left) R.P.H.P. Perera (Trainer and Physiotheraphist), Nalin Wijesinghe (Head Coach), Rohan Fernando (MiC), Enosh Peterson (Captain), Rev. Fr. Rohitha Rodrigo (Rector), Rev. Fr. Praveen Wijesekara (Priest in Charge), Asadisa Thejana (Vice Captain), Thushara Madushan (Asst. Coach), Dinuka Godakanda (2nd XI Coach).

Second row (from left) Dineth de Silva, Tharin Senvidu, Hiruka Silva, Joshua Sebastian, Sadeesha Kariyawasam, Savi Fernando, Jason Fernando, Thareen Sanketh, Janith Panditharathne, Standing Yathindra Jayaweera. Back row (from left) Dinsara Rathnaweera, Shadeesha Silva, Thenura Dissanayake, Shavidu Silva, Dimalsha Jayawardana, Evan Joshua Rodrigo, Menura Dissanayake, Oshadha Akalanka.

By Reemus Fernando

‎

Unbeaten St. Joseph’s College will start as clear favourites when they meet arch-rivals St. Peter’s College in the prestigious “Battle of the Saints” Big Match, which gets underway at the SSC Grounds today.

‎Joes, led by Rishma Amarasinghe, arrive with an impressive unbeaten record this season and a well-balanced side that has shown both consistency and match-winning ability. With memories of their historic 2008 triumph still cherished, the Josephians will be determined to emulate that famous side led by Ruwantha Fernandopulle, which ended a 35-year drought. However, they too are currently in the midst of a long wait for another outright win in the series and will be eager to break that deadlock.

‎A major strength of the Josephian outfit lies in their formidable spin department. The inclusion of Sri Lanka Under-19 spinner Vigneswaran Akash further strengthens an already potent attack featuring Nushan Perera, who has claimed 69 wickets this season, and Vishwa Peiris with 50 scalps. Together, they form arguably the most dangerous spin unit in the schools circuit this year.

‎Their batting unit has also been equally impressive. Aveesha Samash has been the standout performer, amassing close to 800 runs, including a century and seven fifties. Skipper Amarasinghe has led responsibly, while Yenula Dantanarayana, Dilpa Maduranga and Senuja Wakunagoda have all made valuable contributions. This depth in batting, coupled with their bowling strength, makes Joes a formidable opponent.

‎In contrast, St. Peter’s College may not boast many outright victories this season, but they remain unbeaten thanks largely to a resilient and cohesive batting lineup. Led by skipper Enosh Peterson, who has found form at the right time with an average close to 40, the Petes will rely heavily on their batsmen to challenge the favourites.

‎Asadisa Silva has been exceptional, scoring 687 runs at an average of 53, including three centuries. He has been well supported by Joshua Sebastian, who averages 52, while Savi Fernando has accumulated over 500 runs. Jason Fernando has also contributed consistently, adding further stability to the lineup. The return of Thareen Sanketh from a shoulder injury is another positive, as he has shown signs of regaining form.

‎However, St. Peter’s face concerns in their bowling department. Off-spinner Sadeesha Silva, with over 40 wickets, and left-arm spinner Janith Panditharathna, who has claimed 27 wickets, have been the main contributors. Beyond them, the attack has lacked penetration, which could prove costly against a strong Josephian batting lineup.

‎It will also be interesting to see how both teams utilise the SSC conditions, particularly their pace bowlers, as neither side has seen significant impact from their seam attacks this season.

‎With Joes boasting superior balance and momentum, they will look to press for a rare outright victory. Meanwhile, the Petes, driven by their batting resilience, will aim to defy the odds and maintain their unbeaten run. The stage is set for another thrilling chapter in this historic rivalry.

St. Joseph’s Team with officials

Seated (from left) Lahiru Wickramasinghe (First XI Asst. Coach), Lakmal de Silva (First XI Head Coach), Nushan Perera, Asiri Caldera (First XI MiC), Rishma Amarasinghe (Captain), Rev. Fr. Samesh Anthony (Prefect of Games), Rev. Fr. Ranjith Andradi (Rector), Rev. Fr. Priyan Tissera (Vice Rector), Senuja Wakunagoda (Vice – Captain), Sanjeewa Fernando (Second XI MiC), Aveesha Samash, Pradeep Munasinghe (Second XI Coach). Hasith Dilhara (Fielding coach), Miranga Wickramage (First XI Asst. Coach)

Standing (from left) Chethina Kavinda, Mario Suraweera, Dilpa Maduranga, Vishwa Peiris, Dihen de Silva, Nimthaka Goonewardena, Yenula Dantanarayana, Chamath Perera, Nethula Damthusa, Nirwan Jayathilaka, Demion de silva, Pamoda Dalpadado, Disinu Samarasingha, Thisanga Perera, Vigneshwaran Akash.

