In a thrilling limited-over encounter at the SSC grounds, Ananda College, led by Iruth Gimshan, showcased remarkable teamwork to secure a memorable victory over their traditional rivals Nalanda, reclaiming the prestigious P. de S. Kularatne Memorial Trophy after a seven-year hiatus.
Ananda College’s triumph was spearheaded by an outstanding batting display, with Dinada Athalage playing a pivotal role with a superb unbeaten knock of 70 runs.
Supported by Kanchana de Livera, who contributed a valuable 55 runs, Ananda College successfully chased down the target of 229 with 6.5 overs to spare.
Despite a strong start from Nalanda, with openers Sahan Lithmina scoring 46 runs in 54 balls, adorned with 8 fours, and in-form opener Sadew Samarasinghe achieving a milestone by completing a thousand runs this season with his contribution of 54 runs, forming an impressive partnership of 85 runs, Nalanda struggled to maintain momentum thereafter. Ultimately, they managed to post a total of 228 for 8 wickets in their allotted 50 overs.
Awards Best Fielder Ruvishan Perera (Ananda), Best Bowler – Ayesh Shashimal (Ananda), Best Batsman – Sadew Samarasinghe (Nalanda, Man of the Match – Dinada Athalage (Ananda)
President Ranil Wickremesinghe has said that Sri Lanka is deeply shocked and saddened by the tragic death of President Ebrahim Raisi, Foreign Minister Amir Abdollahian and other senior Irani officials.
“I express my deepest sympathies and sincere condolences to the bereaved families, the government and the people of Iran. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of President Raisi and his entourage,” the President said in a X message.
Chief Prelates of the Malwathu, Asgiri, Ramanna Nikaya, and the Amarapura Maha Sangha Sabha have urged President Ranil Wickremesinghe to grant Ven. Gnanasara Thera a presidential pardon on Vesak Poya day.
In a letter to the President, the Chief Prelates noted that Ven. Galaboda Atte Gnanasara Thera was sentenced to four years in prison on March 28, 2024, after being found guilty of causing discord during a media discussion about the Kooragala Rajamaha Vihara in 2016.
They point out that the Thera had also taken steps to alert authorities about extremist activities in society, helping to prevent the spread of some extremist groups in Sri Lanka.
As a result, several potential extremist conflicts in Sri Lankan society were averted, the letter adds.