Sports

A comprehensive security operation and traffic management plan will be implemented today in connection with the Sri Lanka–Zimbabwe T20 World Cup match scheduled to take place at the R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium in Colombo.

The match is set to begin at 3:00 p.m., and stadium entrances will be opened to spectators from 12:00 noon. Authorities have encouraged fans to arrive early in order to minimize traffic congestion and allow security and traffic officers to carry out their duties effectively.

Deputy Inspector General of Police for Traffic Control and Road Safety, W.P.J. Senadheera, speaking at a media briefing in Colombo, stated that early arrival would help ensure smooth entry and reduce delays.

He also noted that the same security and traffic arrangements used during the recent India–Pakistan match will be applied for today’s game.

Police further announced that vehicle parking will be prohibited on selected roads surrounding the stadium from noon onwards. These restrictions are intended to maintain traffic flow and ensure public safety during the event.

Authorities urged the public to cooperate with the traffic plan and follow official instructions to ensure a smooth and safe experience for all spectators.

England’s senior batter Joe Root has spoken highly of Sri Lanka’s emerging talent Pavan Ratnayake after the youngster produced a memorable century in the third One Day International at the R. Premadasa Stadium.

Ratnayake scored a superb 121 under intense pressure as Sri Lanka chased a daunting target of 357 for 3 set by England. The visitors’ total was built on an unbeaten 111 from Root and a blistering 136 by Harry Brook. Although Ratnayake fought valiantly, Sri Lanka were unable to cross the line, with England sealing a 2–1 series victory and ending Sri Lanka’s unbeaten home ODI series run that had lasted since 2022.

Reflecting on Ratnayake’s performance, Root said the young batter showed impressive maturity and skill, particularly against spin bowling. He praised Ratnayake’s ability to rotate the strike, avoid prolonged dot-ball pressure, and still find regular boundaries, describing the innings as “really quite special.”

Root added that Ratnayake appeared destined for a strong international career, noting that Sri Lanka may have pushed the game even closer had one or two more batters been able to support him at the crease.

The praise came at the end of a dominant series for Root himself, who registered scores of 61, 75 and an unbeaten 111 across the three matches, reinforcing his key role as England continue their push toward ODI World Cup qualification.

Despite the series loss, Ratnayake’s century provided Sri Lanka with a clear sign of promise, earning recognition from one of the world’s most accomplished batters and offering hope for the country’s next generation of cricketers.

The Sri Lanka Department of Meteorology has issued a special weather advisory indicating that a low-pressure area is expected to form over the southeastern Bay of Bengal on or around February 15.

The notice, released at 10.30 a.m. today by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre, urges the public to stay alert and follow upcoming weather forecasts and official updates.

The warning coincides with two high-profile matches of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup set to be played in Sri Lanka. The much-anticipated clash between India and Pakistan is scheduled to take place in Colombo on February 15, while Sri Lanka will face Australia in Kandy on February 16.

With large crowds expected at both venues, organisers, teams, and spectators are likely to closely monitor weather developments in the coming days. Authorities have advised the public to rely on official bulletins for the latest information

Sri Lanka Police have announced a special traffic management arrangement in connection with the England Cricket Team’s tour of Sri Lanka, with matches scheduled to be held at the R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium in Colombo on 22, 24 and 27 January 2026.

To ease traffic congestion in areas surrounding the stadium on match days, motorists and the general public are advised to use alternative routes from 12.00 noon until the matches conclude. Police emphasized that the affected roads will remain open for regular vehicular movement and will not be closed or subject to traffic restrictions.

The roads expected to experience increased congestion include Pradeepa Mawatha, Saddharma Mawatha, Jayantha Weerasekara Mawatha, Temple Road (Khettarama Mawatha), Adi 100 Para, Bodhiraja Mawatha, Vincent Perera Mawatha and Brito Babapulle Road.

Sri Lanka have suffered a major setback in their T20 World Cup campaign, with key all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga likely to be sidelined for the rest of the tournament due to a hamstring injury, sources said.

The injury was sustained during Sri Lanka’s opening match against Ireland on February 8, where the team went on to record a 20-run victory. Hasaranga reportedly picked up the issue during the course of the game.

According to sources, selectors are expected to bring in Dushan Hemantha as a replacement should Hasaranga be officially ruled out. An announcement is anticipated once medical assessments are finalized.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) is expected to make a final determination on Bangladesh’s involvement in the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup by January 21, following ongoing talks with the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), ESPNcricinfo reported.

The ICC has notified the BCB that a clear decision is required on whether the national team will travel to India, the host nation for the tournament. The matter remains unresolved, with discussions continuing between the two parties.

Should Bangladesh opt out of the event, the ICC is likely to confirm a replacement team. Based on the current ICC rankings, Scotland are understood to be the leading contender to take Bangladesh’s place if required.

Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has conveyed his appreciation to Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif after it was officially confirmed that the India–Pakistan T20 World Cup encounter will take place in Colombo. The announcement has cleared uncertainty surrounding one of the tournament’s most closely watched matches.

President Dissanayake noted that Sri Lanka values the efforts made by the International Cricket Council (ICC) along with all relevant parties in facilitating the smooth continuation of the event. He emphasized that collective cooperation played a key role in ensuring the match proceeds according to plan.

