Kumar Sangakkara’s Many Steps towards Reconciliation and Sensible Institutional Governance-by Michael Roberts Source:Thuppahis In July 1983 Chokshanada and Kumari Sangakkara – in step with some Sinhalese, Malay and Burgher and other Sri Lankan families and in implicit opposition to the actions of Sinhalese people of violence –sheltered a number of Tamils who were in severe danger from the assaults on person and property that was a frightening element of the pogrom that occurred then. Many Sinhalese families in the central and southern districts protected their neighbours and/or friends in this manner. In conjectural manner, one can say that humane considerations and cultural traditions of alms-giving and amity informed such actions — a dimension of riots/pogroms in southern Asia that has been sidelined in historical studies of various “riots” in southern Asia. Perhaps inspired thus and perhaps encouraged also by the ecumenical spirit nurtured by his parents as well as Trinity College, Kumar and Yehali Sangakkara have ...

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KUMAR SANGAKKARA’s future foretold in February 2002 – By Sunil Thenabadu This was the first article of the writer published in a English newspaper under the caption “Have your Say” in February 2002 foretelling the future of legendary Kumar Sangakkara. There is absolutely no doubt that with consistent performances, the young, talented, and dynamic wicket keeper batsman, Kumar Sangakkara has cemented a permanent place in both Sri Lanka’s test and one day teams. His past performances have been praised, hailed, and acclaimed by international commentators viz Tony Greig, Ravi Shastri, Martin Crow, Ramiz Raja, Barry Richards, Navjot Sidhu, and Bruce Yardley. He possesses correct technique, ideal temperament, aggressive instinct, and exquisite timing with strokes all around the wicket. Bruce Yardley, a former Sri Lankan coach and a past Australian cricketer when commentating has said repeatedly, he loves to see Kumar Sangakkara bat. He says he is all the time exciting, ...

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Sangakkara Appointed Chair of MCC World Cricket Committee Source : Qld Sri Lankan Newsletter – Dæhæna – November 2023 Former Sri Lanka cricketer Kumar Sangakkara has been appointed as the new Chair of the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) World Cricket Committee. Sangakkara, who was already a member of the committee, takes over from former England captain Mike Gatting as Chair of the committee. The commmittee also includes Kumar Dharmasena, Soourav ganguly, Jhulan Goswami, Heather Knight, Suzie Bates, Clare Connor, Justin Langer, Eoin Morgan, Ramiz Raja, Graeme Smith and Ricky Skerritt. Courtesy: https://www.dailymirror.lk/ ...

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Sri Lanka’s Cricketing Heroes Applauded by Jayantha Dhanapala in 2015-by Michael Roberts Source:Thuppahis Jayantha Dhanapala, a one-time Sri Lankan Of The Year and, alas, no more with us, paid this tribute on one occasion to the men who have done a nation of 20-odd million proud…. This was in the YEAR 2015. Many nations are associated with sports archetypes. Over the years, Brazil conjures up the image of a soccer player, especially die immortal Pele mesmerising opponents with his magical dribbling. Likewise, rugby football is inseparable from New Zealand’s All Blacks, and the mention of the Marathon recalls Ethiopia. FLASHBACK TO 1996 Sri Lanka, amidst all the vicissitudes, remains firmly associated with cricket, especially after we won the 1996 Cricket World Cup, thanks to Arjuna Ranatunga and his glorious team. That squad won that national squad the Sri Lankan Of The Year (SLOTY) award, from LMD, among many other plaudits. SPIRIT OF OUCKET: ...

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Sanga & Nicholas in Key MCC Roles-by Michael Roberts Source:Thuppahis A Staff Writer for News First, 3 October 2023, with this title “Sangakkara: New Chair of MCC’s World Cricket Committee” The Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) announced on Monday (2) that former Sri Lankan captain and batting legend, Kumar Sangakkara would become the new Chair of their World Cricket Committee. They also mentioned that the former Hampshire captain-turned-broadcaster, Mark Nicholas would be taking over as the new President of the club. Sangakkara had served as the President of the MCC since 2021, will now be replacing the former English captain, Mike Gatting who served for six years in the role as the Chair of the World Cricket Committee, which also comprises other iconic cricketers like Sourav Ganguly, Heather Knight, Justin Langer, Eoin Morgan as well as Graeme Smith. Widely regarded as one of the game’s greatest players, Sangakkara is Sri Lanka’s highest run-getter in Tests with 12,400 runs from 134 ...