Sports

Sandeepa’s unbeaten ton powers Mobitel to mammoth win at DS ground on Saturday

Published

4 hours ago

2026/03/19

Sahan Weerasooriya

15TH STAFFORD MOTORS – MCA T20 LEAGUE CRICKET TOURNAMENT

A blistering unbeaten 105 off 38 balls with eleven boundaries and seven maximums by Sandeepa Halangoda was the highlight of Saturday’s matches of the 15th Stafford Motors – MCA G division T20 league cricket tournament.

Saturday’s matches were played at four venues, the MCA , D S Senanayake College ground, Dharmapala College ground and SLC ground Bandaragama.

In the morning games,

JF&I packaging defeated Pyramid Wilmar by four wickets despite Umeda Madushan’s three wicket haul at the MCA grounds.

In a low scoring game at Dharmapala College grounds in Pannipitiya, CDB ‘B’ restricted Jetwing Travels to 78 runs and won the game with six wickets in hand and 11 overs to spare.

In a one sided game at the D S Senanayake College ground, Emar Pharma registered their third win in four outings by annihilating Synergen Health by 162 runs. Dushyantha Darshana contributed with a half ton and Desha Fernando captured four wickets for the winners.

At the Sri Lanka Cricket [SLC] ground in Bandaragama Maliban Biscuits took the lead of group A of the tournament with a net run rate boosting win over WSO2 . Maliban restricted WSO2 to 103 runs and passed the target in 8.2 overs.

In the evening games,

At the MCA grounds, Future Life Holdings led group D with a close 14 run win over Singer Sri Lanka. Srimal Peiris and Mithun Jayawickrema shared seven wickets between them to restrict Future Life to 152/8 but Singer fell short of by 14 runs.

Alaris Lanka and Wiley Global shared points at the Dharmapala College grounds as their game was abandoned without a toss due to rain and wet ground conditions.

At the D S Senanayake College grounds, Mobitel powered by an unbeaten ton by Sandeepa Halangoda [105*]and half tons by Dasun Bandara [55] and Sachin Bulathsighala [64*] overcame 99X by 141 runs.

In a rain shortened ten over game at SLC ground Bandaragama LOLC Insurance overcame Regnis Appliances by 21 runs

At MCA grounds:JF&I Packaging by four wickets

Pyramid Wilmar

132/9 in 20 overs [Sahas Vihanga 35, Malintha Peiris 14, Umedha Madushan 19,Vishal Akash 20, Udara Athapttu 17*; Dihan Darshan 1-16, Isanka Lakshan 3-21, Chamath Yatawara 1-21, Gayan Hasanka 1-25, Dinesh Vishwajith 2-10]

JF&I Packaging

133/6 in 19.3 overs [Chamath Yatawara 16, Dhanushka Kevitiyagala 14, Sarinda Malavige 22, Tiran Dhanapala 26,Gayan Hasanka 25; Budhdhika Herath 1-32, Umeda Madushan 3-36, Udara Athapaththu 1-14, Chandimal Chanaka 1-21]

Future Life Holdings by 14 runs

Future Life Holdings

152/8 in 20 overs [Kavindu Ranahasa 60, Neluka Dilshan 13, Savindu Rodrigo28, Praveen Wanniarachchi 10; Mithun Jayawickrema 3-22, Gimhana Hettiarachchi 1-25, Srimal Peiris 4-34]

Singer Sri Lanka ‘B’

138/10 in 19.3 overs [ Sheyal Imesh 27, Ahamed Rifad 11, Mithun Jayawickrema 21, Akila Samarakoon 19, SajithSanjeewa 18; Tharuka Sooriyarachchi 1-19, Sahan Ranasinghe 2-14, Neluka Dilshan 1-22, Praveen Wanniarachchi 2-21, Malshan Lakshitha 2-32, Prabath Wijesinghe 2-08]

At Dharmapala College grounds:

CDB ‘B’ by six wickets

Jetwing Travels

78/10 in 19.5 overs [Budhdhika Chathuranga 17, Ranusha Pigera 16, Dinuka Peiris 17; Vishwa Rathnayake 1-07, Chathuranga Dikkumbura 1-13, Themira Niyomal 2-13, Dhanushka Dharmasiri 1-08, Isuru Jayaranga 2-12, Chamod Madushan 1-09]

