23rd Battle of Sri Jayewardenepura Traditional rivals Ananda Sastralaya and St. John’s clash after three years

By M. Shamil Amit

 The much awaited Battle of Sri Jayawardenapura between traditional rivals Ananda Sastralaya Kotte and St. John’s Nugegoda is scheduled to be worked off today and tomorrow at the P. Sara Stadium.

 The rivals will be meeting each other for the 23rd in the series resuming the tradition after a lapse of three years as it was not held due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

 From the 22 matches that have been played so far the Sastralians are the only team to chalk up victory having won on two occasions in 2001 and 2002 with the rest ending in no results.
 St. John’s is led by fourth year player Obhasha Thotawatte, while Ananda Sastralaya will be captained by Janitha Chathuranga.

 The Teams:

St. John’s – Obhasha Thotawatta (Captain), Piyumal Dewranga, Jayanthan Abinash, Lochana Hansaka, Chathumika Dewmin, Thishan Damindu, Vochana Lakshan, Janith Theekshana, Dhanushka Bharatha, Lakshitha Lakindu, Thenuka Nethroo, Tharindu Mevan, Thimalka Supasan, Anuga Annusara, Udan Iroshan, Tanu Anuhas, Keshara Nimesh, Sandun Dewmina, Sumith Prasanna (Coach), Suwick Ronila (Asst Coach)

Ananda Sastralaya – Janitha Chathuranga (Capt), Binupa Thathmira, Punsara Harisath, Nethum Danesh, Udara Shashiru, Sadew Indeepa, Nithish Kamalsooriya, Charuka Eshan, Kushith Madushan, Ishan Anushka, S. A. Arthif, Venura Santhushi, Nadil Sathsilu, Ruwantha Iduranga, Positha Madanayake, Kenula Tilekeratne, Nadeem Majeed