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Sri Lanka Cricket’s annual awards ceremony at City of Dreams on Thursday night honoured the country’s finest performers, with Pathum Nissanka and Chamari Atapattu crowned Cricketers of the Year for 2025. Yet, the loudest applause of the evening was reserved for two former captains whose contributions transcended statistics.
Michael Tissera and Anura Tennekoon received Lifetime Achievement Awards in recognition of their immense role in paving Sri Lanka’s path to Test cricket.
Both gentlemen were present to receive the honour. At 87, Tissera captivated the audience with a polished speech delivered without the aid of glasses, while Tennekoon reflected eloquently on the values and spirit of the game. The packed ballroom rose as one to give the two pioneers a prolonged standing ovation.
Former Test cricketer Sidath Wettimuny paid a heartfelt tribute, recalling how Tissera had been his childhood hero, an elegant batter and skilful leg-spinner, before speaking of the privilege of playing under Tennekoon. He concluded by saying that the current generation had much to learn from the two stalwarts.
Whether that message resonated with everyone present is another matter.
At least half a dozen centrally contracted players, including Test captain Dhananjaya de Silva, arrived late for the ceremony. This was not merely another social gathering but the flagship event organised by the institution they represent and the body that pays their salaries. The least expected of national players is the courtesy and professionalism to arrive on time.
Too often Dhananjaya has given the impression that his laid back approach is ill suited to the demands of national captaincy. In truth, he inherited the role largely because there was no obvious alternative, which in itself says much about Sri Lanka Cricket’s failure to groom the next generation of leaders. A glance around the current Test squad reveals a worrying shortage of leadership material.
As captain, Dhananjaya sets the standard. His tardiness should not be brushed aside. He ought to be summoned before a disciplinary committee, asked to explain his conduct and handed a substantial fine. As Mike Brearley observed in The Art of Captaincy, “A fish rots from the head down.”
The evening also recognised excellence across domestic and international cricket. Kamil Mishara and Imesha Dulani were named Emerging Players of the Year, while Ravindra Kottahachchi received the Umpire of the Year award.
The ceremony was sponsored by Dialog, the national team’s long standing partner, which has committed to supporting the awards annually over the coming years.
Sri Lanka’s international cricketers, leading domestic players, club officials, sponsors and other stakeholders attended the glittering event.
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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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