CDB ‘B’

79/4 in 9.0 overs [Isuru Jayaranga 13, Themira Niyomal 14, Saman Ambilimeegama 22*, Dhanushka Dharmasiri 10*; Sanjeewa Prasanna 2-09, Dushantha Prasadh 1-22, Ashan Wijerathne 1-22]

At D S Senanayake grounds:

Emar Pharma annihilate Syngern Health by 162 runs

Emar Pharma

201/7 in 20 overs [Deshan Fernado 46, Dushyantha Darshana 63, Janith Jayasinghe 29, Devinda Ayesh 29; S Thuwaragashan 4-37, Isuru Weerasinghe 2-30]

Synergen Health

39/9 [all out] in 8.1 overs [Chanul Gawwrawamanna 07*; Deshan Fernando 4-20, Chandana Dodangoda 2-16, Devinda Ayesh 2-02]

Halangoda’s ton powers Mobitel to a 141 run win

Mobitl Pvt Ltd

249/3 in 20 overs [Krisha Santhusha 11, Dasun Bandara 55, Sachin Bulathsinghala 64*, Sandeepa Halangoda 105*; Saranga Liyanage 1-62, Arjuna de Silva 2-35]

99X

108/8 in 20 overs [Yasith Fernando 26, Sameera Piyasundera 22, Arjuna de Silva 29; Sachin Indrarathne 1-19, Sanesh Ekanayake 1-07, Rangana Rajapaksha 2-15, Budhdhika Hewa 1-18, Krishan Santhusha 1-21, Sandeepa Halangoda 1-05]

At SLC ground Bandaragama:

Maliban Biscuits by eight wickets

WSO 2

103/10 in 19.3 overs [Osanda Herath 47, Sasmitha Dilshan 10, Shan Anjana 12; Chamara Rathnayake 2-14, Dilip Sandaruwan 1-05, Chathuranga Dewapriya 3-21, Tharindu Siriwardena 2-21, Dilan Chathurng 1-22, Mohamad Shilmi 1-19]

Maliban Biscuits

107/2 in 8.2 overs [Tharindu Siriwardene 17, Gihan Anuruddha 2-44, Mohamed Shilmi 26*; Brian Benett 1-29, Shan Anjana 1-27]

LOLC Insurance by 21 runs in 10 over game

LOLC Insurance

108/6 in 10 overs [Tharindu Mohan 31, Asanka de Silva 14, Dinesh Chathuranga 34; Tharang Dammika 1-21, Asela Sanjeewa 1-24, Imalka Fernando 2-07]

Regnis Appiiances

87/5 in 10 overs [Gaveen Yatawara 26, Tharang Dammika 13, Yahal Samantha 17, Nimesh Madushanka 12*; Dinesh Chathuranga 2-20, Tharindu Mohan 1-17, Neranjaya Madushanka 1-10, Vishwa Kumara 1-03]

Latest News

CAF strips Senegal of AFCON title, Morocco declared African champions

Published

1 day ago

2026/03/18

Priyan

Senegal forward Sadio Mane holds up the trophy as he celebrates with his teammates after the AFCON final [File: Aljazeera]

African football’s governing body has stripped Senegal of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title they won in a chaotic final two months ago and declared Morocco the champions.

In a stunning decision, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) said on Tuesday that its appeals board ruled that Senegal is “declared to have forfeited” the match, a 1-0 victory. The result, it said, was now “being officially recorded as 3-0” ‌in favour of host nation Morocco.

At the January 18 final in Rabat, Senegal’s players walked off the pitch, led by coach Pape Thiaw, in protest against a penalty awarded late in regulation time to Morocco.

When play resumed after a delay of about 15 minutes, Morocco forward Brahim Diaz’s penalty was saved. In extra time, Pape Gueye scored the decisive goal that saw Senegal become champions of Africa for the second time.

The heated final also saw supporters trying to storm the field, players scuffling on the sidelines, reporters from the two countries fighting in media areas, and a bizarre sequence in which Moroccan ball boys tried to seize a towel being used by Senegalese goalkeeper Edouard Mendy – in an apparent bid to distract him and help their team win the continental title.

At a disciplinary hearing in January, CAF imposed fines of more than $1m as well as bans for Senegal and Morocco players and officials, but it had left the result untouched.

The case could go to a further appeal at the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

[Aljazeera]