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SL raise security concerns about England Tests due to UK riots

Published

8 months ago

August 8, 2024

editor

The Sri Lanka men’s team has raised concerns about the security situation in England in light of the anti-immigrant riots that have erupted in various cities.

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has responded by reassuring Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) and the team about the security arrangements in place.
Players already in England for the pre-series training have also expressed anxiety about the unrest, particularly as they do not have a security plan covering this portion of their trip. This nine-person contingent – seven players and two support staff – have asked SLC to arrange for better security over the next few days, as they travel to and from a ground near London.

“Most of the issues seem not to be close to where we are but everyone is still a little concerned,” one player in England told ESPNcricinfo. “We can’t really go out to dinner or do anything like that. Mostly we stay in the hotel. No one wants to run into trouble and get beaten up.

“We’ve asked the board to try and ask for some security for us until the main team arrives, but we haven’t heard anything back yet.”

Most of the team is set to arrive in England for a three-match Test series on Sunday, at which point the ECB’s security plan kicks in. Sri Lanka’s team manager Mahinda Halangoda, who is still in Sri Lanka, told ESPNcricinfo that he had raised concerns with the ECB after seeing news reports from Manchester – where the team play their first Test from August 21 – in particular.

“I raised the issue with them, but the ECB responded very quickly and sent us their comprehensive security arrangements,” Halangoda said. “We’ll be having a security liaison on the tour from them as well.”

While some far-right protests have been marked by violence, there have, over the last few days, been large counter-protests aimed at protecting immigrant-owned businesses, places of worship, and other places immigrants frequent.

The United Kingdom government also assured sporting bodies that the country remained safe for sports, on an emergency call on Wednesday. The UK police has stated unequivocally that it will crack down on and prevent violence.

Sri Lanka are set to play three Tests in England which begin on August 21 in Manchester. The teams then head to Lord’s for the second Test from August 29 before finishing off at The Oval on September 6.

(espncricinfo.com)

News

Indian PM Narendra Modi arrives in Sri Lanka (Pics)

Published

1 hour ago

April 4, 2025

editor

Indian Prime Minister – Narendra Modi has arrived in Sri Lanka for a two-day official visit, following an invitation extended by President Anura Kumara Disanayake.

PM Modi’s official X handle states, ” Landed in Colombo. Grateful to the ministers and dignitaries who welcomed me at the airport. Looking forward to the programmes in Sri Lanka.”

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism – Vijitha Herath, along with Minister of Health and Mass Media – Nalinda Jayatissa, Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources – Ramalingam Chandrasekar, Minister of Women and Child Affairs – Saroja Savithri Paulraj, Minister of Science and Technology – Chrishantha Abeysena and Deputy Minister of Economic Development – Anil Jayantha extended a warm and distinguished welcome to the Indian Prime Minister and his delegation.

The Indian Prime Minister is accompanied by India’s Minister of External Affairs – Dr. S. Jaishankar, National Security Advisor – Ajit Doval, Foreign Secretary – Vikram Misri and other senior government officials.

PM Modi’s visit to Sri Lanka is being conducted under the theme “Friendship of Centuries – Commitment to a Prosperous Future,” reaffirming the enduring bond between Sri Lanka and India and their shared commitment to a thriving future.

This marks Indian Prime Minister’s fourth visit to Sri Lanka, highlighting the longstanding economic, cultural and historical ties between the two nations. The primary objectives of this State visit are to further strengthen bilateral ties and to enhance multifaceted cooperation between India and Sri Lanka.

During this visit, Prime Minister Modi is expected to hold bilateral talks with President Anura Kumara Disanayake. He is also scheduled to pay homage to the sacred Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi and will inaugurate several projects implemented in Sri Lanka with the assistance of the Government of India.

News

Illukpitiya’s bail application rejected

Published

8 hours ago

April 4, 2025

editor

The Supreme Court rejected a bail application filed on behalf of former Controller General of Immigration and Emigration – Harsha Illukpitiya, who is currently in remand custody for contempt of court.The decision was delivered by Supreme Court Justice Achala Wengappuli, with the concurrence of Justices Preethi Padman Surasena and Gamini Amarasekara.

Delivering the decision, the judge stated that a date has already been set for the hearing of the case on May 8.

On September 25, 2024, the Supreme Court ordered Harsha Ilukpitiya to be remanded until the conclusion of the contempt of court proceedings for failing to implement the Court’s order regarding the controversial visa deal. This order was issued against the respondent under Section 9(7) of the Contempt of Court, Tribunal, or Institution Act No. 08 of 2024.

News

Inmate murdered at Boossa Prison

Published

8 hours ago

April 4, 2025

editor

An inmate being held under remand custody at the Boossa High-Security Prison, has been murdered using a sharp weapon.

The deceased inmate has been identified as Nanda Kumar Shivananda (46) and according to reports, he had sustained 11 stab wounds.

Prison authorities suspect that the murder was carried out by another inmate currently serving a prison sentence at the same prison facility,