Sri Lanka News Round-up (26 Mar 1998)

Thursday 26, March 1998

Sri Lanka News round up

Daily News

Disciplinary committee to decide on Thilanga's eligibility

The Sri Lanka Cricket Board at an emergency meeting held on Tuesday evening, has submitted letters from two of its executive members to the disciplinary committee for necessary action.

Nihal Leuke had presented letters questioning the eligibility of presidential candidate Thilanga Sumathipala citing instances that he had connections with a newspaper, which if proved correct, will disqualify him from holding office.

Sumathipala had also submitted a letter disassociating himself from such connections.

Sumathipala however has been holding office in the Cricket Board executive committee as vice-president for the past three years without his eligibility being questioned.

The disciplinary committee comprising Felix Perumal (chairman), Gerald Hidelaratchchi, Nimal Lakshman, Jayantha Kudahetty, Walwin Goonetillake. Srinath Silva and Bandula de Silva.

Leuke is running for the post of assistant treasurer at the Cricket Board's 50th annual general meeting which is scheduled for March 29.

The Cricket Board also decided to hand over to its lawyers the court action brought against its executive committee members by four persons whose nominations were rejected. - (S.T.)

Roshan honoured by 'Indian Cricket-1997'

Sri Lanka's number three batsman Roshan Mahanama has been honoured by 'Indian Cricket 1997' which has chosen him as one of its 'Five Cricketers of the Year'.

Mahanama is in the company of South Africans Darryl Cullinan and Gary Kirsten, and Indians Rahul Dravid and Abey Kuruvila, who are the other cricketers who have been honoured in its 51st edition.

In the company of his illustrious team mate Sanath Jayasuriya, Mahanama helped to establish a world record partnership for any wicket in Test cricket when they added 576 runs for the second wicket against India at the R. Premadasa Stadium in August last year.

While Jayasuriya went on to score a triple century, Mahanama hit a career best 225, which sealed his future in the Sri Lanka team for some time after he had been on the verge of being dropped.

The mammoth partnership enabled Sri Lanka to pile up the highest total in Test cricket - 952 for 6 wickets.

In picking Mahanama, the annual comments : "In Sri Lanka, courtesy is a way of life and this cricketer in particular is a model of excellent behaviour. While his cricket is on display for the world to see, it his impeccable demeanour off the field that also puts him in a different class".

Mahanama is the eighth Sri Lankan to be honoured by this prestigious annual which is referred to as the 'Wisden of the East'. Stanley Jayasinghe (1965), David Heyn and Somachandra de Silva (both 1976), Duleep Mendis (1983), Ravi Ratnayeke (1987), Aravinda de Silva (1990) and Sanath Jayasuriya (1996) are those previously honoured. - [S.T.]

Dharmaloka MMV meet Gurukula MV in 11th Big Match

by Edward Weerasinghe, Kelaniya group correspondent

The 11th annual cricket encounter between Sri Dharmaloka MMV, kelaniya and Gurukula MV, kelaniya, will be played on March 27 and 28 at the R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium with play scheduled to start at 9.00 a.m. each day.

The eight limited over match will also played at the same venue on April 4.

The match is sponsored by the Lions Club of Kelaniya in association with the OBA's of both schools.

Sri Dharmaloka MMV is led by fourth year coloursman Nadeesha Pitiarachchie with Jude Sampath Meemanage as vice captain.

They have played 12 matches this season winning three matches drawing eight and losing one. Dharmaloka team's coach is N. R. Kumara, Master-in-charge D. U. Waragoda and Principal of the school is Mr. G. Gunatilaka.

Gurukula MV have played 12 matches, won two, drew seven and lost three matches this season.

The Gurukula MV team is captained by 5th year coloursman Indika Niroshan Perera a right hand hard hitting batsman, right-arm paceman who has scored 925 runs and taken 38 wickets. The vice captain is Menaka Jayaratne a third year coloursman.

Dharmaloka MMV celebrate its 60th anniversary this year while Gurukula MV celebrate its 50th year.

Gurukula team is coached by Mr. K. A. Nimal Perera, Masters-in-charge are P. M. Wimalasena and E. M. K. de Saram and the Principal is Mr. R. P. M. M. Rajapakse.

Source :: Daily News (https://www.lanka.net)