The England Women’s Cricket Team joined young girls from 12 districts on Sunday (12) for an outreach event at the Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC) in Colombo. 

According to the British High Commission, the England Women’s team spent time with the girls while they were in Sri Lanka for their fixtures in the Women’s Cricket World Cup, currently being held in India and Sri Lanka.

The programme organised by Child Action Lanka and the British High Commission showcased the transformative power of sport to empower girls and strengthen communities whilst highlighting the enduring ties between the UK and Sri Lanka.

During the programme, England players spent time with girls from Child Action Lanka’s island-wide network through net sessions and mini-games, sharing skills, stories and encouragement. The event underscored the UK’s commitment to diversity and inclusion in sport whilst showcasing Child Action Lanka’s vital work creating opportunities for vulnerable children across Sri Lanka.

Danni Wyatt-Hodge, from the England Women’s Team, said: “We’re delighted to be in Sri Lanka not just to compete, but to connect with young people who share our passion for cricket”. “Sport has the power to give every girl the confidence to dream big, and we hope today shows that those dreams are absolutely within reach.”

Debbie Edirisinghe, Founder and Director of Child Action Lanka, said: “We are thrilled to welcome the England Women’s Cricket Team to meet our girls. Sport is such a powerful tool for building confidence and life skills in vulnerable young people. This event demonstrates how cricket can bring communities together and inspire our girls to believe in their potential, both on and off the field.”

Child Action Lanka supports disadvantaged children across Sri Lanka through holistic education, health and nutrition programmes, and child protection services. Sport forms a crucial part of their work, with the participating girls already engaged in cricket activities organised by the charity.

The programme supports the launch of Child Action Lanka’s ‘She Plays’ project, which will enable young girls from rural Sri Lanka to pursue their athletic dreams through access to training and support, empowering them to grow in confidence, skill and ambition.

The outreach event reinforces the UK and Sri Lanka’s shared commitment to promoting women’s sport and ensuring every girl has the opportunity to participate and succeed, regardless of background or circumstances. (Newswire)

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President Ranil Wickremesinghe expressed his aspirations for Sri Lanka to reclaim its position as the champion of cricket, highlighting the government’s commitment to providing all necessary support to achieve this goal.

Speaking at the 125th anniversary celebration of the Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC) at the Shangri-La Hotel Colombo yesterday (28), the President emphasized the importance of maintaining a separation between politics and sports. He suggested that preventing politicians from assuming high positions in sports clubs could contribute to a healthier sporting environment.

During the celebration, a commemorative book documenting the 125-year history of the Sinhalese Sports Club was unveiled, accompanied by the release of a postage stamp and a first-day cover.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe took the opportunity to commend SSC players who had represented Sri Lanka in international cricket, expressing appreciation for their contributions. The President also joined in a group photograph with the players, symbolizing unity and camaraderie within the sporting community.

Addressing the gathering, President Ranil Wickremesinghe underscored the enduring bonds between esteemed educational institutions such as Royal, St. Thomas’, Wesley and the Sinhalese Sports Club. He noted that individuals who have pursued cricket from these schools have established a shared identity with the Sinhalese Sports Club.

Drawing from personal history, President Wickremesinghe shared anecdotes about his own family’s association with the club. He mentioned his great-grandfather Meedeniya Adigar and grandfather C.L. Wickremesinghe, both of whom had joined the SSC as a means to embrace and promote a unified Sri Lankan identity. Following their footsteps, President Wickremesinghe revealed that his father had also become a member of the club after the country gained independence.

The President reflected on the historical context of the formation of sports clubs during a bygone era, highlighting their significance in fostering a sense of collective identity among different ethnic communities in Sri Lanka. He noted that clubs such as the Tamil Union and those established by the Malays served as platforms for various groups to assert their cultural and linguistic identity, rather than being rooted in ethnic strife or competition.

Emphasizing the inclusive nature of these clubs, President Ranil Wickremesinghe remarked that they were not defined by religious or caste divisions, but rather by shared language and culture. He underscored how these clubs facilitated the coming together of Sinhalese, Tamils and Malays, ultimately contributing to the development of a common national identity.

President Wickremesinghe also acknowledged the esteemed leaders of his party who had served as presidents of the Sinhalese Sports Club, including former Prime Minister D.S. Senanayake and former President J.R. Jayewardene. He expressed gratitude for their contributions and the honour it bestowed upon the party. While he himself had been a member of the sports club, the President revealed that he had chosen to step back from active involvement as a politician, recognizing the evolving nature of contemporary politics compared to the eras of Mr. D. S. Senanayake and Mr. J.R. Jayewardene.