Karma Fight League (Pvt) Ltd, South Asia’s largest K-1 kickboxing fight promotion, has secured strategic investment as it continues to strengthen its position within the region’s growing combat sports industry.The investment is led by venture capitalist Raveen Wickramasinghe, who has been appointed Chairman. Raveen brings nearly 15 years of senior leadership experience as CEO of Ruhunu Hospital and President of the Association of Private Hospitals and Nursing Homes (APHNH). A serial entrepreneur and board-level strategist, he has a proven track record in scaling businesses and driving long-term value creation.

“The three co-founders Ilham Hossen, Kaushika Withanage, and Dayan Samarasekara have done an exceptional job building a strong platform with professionally produced events, international-level competition, and consistent audience growth. My focus now is on strengthening governance, raising strategic capital, scaling operations, and unlocking the full potential of KFL in sports entertainment and regional sports tourism, creating meaningful opportunities for investors and stakeholders alike,” said Raveen Wickramasinghe.

Among the new investors are Sentered Media (Pvt) Ltd, led by entrepreneur Sharon Waduge, a tech founder exploring investments in emerging, high- growth ventures such as Karma Fight League, and Addiscombe Capital Partners (Pvt) Ltd.

The investment brings together the league’s founding team and a group of strategic investors with backgrounds in business, finance, and technology, strengthening both leadership and execution as the organisation grows.

Combat sports have seen steady growth across Asia in recent years, driven by rising viewership, sponsorship interest, and stronger regional fan engagement. Within this context, Karma Fight League has emerged as the leading K-1 platform in South Asia.

Industry observers note that this combination of founder-led execution and structured private investment sets Karma Fight League apart from many fight promotions in the region.

Raveen Wickramasinghe

Sri Lanka’s iconic fast bowler Lasith Malinga will take on the role of Fast Bowling Consultant for the national team during their four preliminary matches at the T20 World Cup 2026. Sources from the cricketing community report that Malinga is expected to join the squad on February 5 to begin his consultancy duties.

Sri Lanka is preparing for an intensive year of cricket in 2026, with the national team scheduled to compete in a wide range of international assignments and global tournaments, according to the International Cricket Council’s Future Tours Programme (FTP). The calendar includes matches in all three formats, alongside participation in major franchise leagues, though some dates and tours are yet to be finalized.

The year will begin with a home T20 International series against Pakistan in January, followed by England’s tour of Sri Lanka for three T20Is and three One-Day Internationals spanning January and February. Sri Lanka will then take part in the ICC T20 World Cup during February and March.

In March, the team is set to tour Afghanistan for a limited-overs series, before attention shifts to franchise cricket with the Indian Premier League running from March to May. Mid-year international commitments include an away tour of the West Indies in June and July, featuring Test matches as well as white-ball fixtures.

Domestic action will resume with the Lanka Premier League during July and August, after which Sri Lanka will host India for a two-Test series in August. The latter part of the year includes overseas white-ball tours to England and Pakistan, a tri-nation ODI series involving Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and England, and a two-Test series in Pakistan in November.

The year is expected to conclude with a limited-overs tour of India in December and January, carrying into the 2026–27 season. Sri Lanka Cricket officials have noted that while the FTP provides a framework, match dates and venues remain provisional and may be revised closer to each series.

Former Sri Lanka Under-19 cricketer Akshu Fernando has passed away, prompting an outpouring of tributes from players, coaches, and commentators who remembered him as both a talented sportsman and a remarkable individual.

International cricket commentator Roshan Abeysinghe confirmed the news, describing Fernando as a gifted cricketer and a warm, cheerful personality. In a tribute, Abeysinghe said Fernando’s life and career were tragically cut short, adding that he would be remembered fondly by all who knew him.

Fernando represented Sri Lanka at the 2010 ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup in New Zealand and was considered one of the most promising young cricketers at the time. His career was halted after a serious accident at an unprotected railway crossing near Mount Lavinia beach on December 28, 2018, while he was returning from a team training session. He remained in critical condition for several years following the incident.

He was part of a highly regarded Sri Lanka Under-19 squad that included players such as Dhanushka Gunathilaka, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, and Kithruwan Vithanage, several of whom later progressed to the senior national team.

One of Fernando’s most memorable performances came in the Under-19 World Cup semi-final against Australia in Lincoln on January 27, 2010, where he top-scored for Sri Lanka with 52 runs.

An alumnus of St. Peter’s College, Colombo, Fernando enjoyed a distinguished school cricket career, captaining the Under-13, Under-15, and Under-17 teams, and serving as vice-captain of the Under-19 side.

At club level, he represented Colts Sports Club, Panadura Sports Club, Chilaw Marians, and Ragama Sports Club. In one of his final competitive matches, just weeks before the accident, he scored an unbeaten century against Moors Sports Club on December 14, 2018.

Fernando’s death closes a long and difficult chapter that followed the tragic incident and has renewed reflection on a career many believed would have reached the highest level of international cricket. Tributes continue to arrive, celebrating not only his cricketing ability, but also his character, kindness, and enduring spirit.