Sri Lanka’s play-maker, Srinath Sooriyabandara, who plays a pivotal role in the team, has been ruled out of the squad ahead of the Asia Series 2nd Leg scheduled to take place in China.
The star quarter-back sustained a hamstring injury during Sri Lanka’s 5th Place (Plate Champions) finish in the 1st leg the series in Incheon, South Korea.
Fondly known as ‘Soori’, the little maestro showed great leadership skills as he brought in his experience and knowledge into play, marshaling and instructing the young Sri Lanka outfit to a satisfactory finish in the 1st leg.
Thilina Wijesinghe who was initially supposed to stay back for the 2nd leg, has been recalled to replace Soori, along with Adeesha Weerathunga and debutants, Iroshan Silva, Gamunu Chethiya and Thilina Bandara.
Last year, Soori faced a severe injury in the 3rd leg held in Colombo when he fractured his collar bone and was forced to stay out of the game, but, hopefully this year, the speedster will recover fast enough to be fit for the 3rd leg which is set to take place on the 28th & 29th of September in Colombo.
The 13-man squad is as follows:
Danush Dayan (Kandy SC), Jason Dissanayaka (Kandy SC), Thilina Bandara (Air Force SC), Reeza Raffaideen (CR & FC), Dinuk Amerasinghe (CR & FC), Janidu Dilshan (CR & FC), Gamunu Chethiya (CR & FC), Iroshan Silva (Police SC), Adeesha Weerathunga (Navy SC), Sudaraka Dikkumbura (Army SC), Thilina Wijesinghe (Kandy SC) & Kevin Dixon (CR & FC)
