With the Sri Lanka Cricket domestic season for the 2016/17 year set to begin this weekend, we take a closer look at the 10 men who will be leading their respective clubs in the Premier League ‘Tier ‘B’ tournament.
Chamara Silva – Panadura SC
One of the most experienced players in the current domestic circuit with over 13000 first-class runs. The 36-year old right-handed middle order batsman last represented Sri Lanka in 2011. He successfully led MAS Intimates Unichela to the League and Knockout championships a few months ago and was in superb form scoring over 500 runs in the mercantile cricket season. Last season he played for Galle Cricket Club before crossing over to his home city club this season, Panadura.
Chaminda Bandara – SL Ports Authority CC
29-year old left-arm fast-bowler has played 51 first-class matches over a span of 6 years and has taken 141 wickets. He bowled a stunning spell of 9 for 68 in his final first-class game which was played in March against Sri Lanka Army Sports Club. He was the only fast-bowler to feature in the top 15 wicket-takers list last season with 33 wickets from 9 matches at an average of 26.30 which prompted the national selectors to give him an opportunity with the national team during the England tour earlier this year.
Rajeewa Weerasinghe – Lankan CC
The 29-year old tattooed, right arm off-spinner represented Sri Lanka U19s a decade ago and since then has played 45 first-class games taking over 130 wickets. A formidable lower middle order batsman will look to contribute whenever possible with the bat. He has led St. Joseph’s College and Lankan CC in 2006/07 and 2012/13 previously.
Sulan Jayawardene – Kalutara Town Club
Right-handed opening batsman Jayawardena has accumulated close to 1000 first class runs after playing 26 matches. The 31 year old was a part of the victorious Sri Lanka Army SC outfit last season which won the Premier T20 championship. Hailing from Hambanthota, Jayawardene will make his debut for Kalutara Town Club this season.
Ranga Dissanayake – Air Force SC
37-year old right-arm off-spinning all-rounder from Kandy has been serving Air Force since the new millennium. He averages over 20 with both bat and ball playing 37 first-class matches. He is known to be a strict tactician and a reliable fielder. He mustered 269 runs in 9 matches last season and grabbed 11 wickets.
Sameera Sadamal – Navy SC
Sameera Sandamal, a right-handed middle order batsman at 22 is the youngest captain in the domestic circuit this season. Since leaving St. Benedict’s College in 2013, Sadamal has been representing the Sailors. He scored over 400 runs in 9 matches last season averaging 31.44 with four half-centuries to his name.
Anuruddha Rajapakse – Kurunegala Youth CC
31-year old fast-bowling all-rounder represented Commercial Bank in the recently concluded MCA ‘B’ division tournament and had terrific success. He captured 25 wickets in 7 games last season with an impressive bowling average of 16.36. He smashed 312 runs in 13 innings and scored 2 half-centuries.
Manoj Deshappriya – Kalutara PCC
35-year old fast-bowler had an average 2015/16 season at Kalutara Town CC scoring just over 120 runs in 6 games and capturing 10 wickets. With the decision to transfer to the rival club in Kalutara, Deshappriya will look to gain confidence from the added responsibility of captaining a first-class team this season.
Mahesh Priyadharshana – Police SC
The Police all-rounder from Galle with valuable experience of 26 first-class and 23 lists A matches will be itching to make a mark this season leading the strong Cops outfit. He averaged 32.71 in 6 games last season scoring 229 runs even though the Cops managed to win only one game.
Channa Fernando – Negombo CC
The coach and captain of the newly-promoted club to the first-class circuit, the 28-year old right-handed batsman will look to transfer all his experiences in molding a winning outfit. Having had his primary education at Maris Stella College, Fernando had a successful campaign for Negombo CC in the P. Sara Tournament to help them win the championship.