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My short encounters with Peter Roebuck and Haroon Lorgat in Colombo- By Senaka Weeraratna                                                   Haroon Lorgat Source:Lankaweb I wish to record my two short meetings with Mr. Peter Roebuck at the SSC Grounds (Sept. 18 -20, 2011) and my subsequent meeting with Mr. Haroon Lorgat on Sept. 20, 2011, at the Cinnamon Grand Hotel, Colombo, Sri Lanka. It happened in the last three days of the Third and Final Test match between Sri Lanka and Australia played at the SSC Grounds in Colombo (Sept. 18 – 20, 2011).  I was very keen to use this last opportunity before the Australian cricket team and the accompanying journalists left the country at the end of the match, to acquaint the visiting officials and journalists with sets of papers documenting my ...

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Are we seeing a rejuvenation in athletics and cricket?   Source:Dailymirror The recent performances of our athletic team has been an eye-opener. For long years, except for a few individual brilliant performances of individual athletes, we have trailed behind other Asian nations in the field. At the recently concluded Asian Athletic Championships this month, our athletes won three gold medals, two silver and three bronze medals. The team was placed fourth in the overall championship list, behind Japan who bagged a total of 37 medals, China 22 and India 27 medals. This is the highest position Sri Lanka has ever achieved in the history of the Asian Athletics Championships. The previous best position we held was way back in 2002 when the then team finished in 6th position.  Nadeesha Ramanayake started the flow of gold medals when she won the 400 m women’s gold at the 25th Asian Athletic Championships.  ...

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Mendis wasn’t aware of sixes World Record-by Rex Clementine   Source:Island As records tumbled in Galle during the second Test match between Ireland and Sri Lanka, Kusal Mendis came closer to break Wasim Akram’s World Record for most sixes in a Test match innings. Mendis, who posted his maiden double hundred, smashed 11 sixes during his 245 and was dismissed attempting the 12th six that would have seen him equalling the record. Pakistan great Wasim Akram had smashed 12 sixes in an innings in 1996 against Zimbabwe. ...

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Lacklustre batting send Lankans hurtling to another thrashing – BY TREVINE RODRIGO IN MELBOURNE (eLanka Sports Editor) One more batting collapse and a familiar scenario re-emerged putting Sri Lanka back to where they belonged, as the Kiwis bounced back to hand out a nine wicket thrashing to the struggling tourists while levelling the T20 series. Buoyed by their first win on tour,  Sri Lanka went in with renewed confidence but were rudely awoken the reality that the Kiwis are not easy beats at home. They carved up New Zealand’s attack in the first game. But New Zealand’s superior strategy of leading the attack with Adam Milne was testament of their bowling depth. And, Sri Lanka found another weapon they couldn’t defend against. Milne cut a swathe through a now established Sri Lankan inconsistent batting line-up to pick up 5 wickets for only 26 runss from his four overs, and with ...

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Kumar Sangakkara brings pride to Sri Lanka yet again Source:Island MTV 1 in its night news bulletin on March 27, mentioned that Kumar Sngakkara had addressed the Oxford Union and presented a short visual. Interest kindled, I googled and watched the entire Union session on video. There he sat comfortable and so at ease, looking his handsomest best, dressed near casual in a dark blazer like jacket with grey slacks and subdued tie. He spoke excellently with the slightest of attractive accent, as English should be spoken. Also, no er…s and um…s at all. His talk, whether recounting incidents from his life or answering questions about cricket, was even paced and smooth flowing. Listeners’ reaction seemed to be riveted interest; questions at the end were many and penetrating. ...

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