News

No opening ceremony for 2023 ODI World Cup

Published

8 months ago

October 4, 2023

editor

There will be no opening ceremony for the 2023 ODI World Cup, Indian media reported today.

The last time there was an ODI World Cup in the sub-continent, in 2011, there was a grand opening ceremony in Dhaka.

While the ICC and the BCCI have scheduled a ‘Captains’ Day’ event involving all the 10 team’s captains (photo-op and press conference) at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Wednesday, a day before the tournament’s opening match between England and New Zealand at the same venue, there will be no function to mark the start of the mega tournament.

“There was never an opening ceremony planned for the World Cup. I can confirm that,” a reliable source told Times of India.

In April, the BCCI staged a big opening ceremony for the IPL, which saw the presence of many Bollywood stars. “In the case of the IPL, you can have a short opening ceremony, as the match starts in the evening. Here, the match starts in the afternoon,” said the source.

Meanwhile, there’s little buzz in the city, as well at the Narendra Modi Stadium, before the first game of the World Cup, perhaps also due to the fact the opening match doesn’t involve India. Things are certain to be completely different when India play Pakistan here on October 14 in the most anticipated clash of the tournament.

The star-studded ceremony was projected to feature Bollywood actors and singers including Ranveer Singh, Varun Dhawan, Arijit Singh, Tamannaah Bhatia, Shreyas Ghoshal and Asha Bhosle. Plans were also made for a laser show and fireworks.

As per the latest reports, BCCI will only have captains meet today. The event which will see the captains of the ten teams answering a few questions, is likely to be followed by a laser show.

BCCI are expectedly mulling over thoughts to make the India versus Pakistan clash in October in Ahmedabad an even bigger one. A glittery ceremony could be held before the start of the match at 2 PM IST. Organising a closing ceremony on November 19 at the same venue could be one more option for the BCCI.

However, due to security reasons, the organizers have been careful not to make any pre-announcements regarding the activities that will take place in the World Cup cricket tournament.

News

Fmr. Army Chief joins SJB

Published

2 hours ago

May 17, 2024

nipuni

Former Army Commander Retired General Mahesh Senanayake has joined with the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB).

In a Facebook post, party leader Sajith Premadasa said that the Former Army Chief joined the SJB to support the program to rebuild Sri Lanka.

Mr. Premadasa had appointed General Mahesh Senanayake as the Chief of the Samagi Ranaviru Balawegaya.

News

Colombo HC sentences 9 Pakistani drug traffickers to 10 years in prison

Published

3 hours ago

May 17, 2024

nipuni

Nine Pakistani nationals, who were arrested on charges of smuggling a large cache of drugs, have been sentenced to 10 years in prison by the Colombo High Court.

During a joint operation carried out by the Police Narcotics Bureau (PNB) and the Sri Lanka Navy on January 01, 2020, the Pakistani nationals were apprehended while transporting 614 kg of ‘Ice’ (Crystal Methamphetamine) and 581 kg and 34 grams of suspected drugs by boat.

The report of the Government Analyst has confirmed that the seized parcels contained over 491 kilograms of ‘Ketamine’ drugs and nearly 472 kilograms of ‘Ice’ (Crystal Methamphetamine).

The accused pleaded guilty to the charges when the case was taken up before the court, and were subsequently sentenced to 10 years in prison, police said.

Furthermore, the police mentioned that measures are underway to extradite the suspects to Pakistan in order to serve their sentences.

(adaderana.lk)

(This story, originally published by adaderana.lk has not been edited by SLM staff)

News

Uni. exams postponed due to non-academic staff strike

Published

3 hours ago

May 17, 2024

nipuni

The University Grants Commission said all examinations of undergraduate students in universities have to be postponed, due to the ongoing strike launched by the university non-academic trade unions.
UGC Vice Chairman Senior Prof. Chandana P. Udawatte said as a result, over 50,000 undergraduates will not be able to complete their degree within the planned timeframe.

He said the issuance of the university admission manual, which includes the details on how to apply for degree courses, for those who pass the Advanced Level Examination, was also delayed due to the strike action.

Prof. Udawatte said the Minister of Education has already submitted the necessary proposals to the Cabinet to resolve the issues of the university non-academic staff.

However, Co-Convener of the University Trade Union Alliance Dhammika S. Priyantha said the strike will continue indefinitely until favourable solutions are provided to their demands.

The strike is ongoing for the 16th day.

(News1st)