Articles

PM’s XI Squad update: Michael Neser has been withdrawn from the Prime Minister’s XI squad to face Pakistan after some soreness during Queensland’s recent Sheffield Shield fixture against Western Australia. South Australia’s Jordan Buckingham will replace Neser in the squad. NSP men’s Chair of Selectors, George Bailey said: “We’re taking a cautious approach with Michael, the elevated risk of potentially another large bowling load in the four-day PM XI’s fixture was deemed too high. “We know Michael is a quality player and we have seen him perform in the Test team and we want to ensure that should the opportunity arise to play more Test cricket this summer that we are giving him the best chance to be ready to perform. “Over the coming days we will work with the Brisbane Heat’s medical team to determine his Big Bash League availability.” ...

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Chris Gayle’s heroics inspire Sarfaraz as Pakistan prepares for the PM XI Sarfaraz Ahmed, the seasoned Pakistani cricketer is ready to face the challenges that lay ahead in the upcoming four-day game against PM XI. Recalling the inspiring innings of Chris Gayle at Manuka Oval, Sarfaraz said: “I remember watching Chris Gayle’s incredible innings of 200 runs against Zimbabwe at Manuka Oval. Now, as we brace ourselves for a four-day clash in Canberra against Australia, the weather seems to be good. This match holds an immense significance as it kickstarts the three-match test series against the formidable Australian team.” Expressing his confidence, Sarfaraz highlighted the strength of the Pakistani lineup. “Australia boasts good batters, but we are no less. With Abdullah, Babar, Imam, Saud, and Agha in our ranks, we are well-equipped for the challenge,” he declared. Sarfaraz praised the quality bowlers in his lineup. “Shaheen and Hasan are exceptional, ...

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The Art of Baking a Perfect Christmas Fruitcake As the holiday season approaches, many families around the world partake in the age-old tradition of baking a Christmas fruitcake. This rich, flavorful confection has become synonymous with festive celebrations and is often passed down through generations. In this article, we explore the history of the Christmas fruitcake and share a delightful recipe to create your own delicious masterpiece. A Brief History of Christmas Fruitcakes The origins of the Christmas fruitcake can be traced back to ancient Rome, where a mixture of barley mash, pomegranate seeds, nuts, and raisins was shaped into a cake. Over the centuries, this concept evolved, and the fruitcake became associated with celebrations, particularly during the Christmas season. In medieval England, fruitcakes were considered a symbol of luxury and celebration, often featuring expensive ingredients such as spices and dried fruits. As trade routes expanded, these delectable treats spread ...

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Empowering the Future: British Council Supports Six Sri Lankan Youth for COP28 The British Council is supporting six climate leaders from Sri Lanka that will attend COP28. The climate leaders are: Sajini Wickramasinghe, Jayanthan Amalanathan, Minuri Perera, Erandika Ediriweera, Shamla Saleem and Mohamed Husni. Our youth leaders are part of the accredited COP28 delegation representing Sri Lanka. The British Council Sri Lanka is working with the Ministry of Environment, the Climate Change Secretariat, the National Youth Service Council and aims to work with like-minded organisations on post COP28 activities.  The United Arab Emirates will host the 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP28) in the UAE from 30 November to 12 December 2023. This will be the largest international climate change summit since Egypt hosted last year, bringing together over 70,000 delegates in the UAE including heads of states, climate experts and campaigners to agree coordinated action ...

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eLanka Newsletter – 3rd December 2023 – 1st Edition Sri Lankans in Australia Click here or on the image below to read this week’s elanka Newsletter Mitchell Marsh eagerly anticipates West Test at Perth Stadium We’ll ensure not to discuss on field plans in Urdu in front of Usman Khawaja, Hasan Ali Adelaide Strikers defeated Brisbane Heat in a last ball thriller by 3 runs to successfully defend WBBL title Holy Family Convent, Colombo PPA Sydney Inc Dinner Dance – Photos thanks to RoyGrafix Health & Views DECEMBER 1st issue 2023 – By Dr harold Gunatillake The Brad and Kiara Show Podcast – 2023-12-2 Kibulagala Rock – birthplace of Nandimithra – By Arundathie Abeysinghe SUNDAY CHOICE – JESUS NEVER FAILS – By Charles Schokman Shaheen and Warner last encounter was epitome of Spirit of Cricket, Usman Khawaja Pakistan Test squad to arrive in Australia tomorrow Kaleidoscope with Savithri Rodrigo 186 ...

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Shaheen Afridi eyes on spoiling David Warner’s farewell Test series As the much-anticipated Test series between Pakistan and Australia looms on the horizon, Shaheen Afridi, Pakistan’s fast bowler, expressed his thoughts and confidence in a media talk before their first practice session in Canberra on Sunday. Afridi began by acknowledging the Australian opener David Warner, stating him as a “great career” who has consistently delivered stellar performances across all three formats. However, with a hint of competitive spirit, Afridi remarked, “We would wish him good luck but not hoping for a good end for David Warner in his last Test series against us.” This statement sets the tone for what promises to be a closely contested battle between the two cricketing giants. The left-arm fast bowler emphasized the significance of the series for Pakistan, highlighting their current top spot in the World Test Championship’s points table. “This is an important ...

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HONOURING OBA’S MOST SENIOR MEMBER – (Tissa) Hemapala Piyatissa Goonatilaka ) We (Tony & Joyce Weinman) were honored to take Tissa to the Thomian Christmas Carols last week so we picked him up from St. Paul’s Aged Care in Northbridge Sydney, and he was so excited and trilled to be a part of this event after so may years. On our way to the event I took some notes about his past and was able to identify the following and at the end he gave us permission to pass on this information to the STC OBA.  He resulted in identifying the most senior member of the STC OBA. Tissa Goonatilaka has been a member the OBA Victoria for many decades or at least since membership records were computerised; and being a resident outside Victoria and living in Sydney, was classified as an Interstate Member.  We often visit Tissa at St. Paul’s ...

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