Former Sri Lanka cricket captain Kumar Sangakkara has urged the country to embrace rainwater harvesting as a simple yet transformative solution to strengthen water security amid changing climate patterns.

In a statement, Sangakkara noted that while Sri Lanka receives abundant rainfall, many communities still lack reliable access to water. 

He highlighted the work of the Lanka Rain Water Harvesting Forum, where his nephew recently interned, and said he had seen firsthand how capturing rainwater can change lives.

“For centuries, Sri Lanka has understood the value of water. Today, as climate patterns change, that wisdom matters more than ever,” Sangakkara said. 

He added that rainwater harvesting can help families, schools and communities build resilience “using what nature already provides.”

Calling it a “simple solution with lasting impact,” Sangakkara emphasized that every drop protected today helps secure Sri Lanka’s tomorrow. (Newswire)

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Sri Lankan cricket legend Kumar Sangakkara and wife Yehali’s family home in Galle has been featured on Season Two of Culture by Design on ABC Australia.

The couple opened the doors to their restored 120‑year‑old Dutch colonial villa inside the UNESCO‑listed Galle Fort, showcasing how thoughtful design can preserve history while embracing modern living.

The six‑year restoration was guided by architects Jeevan D’Souza and Murad Ismail, with designer Annika Fernando lending her creative touch. 

Together, they balanced heritage conservation with contemporary comfort, ensuring the villa remains a living testament to the Fort’s rich and culturally diverse past.

The project highlights the challenges and rewards of restoring colonial architecture in Sri Lanka’s most celebrated heritage site, blending old‑world character with modern elegance.

Culture by Design Season Two premiered on August 23 on ABC Australia, featuring the Sangakkaras’ home as a centerpiece of design that bridges history and modernity. (Newswire)

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Former Sri Lanka cricketer Kumar Sangakkara welcomed the Tekanda Foundation girls’ cricket team to his home in England, praising their talent and recent winning streak.

“Talented cricketers on a winning streak,” Sangakkara said on social media, expressing his delight at hosting the young cricketers. 

He further acknowledged the support extended by Aushi Moonesinghe, Eroshan, and their restaurant Kolamba London in backing the team’s journey.

The Tekanda Foundation is a charity established in Sri Lanka in 2023 focused on empowering rural communities. (Newswire)

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The public has been warned about a viral video circulating on social media that falsely claims former Sri Lankan cricket captain Kumar Sangakkara is endorsing a lucrative investment opportunity.

Fact-checking website Factcrescendo investigated the claims and confirmed that the video, along with fabricated articles, is part of a coordinated online scam. 

One such fake article was designed to mimic the style of a local media website, falsely linking Sangakkara and entrepreneur Otara Gunewardene to investment schemes. 

These reports have since been removed or replaced with other false claims, including attempts to associate former President Ranil Wickremesinghe.

The Sri Lanka Computer Emergency Readiness Team (SLCERT) has verified that these are fraudulent scams, urging the public to remain vigilant.

Cybersecurity expert Asela Waidyalankara explained that the scams are engineered to appear credible, tricking users into clicking malicious links that steal personal data or Facebook login details. 

“These posts are made to look authentic but ultimately aim to harvest sensitive information or lure people into fake investments,” he cautioned.

Authorities and fact-checkers urge individuals to verify online claims before engaging and report suspicious content to relevant agencies. (Newswire)

හිටපු ක්‍රිකට් ක්‍රීඩක සංගක්කාර විසින් ප්‍රවර්ධනය කරන ආයෝජන ක්‍රමයක් ද?

Read More – https://t.co/eUO44v5BAl pic.twitter.com/nXJvX7xnbO

— Fact Crescendo Sri Lanka (@factcrescendosl) April 8, 2026

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Former Sri Lankan skipper Kumar Sangakkara has spoken out on the current state of Sri Lankan cricket, acknowledging the pain felt by both fans and players after recent setbacks.

“There is a lot of hurt all around. The fans are devastated, disappointed, and angry. The players are hurting badly, too. I have been in similar dressing rooms. It’s not easy,” Sangakkara said, reflecting on the emotional toll of defeats.

In a post on ‘X’, he emphasized that representing the nation comes with both privilege and responsibility, stating, “It’s a burden and a great privilege to represent your country and your people.”

