The Kalutara District is set to come to a standstill as the most anticipated sporting event in the region, the ‘Battle of Mangosteens,’ returns for its 66th edition. The iconic two-day cricket encounter between two leading National Buddhist Schools, Tissa Central College and Kalutara Vidyalaya, will be staged at the Tyrone Fernando Cricket Stadium in Moratuwa on the 8th and 9th of May.
Steeped in history and tradition, the inception of this major sporting extravaganza dates back to 1949, earning it the prestigious title of the 13th oldest big match in the island. The big match was named after the mangosteen fruit, for which the Kalutara region is famous. Kalutara Vidyalaya comfortably won the inaugural match in 1949 and went on to dominate the early years, maintaining a formidable winning streak for the first eight consecutive years. The “Kevians” have historically held the upper hand, leading the all-time winning tally with 23 titles. Their arch-rivals, Tissa Central College, have managed to clinch the silverware on seven occasions. Kalutara Vidyalaya’s most recent triumph came during the 61st encounter in 2019, where they secured a thumping victory.
Interestingly, the ‘Battle of Mangosteens’ has seen a recent fluctuation in its format. For most of its rich history, it was contested as a traditional two-day affair. However, the 65th edition in 2025 marked a historic shift when the encounter was expanded to a three-day format. Surprisingly, the organizers have decided to reinstate the classic two-day battle for this year’s 66th edition.
The match has not just been a battleground for school pride, but a vital nursery for Sri Lankan cricket. Kalutara Vidyalaya, in particular, has been the cradle for an extraordinary array of national talent. The school boasts an illustrious alumni base that features former Sri Lanka captain T.M. Dilshan, current Test and ODI star Pathum Nissanka, alongside former internationals Dulip Liyanage, Malinga Bandara, and Milinda Siriwardana. Tissa Central College has also made its mark on the local cricketing landscape, producing talented cricketers like the well-known Alankara Asnaka De Silva.
Kalutara Vidyalaya (The Kevians)
Led by pace bowling all-rounder Sheersha Tharuka, the Kevians will be looking to bounce back from a somewhat turbulent schools’ cricket league season. Despite posting a couple of first-innings victories, Kalutara Vidyalaya endured a bad patch that saw them finish at the bottom of their points table. However, big matches often write their own scripts, and Tharuka will be heavily relied upon. The skipper has enjoyed an excellent individual season, amassing over 400 runs and snaring over 30 wickets.
The Kevians’ batting lineup possesses significant depth. Wicket-keeper batter Vihanga Sapaumal has been the stand-out batter, scoring over 500 runs including four half-centuries. He is well-supported by vice-captain Hirusha Gaganaka and Akesh Shaminda, both of whom have also comfortably crossed the 500-run milestone. Thumasha Sadew adds further muscle to the top order, having surpassed the 400-run mark. In the bowling department, alongside captain Sheersha, vice-captain Hirusha and leg-spinner Radish Theekshana will form the core of the Kevians’ attacking unit.
Tissa Central College
In contrast to their rivals, Tissa Central College carries strong momentum into the big match. Under the leadership of the promising right-arm off-spinner and left-handed batter, Malindu Dilshan, Tissa College enjoyed a brilliant league campaign. Securing a couple of outright and first-innings victories, they earned a well-deserved spot in the Division II, Tier A quarterfinals, where they put up a valiant fight before losing to eventual runners-up Thakshila College, Horana.
Tissa’s strength lies in a formidable batting unit. Nethsara Yasmitha has been the revelation of the season, accumulating over 600 runs. The middle order is anchored by Ashen Ishara De Silva and Tharuka Silva, both of whom have crossed the 500-run mark, ensuring the lower order has a solid platform to build from. With the ball, Captain Malindu Dilshan will lead a potent spinning trio alongside Hashen Imsara and Akila Induwara, perfectly suited to exploit a traditional big match wicket on days two and three. Their pace attack, spearheaded by Vishwa Oshan and Tharuka De Silva, provides the necessary early breakthroughs.
The cricketing festivities will not end with the final ball of the two-day encounter. The classic match will be followed by the glamorous 17th One Day Encounter, which will also be hosted at the same venue. Will Kalutara Vidyalaya’s star-studded individual performers rise to the occasion to extend their historical dominance, or will a high-flying Tissa Central College, fueled by their successful league campaign, pull off a thumping victory and narrow the gap in the tally? The ‘Battle of Mangosteens’ promises yet another thrilling chapter.
Kalutara Vidyalaya Cricket Squad – Sheersha Tharuka (Captain), Hirusha Gaganaka De Silva (Vice Captain), Akesh Shaminda, Vihanga Sapaumal, Nethul Nimsara, Thumasha Sadew, Thineth Thaluja, Ravishka Gimhan, Sethuka Dinhas, Yadisha Hasaranga, Radish Theekshana, Ruwan Jayalathge (Head Coach)
Tissa Central College Cricket Squad – Malindu Dilshan (Captain), Nethsara Yasmitha, Sadew Dilshan, Ashen Ishara, Sadew Anuhas, Sithum Mihiranga, Malindu Dilshan, Tharuka De Silva, Mindew Hansana, Hashen Imsara, Akila Induwara Sampath, Vishwa Oshan, Charin Gayuka, Nalin Wickramasinghe (Head Coach)
- Photo Credit – Media Unit – Kalutara Vidyalaya