President Wickremesinghe articulated his belief in the importance of maintaining a clear distinction between politics and sports, advocating for the exclusion of politicians from high-ranking positions within sports clubs. He emphasized the necessity of preserving the integrity and independence of sports from political influence, recognizing that this separation would contribute to a healthier sporting environment.

However, the President clarified that this stance did not signify a disengagement from sports. On the contrary, he assured the audience of his continued commitment to supporting sports initiatives and meeting the needs of athletes and sports enthusiasts.

Acknowledging the significance of upholding the traditions established by past leaders, he underscored the importance of nurturing and advancing sporting activities in the country. To demonstrate his commitment to fostering sports development, President Ranil Wickremesinghe revealed that he has instructed the Minister of Sports to present a Memorandum to the Cabinet, with a proposal to provide the land belonging to the Sinhala Sports Club on a 99-year lease basis, thereby ensuring the continuity and sustainability of the club’s operations and activities.

President Wickremesinghe underscored the importance of advancing Sri Lankan cricket, expressing his ambition to witness the nation reclaim its championship status in the sport. He highlighted that the government has earmarked Rs. One billion for cricket development this year, with plans for additional funding in the following year. This substantial investment will be managed by a trust overseen by Mr. Sidath Wettamuni, a distinguished cricketer and a member of the SSC. The funds will be utilized to enhance cricket programs in rural schools, organize cricket matches and foster the growth of cricket at the grassroots level.

The President emphasized the importance of expanding cricket programs in 1000-1500 schools, aiming to cultivate a vast talent pool from which the national team can be selected. Additionally, concerted efforts have been made to elevate the standard of cricket across the country. In this regard, both the Cricket Board and sports clubs play a pivotal role. Furthermore, the President expressed gratitude to the Sinhala Sports Club for its significant contribution to cricket in Sri Lanka, urging collective action to propel the nation towards global leadership in the sport. (PMD)

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The Cricket Committee and the Executive Committee of the Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC) have lifted the ban imposed on Sri Lankan cricketer Danushka Gunathilaka.

According to the Sinhalese Sports Club, the ban has been lifted with immediate effect.

The SSC further said that thereby, Danushka Gunathilaka will play in the Major Club Limited Over tournament organized by the SLC.

The International cricket star faced a judge-alone trial at the Downing Centre District Court in Sydney after pleading not guilty to one charge of sexual assault without consent.

The charge relates to an incident on November 2 last year when it is alleged the 32-year-old removed a condom while having sex – known as stealthing – with a woman at her home in Sydney’s east.

Gunathilaka was arrested in the early hours of November 6 at the Hyatt Regency, where the Sri Lankan cricket team was staying at the time for the T20 World Cup.

He was then taken to Day Street Police Station where he answered questions for more than two hours and later detained in Australia for the duration of the trial.

Although initially several charges were filed against the cricketer, including rape, all other charges have been dropped aside from one. 

Issuing the verdict on the single charge against the Sri Lankan cricketer, Judge Sarah Huggett said the cricketer was found not guilty of sexual assault, releasing him from the case. (NewsWire)

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The Akbar Group, Sri Lanka’s largest exporter of tea, and The Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC) reaffirm their commitment to developing cricket infrastructure with an extended partnership for 2023-2024. The collaboration, which builds on their three-year association as principal sponsors across all cricket formats, signifies their shared vision for the sport and its national significance.

Recognized as the premier cricket club since 1899, SSC takes pride in nurturing top-notch cricketers, including Test and ODI captains. Mr I.S. De Silva, SSC President, expressed his appreciation for the continued partnership, stating, “We are proud to continue our association with Akbar Brothers, the leading tea company in Sri Lanka. Their unwavering support has strengthened our legacy and elevated cricket to new heights.”

Hussain Akbarally, Executive Director of Akbar Brothers, noted that it is a pleasure to partner with SSC, saying, “We share their vision and are eager to propel Sri Lanka’s infinite local talent, fostering our next generation of cricketers.”

Former national captain Mahela Jayawardene, representing SSC’s Executive committee, expressed his delight in the extended partnership, noting, “We are delighted to continue our partnership with Akbar Brothers, a company known for its tremendous success and commitment to social responsibility.” He emphasized the positive impact on cricketing skills development and the modernization of cricket infrastructure at SSC.

Mr. Samantha Dodanwela, Chairman of SSC Cricket, emphasized the club’s ambition to enhance cricket infrastructure and elevate skill levels among upcoming players. He stated, “Our goal is to grow cricket infrastructure and foster the development of young talents. This extended partnership with Akbar Brothers will be instrumental in achieving these objectives.”

The ongoing collaboration between Akbar Brothers Group and SSC reflects their joint dedication to the cultivation of future cricket stars in Sri Lanka and the growth of the industry. Their shared focus on excellence, innovation, and the advancement of cricket infrastructure underscores their commitment to the sport’s long-term success.

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