Sangakkara warned that Sri Lanka must adapt to the rapidly evolving cricket landscape, stressing that repeating the same approaches will not yield different results. 

“We can’t do the same things over and over and expect different results when the cricket world around us has evolved so quickly. We haven’t adapted, and the danger is irrelevance,” he cautioned.

The former captain called for course correction across all levels of the game to ensure Sri Lanka remains competitive on the global stage. (Newswire)

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Rajasthan Royals confirmed on Monday that Sri Lanka’s Kumar Sangakkara has been reappointed as the team’s head coach ahead of the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) season.

Sangakkara, who served in the role between 2021 and 2024, was promoted to the director of cricket role last year with Rahul Dravid as the coach in IPL 2025.

Royals also named other changes to the coaching staff, with Vikram Rathour elevated to lead assistant coach, and Trevor Penney and Sid Lahiri returning as assistant coach and performance coach, respectively.

Shane Bond, who joined the Royals in 2024, will continue as the fast bowling coach.

The Royals also made an eye-catching personnel change in the playing staff by trading long-serving captain Sanju Samson for Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran from the Chennai Super Kings. (Sports Star)

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Sri Lankan cricket legend Kumar Sangakkara has issued a public warning regarding fraudulent advertisements circulating on social media platforms that falsely feature him endorsing brands such as DARAZ and Samsung.

In a statement posted online, Sangakkara clarified that he has no affiliation with either company and described the videos as AI-generated fabrications aimed at deceiving the public.

“Please disregard any adverts you may have seen of me in collaboration with DARAZ/Samsung. I have no affiliation with the above brands and the videos are clearly AI-generated,” Sangakkara stated.

The scam appears to use advanced artificial intelligence tools to create convincing deepfake videos and images, falsely showing celebrities promoting products or investment schemes. These tactics are increasingly being used by online fraudsters to exploit public trust.

Cybersecurity experts urge the public to remain vigilant about such scams, highlighting a few key safety tips:

* Always verify promotions or endorsements through official brand pages or verified social media accounts.

* Be wary of deals that seem too good to be true, especially if they involve personal financial details.

* Report any suspicious ads or content to the relevant platform to help prevent further spread.

Authorities continue to remind social media users to think critically before engaging with advertisements, especially those involving financial investments or endorsements by well-known figures.

Sangakkara’s alert adds to a growing list of international cases where AI-generated content has been misused for scams, raising concerns about digital security and online misinformation. 

Daraz, an E-commerce site, has also dissociated itself from the advertisements, which have been widely circulated on social media. (Newswire)

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The England cricket team could be preparing an IPL reunion as they aim to shake things up in the coaching department. 

With reports stating that present white-ball head coach Matthew Mott will depart next week, England are looking to add another star name to their coaching unit. 

Despite a disappointing 2023 ODI World Cup, and failing to reach the final of the 2024 T20 World Cup, England are reportedly set to stick with Jos Buttler as captain. 

However, Buttler’s boss at Rajasthan Royals, Kumar Sangakkara, is reportedly a candidate for the head coach role.

As per a report by The Telegraph UK, Sangakkara could be one of the favourites to replace Mott in charge of England’s white-ball outfits. Sangakkara has been the Director of Cricket for Rajasthan Royals since January 2021, a period in which the franchise has even reached the IPL final.

Buttler has grown into a pivotal player under Sangakkara’s directorship at the Royals, and could form a familiar bond with him at the helm of the England cricket team.

Apart from Sangakkara, former Australia batsman Michael Hussey and Afghanistan head coach and former England batsman Jonathan Trott have been reported to be candidates.

Trott has led Afghanistan to many heights in his one-and-a-half-year tenure as head coach, including sixth place in the 2023 ODI World Cup and the 2024 T20 World Cup semis. 

On the other hand, Hussey is already familiar with the English dressing room, having serves as their batting coach between 2022 and 2023.

The report also states that former England all-rounder Andrew Flintoff is unlikely to remain in the race for the head coach role.

England have found success and an aggressive identity in Tests under the coaching of Brendon McCullum. Under their new appointment, England will be aiming to return to the top of white-ball cricket. (NDTV)

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Dorset resident Sangakkara guested at the fundraiser, set up by Shillingstone Cricket Club, in aid of the Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance.

The cause is a dear one to Shillingstone, who required the help of the air ambulance last season when a player fell ill during a match against Bere Regis.

