Sports

Ananda and Nalanda set for historic 95th Battle of the Maroons (Video)

Published

3 weeks ago

February 28, 2025

editor

The 95th Battle of the Maroons, the annual cricket encounter between Ananda College and Nalanda College, will take place from today (28) to March 2 at the SSC grounds.

For the first time in its storied history, the match will be played over three days, with both teams vying for the prestigious Dr. N.M. Perera Memorial Challenge Trophy.

The Battle of the Maroons, which began in 1924, is one of Sri Lanka’s most celebrated school cricket matches, known for its carnival-like atmosphere and rich history of producing national cricketers.

Ananda College, with 12 wins, leads the tally against Nalanda’s seven.

Nalanda, the current holders of the trophy after breaking a 69-year drought in 2022, will look to defend their title, while Ananda aims to secure their first victory since 2003.

This year’s match promises to be a thrilling contest, with both teams fielding talented players.

Ananda College, led by left-arm leg spinner Ashinsa Nainayaka, boasts a strong lineup including deputy skipper Kithma Withanapathirana, an all-rounder who has already made waves with his performances.

Nalanda College, captained by prolific batsman Sadev Samarasinghe, will rely on their batting depth and bowling attack led by medium pacer Malsh Fernando.

The Battle of the Maroons has been a breeding ground for national cricketers, with legends like Bandula Warnapura (Nalanda) and Arjuna Ranatunga (Ananda) emerging from this rivalry. Other notable alumni include Roshan Mahanama, Mahela Jayawardena, Marvan Atapattu, and Dinesh Chandimal.

The joint organizing committee of the two schools has ensured a festive atmosphere for the event, with fans eagerly anticipating a competitive and memorable match. Both teams are determined to play for a result, making this year’s encounter one to watch.

We promised it would be Bigger, Better, and Bolder, now it’s time to deliver! The official theme song of the 95th Battle of the Maroons is here! 🔥 Battle එකට ජවයක් දෙන cheer එකයි මේ 👑 95වන ආනන්ද – නාලන්දා සුලෝහිත සංග්‍රාමයේ නිල තේමා ගීතය #මේකතමයිබිග්මැච්එක #දැන්දවස්තුනයි #bom25 #95thbattleofthemaroons #roadtobattleofthemaroons
Posted by Battle of the Maroons on Thursday, February 27, 2025

News

SLC captains challenge player employment classification

Published

1 day ago

March 18, 2025

editor

Sri Lanka Cricket ODI Captain Charith Asalanka and Test Cricket Captain Dhanajaya De Silva have filed writ petitions before the Court of Appeal.

Their petitions have challenged the classification of Sri Lanka’s national cricketers as employees of the national association, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) by the Inland Revenue Department (IRD).

The writ petition was fixed for further support on March 28 by Court of Appeal (Acting President) Justice Mohammed Laffar and Justice K. Priyantha Fernando.

The petitioners are seeking for notice to quash and suspend the decision of the IRD.

Counsel Nishan Sydney Premathiratne appeared with Shenali Dias and Sidath Gajayanaka on the instructions of Gamindu Karunasena for the petitioners, Charith Asalanka and Dhananjaya De Silva. President’s Counsel Kuvera de Soyza with Pasindu Bandara and Sajana de Soyza on the instructions of Sanjay Fonseka represented Sri Lanka Cricket. Deputy Solicitor General Manohara Jayasinghe appeared for the Inland Revenue Department.

A letter signed by 38 national cricketers, including players Wanindu Hasaranga, Angelo Mathews, Maheesh Theekshana, Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis setting out the grievance and endorsing the petitioners to seek appropriate legal redress on the unlawful classification was also placed before Court.

Sports

Dasun Shanaka to join IPL franchise Delhi Capitals

Published

1 day ago

March 18, 2025

editor

Sri Lankan all-rounder Dasun Shanaka has joined the Delhi Capitals squad ahead for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL).

The 18th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL), is set to begin on March 22 and all teams have already started their training sessions.

Shanaka has reportedly been brought in as a replacement for Harry Brook, who is serving a two-year IPL ban.

Dasun Shanaka played a key role in Dubai Capitals’ title-winning campaign at the recently concluded International League T20 (ILT20) in the UAE. His standout performances in the tournament are believed to have influenced Delhi Capitals’ decision to recruit him for the upcoming season.

Shanaka is already training with the Delhi Capitals squad, and an official announcement regarding his inclusion is expected soon by the team management.

News

Roshan questions objective of new Polhena stadium

Published

2 days ago

March 18, 2025

editor

Former cricketer Roshan Mahanama has called for a reassessment of the proposed international cricket stadium project planned to be built in the Polhena area of Matara.

He made this remark in a post on his official Facebook account.

A discussion regarding the construction of the Matara Polhena International Cricket Training School and Stadium was recently held between Minister of Industries and Enterprise Development Sunil Handunnetti and officials from Sri Lanka Cricket.

There, it was decided to complete the relevant preliminary work within a month.

Against this backdrop, Roshan Mahanama, a former cricketer and a member of the National Sports Council, has emphasized that the motives and objectives behind such mega projects should be questioned.

He pointed out that the current need is not to spend money on constructing new stadiums, but rather to implement a national program aimed at improving existing facilities and enhancing the cricketing skills (closer to home/school) of students.