News

Sri Lanka clinches ODI series with dominant win over Afghanistan

Published

1 year ago

February 12, 2024

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Sri Lanka secured a commanding victory over Afghanistan in the second One Day International (ODI), triumphing by 155 runs on Sunday, to take the series by 2-0.

With stellar contributions from Charith Asalanka, Kusal Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama, and Janith Liyanage, Sri Lanka posted a formidable total of 308 for 6. Asalanka’s remarkable innings, marked by a blistering 97 off 74 balls, played a pivotal role in propelling the team beyond the 300-run mark. His dynamic partnership with Wanindu Hasaranga in the latter overs proved vital, especially after a period of Afghan bowling dominance.

Sri Lanka’s innings was characterized by two century partnerships, first between Mendis and Samarawickrama, and then between Liyanage and Asalanka. These partnerships laid a solid foundation for Sri Lanka, setting the stage for a late surge, during which they amassed 96 runs in the final 10 overs.

Afghanistan’s fielding woes, including three dropped catches off Fazalhaq Farooqi’s bowling, further aided Sri Lanka’s cause. Azmatullah Omarzai emerged as Afghanistan’s leading bowler with figures of 3 for 56, while Farooqi, Noor Ahmad, and Qais Ahmad also chipped in with a wicket each.

Opting to bat first after winning the toss, Sri Lanka’s Pathum Nissanka started aggressively but fell early to Omarzai’s bowling. Avishka Fernando’s dismissal followed swiftly, reminiscent of his struggles in the recent series against Zimbabwe.

Afghanistan’s batting response faltered, collapsing from 143 for 2 to 153 all out in just 4.5 overs. Fernando’s crucial breakthrough by dismissing Zadran triggered the collapse, allowing Sri Lanka’s bowlers to seize control. Hasaranga’s performance, building on his recent success against Zimbabwe, stood out once again.

Sri Lanka’s bowlers, led by Hasaranga, put up a comprehensive display, preventing Afghanistan’s chase from gaining any momentum. Hasaranga grabbed figures of 4 for 27, while Asitha Fernando – playing his first ODI in over a year – and Dilshan Madushanka had two apiece. Pramod Madushan too finished with one to his name.

The third and final ODI will be played on Wednesday, also in Kandy.

The hosts won the tour’s sole Test by 10 wickets. The current series will be followed by three T20 matches, all in Dambulla.

News

Tenders called for e-NIC project

Published

1 hour ago

July 2, 2025

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The Ministry of Digital Economy Affairs in Sri Lanka has said that Tenders have been called from Indian companies to develop Sri Lanka’s new digital National Identity Card (e-NIC).

Deputy Minister – Eranga Weeraratne stated that a 04 month period will be given for this process.

The Deputy Minister added that the new digital NIC is expected to be issued by mid-2026.

In January, Weeraratne had clarified that the government has decided to cover half of this cost through assistance from India to meet the financial burden.

News

Public consultation on renewable energy sector kicks off today

Published

1 hour ago

July 2, 2025

editor

The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) announced that a public consultation will be held today (July 02) to identify challenges faced by renewable energy developers in Sri Lanka.

The Commission stated that oral submissions from stakeholders will be gathered from 8.00 am – 4.00pm at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH).

The public consultation is being held under the powers granted to the Commission by Section 17 of the Sri Lanka Public Utilities Commission Act, No. 35 of 2002.

Meanwhile, President of the Solar E P C Association (SEPCA) – Dr. Shyam Pathiraja has said that many stakeholders are expected to present their views on the crisis in the renewable energy sector.

On a related note, National People’s Power (NPP) MP – Ravindra Bandara claimed that the current government has not imposed any restrictions on renewable energy production.

Entertainment

Court order issued against ‘Eh Yaye’ song

Published

2 hours ago

July 2, 2025

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The Commercial High Court has issued an interim injunction order, preventing popular artistes Romaine Willis and Mass Ramli Miskin (DJ Mass) from performing, reproducing and distributing the song ‘Eh Yaye’.

Colombo Commercial High Court Judge Priyantha Fernando issued the order after the Plaint filed under the Intellectual Property Act by popular singer Corrine Almeida.

The case also alleges that the musical composition and the lyrics of the song ‘Eh Yaye’ were substantially similar to the song ‘Api Natamu’.

Naming Willis and DJ Mass as defendants, the plaintiff Corrine Almeida had also stated that she is the owner of the copyright and economic rights to the musical composition and lyrics of her song titled “Api Natamu”.

The plaintiff instituted action in terms of the Intellectual Property Act, No. 36 of 2003 alleging that the musical composition and the lyrics of ‘Eh Yaye’ were substantially similar to the ‘Api Natamu’ song.

(Source : Dailymirror.lk)