Some £3,000 was raised on the night through ticket sales and an auction, items sold including wines, beer, a signed Bournemouth shirt, a four-ball at the Dorset Golf & Country Club, pads and gloves donated by Sangakkara himself, an Apple watch plus more.

There are also three special items currently on offer at an online auction.

Bidders can choose between a round of golf for two with Sangakkara, two hospitality tickets for day three of the England v Sri Lanka Test match this September or two hospitality tickets for Rajasthan Royals in the IPL.

Sangakkara’s presence, though, ensured more than a hundred cricket fans turned out to support the event.

The famed Sri Lankan wicketkeeper-batter scored more than 28,000 runs across all three formats and is now a coach at Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier League (IPL) plus a philanthropist and commentator.

And he fielded questions from master of ceremonies Duncan Fowler-Watt before taking questions from the audience.

During the Q&A, Sangakkara gave a passionate insight into life as a young cricketer growing up amid the Sri Lankan Civil War and spoke of his pride in representing his country during and after his career.

He also explained how Sri Lanka’s poor World Cup defence in 1999 opened the door for him to make his mark, and he was also quizzed on who the better spinner is out of countryman Muttiah Muralitharan and Shane Warne.

Sangakkara went on to give an insight into his captaincy of Sri Lanka, how he came to retire from cricket and what the future holds for him.

He also named West Indian legend Brian Lara as his favourite-ever batter, before revealing how his three children had turned him into a Taylor Swift fan.

Throughout the evening, though, it was clear to see why Sangakkara is such a respected figure in the sport as he gave intelligent, considered and complex answers to a number of difficult subjects.

Speaking to Echosport, Sangakkara explained why he was only too pleased to support the charity event.

He said: “It’s really special. Cricket’s given me so much. Growing up in Sri Lanka, the social responsibility that you carry as a cricketer is a very important part of playing for your country.

“It’s no different when you’re out and about overseas. My children go to Bryanston School and live in Dorset, so it’s nice to give something back to the community.”

Sangakkara, who is involved with several charities in Sri Lanka, has also been training with Dorset’s Over-50s and Over-60s men’s sides.

Commenting on his involvement with the Dorset veterans, he said: “It’s great, I was invited by Preet Bachra who’s part of the faculty at Bryanston.

“I just had a nice little casual net and it was nice to interact.”

And last summer Sangakkara scored a century for Bryanston Butterflies.

His close connections to Shillingstone mean he could also turn out in June for the County Division Three side when his IPL and commentary duties allow.

Finally, he offered one piece of golden advice for any budding young cricketers wishing to go all the way to the professional game.

“I think it’s a piece of advice that applies to everything in life,” he said.

“You’ve got to have a plan and you’ve got to work hard, it’s as simple as it gets.”

Event organiser Chris Cole, a member of Shillingstone Cricket Club, felt the evening had exceeded expectations.

He said: “We raised a huge amount for the air ambulance, I’m really pleased.

“It goes to show that when people pull together we can make a lot of money because people realise it may well affect them.

“In a lifetime, it could affect everyone. It’s a massive deal. A huge thank you to Roger Morgan, who’s a trustee of the air ambulance, Mike Angell and Kumar himself.”

Bids for items on the online auction are still open. Prospective bidders can submit offers here. (Dorset Echo)

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Sri Lanka cricketing legend Kumar Sangakkara spoke to the Sri Lanka Under-19 cricket team which will leave for South Africa to participate in the Under-19 World Cup.

During a nearly one-hour meeting, Kumar Sangakkara and Sri Lanka Cricket consultant Sanath Jayasuriya shared their experiences and also motivated the young cricketers, building up their confidence before they depart for the cricket tournament.

The Sri Lanka Under-19 team will leave for South Africa, next week to participate in the Under-19 Cricket World Cup scheduled to be held from January to February.

It is reported that either Sri Lanka Cricket consultants Sanath Jayasuriya or Mahela Jayawardena will travel along with the team as a mentor.

Initially, the Under-19 Cricket World Cup was set to be hosted by Sri Lanka. It was, however, moved to South Africa following the ban imposed by the International Cricket Council (ICC) on Sri Lanka Cricket.

The Sri Lanka Under-19 team also recently suffered humiliating defeats at the Under-19 Asia Cup tournament held in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), failing to qualify for the Asia Cup. (NewsWire)

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Former South African cricketer Jonty Rhodes will visit Sri Lanka next week on a family vacation. 

