Sports

The curious case of Mahindananda

Published

10 months ago

2025/05/25

Mahindananda Aluthgamage

One of the golden vintages of Sri Lankan cricket spanned the years between 2009 and 2014. It was an era when the national side punched above its weight and danced with giants on the world stage. With stars like Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardene, Muttiah Muralitharan and Tillakaratne Dilshan in full flow, Sri Lanka stormed into four World Cup finals, conquered new frontiers – including their first-ever series win in Australia – and stood toe-to-toe with India and England in all formats.

Behind the scenes, cricket brains like Aravinda de Silva and Sanath Jayasuriya chaired selection panels, while Marvan Atapattu added tactical brilliance in the coaching corner. At the helm of administration was the ever-dignified Anura Tennakoon, a former captain himself. It was a well-oiled machine taking Sri Lanka to dizzying heights.

And then there was Mahindananda Aluthgamage – the Sports Minister of the time – trying to pad up and take credit. He seemed to fancy himself a major stakeholder in Sri Lanka’s success story.

While he mostly kept his nose clean during his sports tenure despite a few no-balls, it was his later stint as Agriculture Minister that finally landed him in hot water. Last week, he was remanded in connection with the import of a questionable consignment of organic fertilizer from China in 2021. The courts will now decide whether his innings crossed the line.

Having observed him closely during his time as Sports Minister, it was clear that he was forever flirting with the line outside off stump. Known to be easily misled by opportunists whispering sweet nothings in his ear, Mahindananda often ended up wielding the axe against men who minded their own business.

Take the saga of Kumar Sangakkara – then the captain and a colossus of world cricket. Sanga was needled many times. His tipping point came in 2011 when he delivered the MCC Cowdrey Lecture at Lord’s. The speech earned a standing ovation. The late Vijaya Malalasekara, himself moved to tears, was one of many who walked away feeling proudly Sri Lankan that evening.

But not everyone was pleased. Mahindananda cherry-picked a few lines from the lecture and demanded a probe. SLC President Upali Dharmadasa was told repeatedly to call for an explanation from Sanga and either fine or suspend him. Eventually, he met Sanga over dinner. When Sangakkara inquired what penalty was in store, Upali, with a smile replied, “Just pay the dinner bill.” It was a deft stroke of statesmanship that averted an international scandal and preserved Sri Lanka’s dignity.

Ironically, Sanga would later go on to become the first non-British President of the MCC – a role Upali seemed to foresee, though it clearly eluded Mahindananda’s radar.

Mahindananda did have his moments. One of his finest came when the Hambantota stadium – planted deep in President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s electorate – was at risk of missing the ICC’s construction deadline. With the ground half-baked and time running out, Mahindananda rolled up his sleeves, camped at the site for two weeks and supervised the work with military precision. The ICC, during their second visit, gave the green light. It was a major victory and Mahindananda’s stock soared with the Rajapaksas, who until then had seen him as a Chandrika loyalist.

But that high was short-lived.

Lavish infrastructure projects – Hambantota, Pallekele and the revamped R. Premadasa – left Sri Lanka Cricket bankrupt. They couldn’t pay players, coaches, or staff. State-run entities like the Ports Authority and State Engineering Corporation, who constructed the venues, never saw their dues. In the end, the loans were written off, and the taxpayer was left to foot the bill. Mahindananda should have got into trouble then.

Worse still, just as a probe into these shady dealings was about to commence, sensitive files vanished from SLC offices and CCTV footage went missing. It was as if a ghost had pulled off a perfect heist between overs.

Then came his most outlandish delivery: claiming the 2011 World Cup final was fixed. He alleged that four last-minute changes were made to the playing XI. But the truth was far less dramatic – Sri Lanka had announced their team a full two days before the final, with all national dailies carrying it. Aravinda de Silva, then Chairman of Selectors, called for an ICC probe. The Anti-Corruption Unit led by Alex Marshall, ex-Scotland Yard, found no foul play. Mahindananda, by now short on credibility, was left with egg on his face. This newspaper in an editorial summed it up, “A bull in a China shop is less troublesome than Mahindananda.”

Under his watch, sport became a political puppet show. Elections to national sports bodies were stage-managed. Even clubs weren’t spared. Colts Cricket Club’s magnanimous president K. Mathivanan was gently nudged out to make room for a government-friendly face. Havelock SC, across the road, suffered a similar fate when it came to rugby. Mathivanan, fearing for his business, stepped aside. Others who resisted were silenced.

To be fair, not all of it was Mahindananda’s fault. Then President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s three sons had their fingers in several sporting pies and at times, the Sports Minister was merely fielding at third man, not able to call the shots.

Yet, he can’t be absolved. He filled the Cricket Board with Royal College old boys, used parliamentary privilege to sling mud at respected administrators and allowed cronies to wield undue influence. Some of those administrators still serve in sport. Mahindananda, on the other hand, is now watching the game from the sidelines – behind bars.

His mouth often moved faster than his mind. When he declared IPL players must return early for the England Test series, it sounded like music to patriotic ears. But India flexed its muscle and he was forced to backtrack. Unbeknownst to him, SLC had already granted No Objection Certificates. The Minister had no clue – a classic case of playing the wrong line.

Yet, he wasn’t all bluster. Fluent in Sinhala, Tamil and English, he mingled easily with the public, wore his Royal tie with pride and was present at nearly every funeral of a sporting figure. He burned the midnight oil for causes he believed in and these gestures did not go unnoticed.

But when you play fast and loose, take blind swings and trust the wrong dressing room whispers, the scoreboard eventually catches up. He may have escaped a few stumpings as Sports Minister, but his high-risk innings in agriculture has finally seen the bails come off.

by Rex Clementine ✍️

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Sports

Unbeaten Joes take on resilient Petes

Published

6 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

6 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]