Dialog Axiata partners historic Battle of the Maroons in hill capital

Thursday, 3 April 2025 01:48 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Dialog Axiata PLC has partnered with the Battle of the Maroons, the oldest rivalry in the hill capital, which will take place when long-time competitors Dharmaraja and Kingswood face off for the T.B. Tennekoon Challenge Trophy. The match is scheduled for 4 to 6 April at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium.

The upcoming contest marks the 118th edition in this historic series. Of the 117 matches played to date, Dharmaraja holds a substantial lead with 36 victories compared to Kingswood’s 19, while the remaining matches have ended in draws. Dharmaraja currently possesses the trophy after securing a decisive victory last year under Captain Dulara Bandulasena’s leadership.

Kingswood’s last victory in the series dates back to 1958 under Maurice Fernando’s leadership when the match was played at Randiles Hill. This presents a formidable challenge for the team as they seek to reclaim the trophy after a 67-year drought.

The joint committee, led by Gayan Fernando of Kingswood and Senarath Hayasundara of Dharmaraja, along with the two principals—Namal Chandana Kumara of Kingswood and Kamal Ariyasinghe of Dharmaraja—are working diligently to conduct the match while maintaining its discipline and traditions.

Both schools have produced outstanding cricketers who have represented Sri Lanka at the national level. Dharmaraja’s impressive roster includes fast bowler T.B. Kehelgamuwa, Chamara Kapugedera, Sandun Weerakkody, Ananda Jayasundara, Harold Ranasinghe, Senaka Dissanayake, Mahinda Pethiyagoda, Ravi Rajapaksa, Ajith Narampanawa, Priyantha Weragoda, Nandana Kanagarathna, Pubudu Seneviratne, and Lahiru Samarakoon. Kingswood has contributed Lalith Wijeratne, Nazar Razack, Owen Mathau, Clifford Rathnavibhushana, Suwanji Madanayake, Nisitha Rupasinghe, and Demintha Dahanayake, among others.

Reviewing this season’s performances, the advantage appears to favour Dharmaraja, led by fifth-year coloursman and Sri Lanka youth player Pulindu Perera, whilst Kingswood is also captained by Sri Lanka youth player Kavija Gamaga.

The two-day encounter will be followed by the limited-overs match on 18 April at the same venue. This is the 36th match in this format, played for the Vincent Hoole’s Trophy. In this version too, Dharmaraja leads with 18 wins and are the current trophy holders, having won it last year under the captaincy of Thisaru Wanninayake, whilst Kingswood has 14 wins, with their most recent victory under the leadership of Nanuka Dissanayake.

Dialog Axiata is the proud sponsor of the National Cricket, Volleyball, Netball and Esports teams. Dialog is also the primary sponsor of the Sri Lanka Golf Open and Paralympic sports by powering the National Para Games, and the Sri Lankan contingent to the World Paralympic Games. Further, in line with its commitment towards empowering the champions of tomorrow, the company continues to power the President’s Gold Cup Volleyball, National Junior and Senior Netball tourneys, and School Rugby.

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