The South African professional cricket coach is expected to visit Hiriketiya in Southern Sri Lanka on a surfing holiday. 

Taking to ‘X’, Rhodes revealed his vacation plans while commenting on a post shared by former Sri Lankan cricketer Kumar Sangakkara of his daughter Swyree surfing in Ahangama.

Commenting on the video, Rhodes said “Coming to Hiriketiya next week with the family for a surfing holiday @KumarSanga2 time to get you on the waves”.

Responding to the former South African Cricketer, Sangakkara accepted the invitation stating it would be great to join him. (NewsWire)

Coming to Hiriketiya next week with the family for a surfing holiday @KumarSanga2 time to get you on the waves https://t.co/OIcBRx5LnA

— Jonty Rhodes (@JontyRhodes8) December 15, 2023

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Fakhar Zaman is currently winning praise from all and sundry and the in-form Pakistan opener gets the chance to continue his remarkable recent run and match the record owned by Sri Lanka legend Kumar Sangakkara when his side hosts New Zealand in the third ODI of their ongoing series in Karachi on Wednesday.

Fakhar became just the fourth Pakistan player to have scored three straight ODI centuries when he smashed an unbeaten 180 against New Zealand on Saturday and the experienced left-hander will be going for four tons on the trot when the two teams next meet.

While a trio of consecutive centuries had occurred in men’s ODIs on 12 occasions, only Sangakkara has done it in four straight matches courtesy of his outstanding run for Sri Lanka at the 2015 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.

Sangakkara reached three figures against four different sides – Bangladesh, England, Australia and Scotland – while Fakhar will have reached the milestone just against New Zealand should he register yet another century on Wednesday.

Fakhar’s blistering run commenced when he hit 101 against the Black Caps in Karachi in January and the 33-year-old picked up where he left off during this series with scores of 117 and 180* to help Pakistan open up a commanding 2-0 lead in the five-match series.

Fakhar’s latest knock was the fourth highest by a Pakistan individual in a men’s ODI and captain Babar Azam revealed after the match the innings was one of the best he could remember.

“It’s one of the best innings I’ve seen. 20-30 runs too many we conceded. But the way Fakhar built his innings, and the partnerships we had one after the other was key,” Babar said.

Fakhar managed just 186 runs from eight knocks at the last ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup in 2019 and the veteran will be keen to contribute more when the next edition of the 50-over showcase commences later this year.

Fakhar believes he is a more mature player now than he was four years ago and said he was using a new mindset at the crease to help him find his best form.

“I try to take some time at the start in one-day cricket,” he revealed.

“Every player works hard on his game at this level and same with me.” (ICC)

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Former Sri Lanka cricketer Kumar Sangakkara has praised young Sri Lankan talent Vijayakanth Viyaskanth for his support to the Rajasthan Royals team in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL). 

Viyaskanth, who represented the Jaffna Kings in the Lanka Premier League (LPL), had been part of the Rajasthan Royals’ net bowlers, the team of which Kumar Sangakkara is the head coach.

Announcing Viyaskanth’s departure from the Rajasthan Royals team today, Sangakkara was full of praise for the cricketer, stating that the young cricketer bowled at the best and learned from the best.

Sangakkara also added that he hoped to see Viyaskanth in Sri Lankan colours soon representing his country.

“Viyaskanth is leaving the ⁦@rajasthanroyals⁩ bowling group today. It was such a pleasure having him with us. He bowled at the best and learnt from the best. Such an impressive talent. Hope to see him in Sri Lankan colors soon representing his country with this same smile,” Sangakkara said in a Twitter message today. (NewsWire)

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Former Sri Lanka cricketer Kumar Sangakkara recently addressed the Oxford Union, which is a leading debating society in the world.

Sangakkara delivered a special address to the Oxford Union on 22nd February 2023.

Sangakkara also met with fellow Sri Lankan students at the University of Oxford, including Insaf Bakeer Markar, the President of the Sri Lankan Society at Oxford University.

Pictures of the event are as follows:

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Former Sri Lanka cricketer Kumar Sangakkara will address the Oxford Union, which is a leading debating society in the world.

Sangakkara is set to deliver the special address on Wednesday, 22nd February 2023.

According to the Oxford Union, the event will take place at 05.30 PM local time (UK). (NewsWire)

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