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Sri Lanka lost another boxing icon in Melbourne, Australia with the passing of Douglas Pereira, who succumbed to a heart attack aged 74.
Douglas Pereira ruled the boxing ring with authority during the late 1960’s and early 70’s winning at most prestigious meets in Sri Lanka such as the Stubbs Shield for St. Mary’s College, Dehiwala where they were a dominant force winning a triple crown in 1967, 68 and 69.
He was a fleet footed fighter with lightening speed with his hands.
He joined the Sri Lanka Air Force later and continued his skillful dominance winning his weight class at the Layton Cup, Nationals and other national events before being selected to the Sri Lanka team to the Asian Boxing Championships in Thailand in 1973.
He was part of a three- member Sri Lanka contingent which included fellow Marian Chavo de Kauwe, the latter, who claimed a Silver medal after losing on a split decision in the Gold medal final.
Douggie as he was fondly known to all, was a cheerful larrikin and a lovable soul. Despite being involved in a sport that could sometimes be brutal, he didn’t have a bad bone in his body and was always a pleasure to be around.
Boxing aside, he captained St. Mary’s at rugby at a time when the little school in Dehiwala was at the forefront of many sports.
During his time as a member of St. Mary’s Stubbs Shield team that won the triple crown in the late 1960s, he was blessed to be in an era, where the boys from Dehiwala dominated the ring for around a decade or more.
The team that dominated the Stubbs Shield during that time comprised some of the best pugilists in schools at the time with revered names like Bernard de Zilwa, Hans VanCyulenberg, Godfrey Van Heer, Chavo de Kauwe, Douglas Pereira, Nigel Jansen, Milroy Byrde, ML Peris, Vasantha Perera, Andre Vanderwert and a few others that many on that era would recall.
That tradition continued with more success afterwards as the later generation kept the standard going after Douggie’s team exploits.
Since migrating to Australia, Douglas Pereira chose to live a life away from the limelight unlike his days in Sri Lanka where he was well known and respected as a leading sportsman.
Douggie was ill for a long period before he left us.
The Marian family in Australia and around the world, including his school in Sri Lanka, mourn his passing.
Shaky middle order a concern for Sri Lanka in World Cup
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For years, Sri Lanka could at least count on Test cricket to keep them afloat in the relative safety of the middle of the ICC rankings. This year, even that comfort has deserted them. A shock series defeat to West Indies, followed by a home loss to India, has left them seventh, with a bruised reputation to repair.
The upcoming series in Pakistan offers a chance to regain some ground. A 2-0 sweep would lift Sri Lanka one place, providing a welcome boost for a side whose opportunities in the longest format are becoming increasingly scarce. When Test appearances come in such small doses, expecting consistency is a tall order.
On the other hand, a 2-0 loss would see them slip down to ninth rank in the world, their worst ever ranking in Test cricket.
Pakistan, too, have blown hot and cold in recent years. Turmoil within their cricket has added to the pressure on a team still searching for its footing. There is an opening here for Sri Lanka, but their batters must show the appetite to seize it.
Too often, the top order has left the lower order to clear up the mess. Those batting at number six and below have performed rescue acts with admirable regularity, but even the most dependable fire brigade cannot be expected to answer every alarm. The specialist batters need to start earning their keep.
Sri Lanka are expected to field a seam heavy attack on surfaces likely to offer pace and carry, with Eshan Malinga in line for his Test debut. Keshara Nuwantha is tipped to take the lone spinner’s place ahead of Prabath Jayasuriya, although Pakistan’s difficulties against left-arm spin make a strong case for retaining the experienced campaigner.
Pakistan have also freshened up their squad, recalling pace bowling all-rounder Aamir Jamal and bringing in several uncapped players.
The hosts appear convinced that short pitched bowling is Sri Lanka’s Achilles heel and are said to have prepared green surfaces accordingly. That tactic, however, could cut both ways. The tourists have enough pace ammunition of their own to make life uncomfortable for Pakistan’s batters.
Bangladesh tried a similar ploy in 2024, only to watch Sri Lanka walk away with a 2-0 series win.
Continue Reading Sports Manamperi, Fernando clinch SLTA YETI Hard Courts titles Published
Janali Manamperi and St. Peter’s College player Ganuka Fernando emerged champions in the women’s and men’s singles events respectively at the SLTA YETI Hard Courts National 2026, held at the Sri Lanka Tennis Association courts.
Ganuka Fernando (Pix by Kamal Wanniarachchi)
Mahinda College, Galle advanced to the final of the Under-19 Division I Tier ‘A’ Limited Overs Cricket Tournament defeating Mahanama College, Colombo by 36 runs on the DLS method in the semi-final played at Mount Lavinia on Sunday.
Chasing 192 runs for victory, Mahanama were restricted to 123 for seven in 38.4 overs when rain intervened, leaving them 36 runs short of the DLS target.
Kaushika Thilakarathne scored 33 off 60 balls, while Sineth Veerarathne made a brisk 30 off 23 balls. Vimash Madanayake remained unbeaten on 16. Sadew Nethmina and Gesandu Bisas claimed two wickets each, while Kaveesha Githmal and Vishmitha Sathsara took one wicket apiece.
Earlier, Mahinda were dismissed for 191, with Manitha Rajapaksha top-scoring with 38 off 48 balls. Dulsith Darshana contributed 31, while Kaveesha Githmal made 24 and Thiyon Helika added a quick 16 off 10 balls.
Navidu Rodrigo was the pick of the bowlers for Mahanama with three wickets for 41 runs, while Kaushika Thilakarathne claimed two wickets.
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