The 66th “Battle of the Babes” big match between St. Sylvester’s College and Vidyartha College was called off on Wednesday following the deaths of two St. Sylvester’s students in a road accident.
Police said the two students were travelling on a motorcycle to attend the match at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium when the vehicle collided head-on with a bus.
One of the students, identified as Sachith Karunaratne, died at the scene. The other student, Nethula Nimdinu, who was admitted to the Kandy National Hospital following the accident, later succumbed to injuries, police said.
Following the incident, Central Province Governor Sarath Abeykoon reportedly proposed that the match be halted, after which the principals of both schools decided to call off the game midway.
St. Sylvester’s College confirmed the deaths, describing the students as dedicated members of the school community.
Kandy Police have launched investigations into the accident. (Newswire)