The historic city of Kelaniya, nestled in the Colombo suburbs, is set to be electrified in Big Match fever once again. The two leading Buddhist schools in the Gampaha District, Gurukula College and Sri Dharmaloka Vidyalaya, are gearing up to renew their rivalry at the 36th ‘Battle of Kelaniya’ Annual Cricket Encounter. The much-anticipated three-day encounter is scheduled to be played from the 3rd to the 5th of April at the P. Sara Oval International Cricket Stadium.
This classic Big Match rivalry began in 1988 and has grown into a staple of the School Cricket calendar. For years, the encounter failed to produce a winner until Gurukula MV Kelaniya broke the hoodoo at the 24th encounter in 2012, played at the R. Premadasa Stadium. Since then, the contest has seen Gurukula College establish a clear dominance in the longer format. The Kelaniya lads have clinched the title on four occasions, including a victory in last year’s edition. In contrast, Sri Dharmaloka Vidyalaya is still searching for their maiden big match title. However, the limited-over history is much tighter; in the One-Day series which began in 1991, Gurukula holds a slim 16 to 15 lead, suggesting that Dharmaloka is always capable of pushing their opponents to the limit.
Competing in Division I – Tier B this season, Sri Dharmaloka Vidyalaya has enjoyed a productive campaign, securing one outright win and five first-innings victories. They will enter the match high on confidence and determined to spoil the defending champions’ party.
The team will be led by fourth-year coloursman Omal Vihanga. A reliable presence at the top, Omal has accumulated 559 runs this season, including four half-centuries. However, the backbone of the Dharmaloka batting unit is undoubtedly Kaveen Dineth. His solo performances have been instrumental this year, amassing a massive 1183 runs. His tally includes three centuries and seven half-centuries, with a highest score of 149. Vice Captain Sathindra Probodha has also chipped in significantly with 452 runs. The batting depth is further bolstered by Tharusha Mihiranga (362 runs), Mewan Randeepana (225 runs), and Minuka Dinsara (220 runs). In the bowling department, the team will look to Sathindu Praboda, Vipun Sasanka, Tishan Nipun, Koshitha Adithya, and Damsith Baddage to deliver the breakthroughs.
Gurukula College comes into the match having featured in the Elite Group of School Cricket (Division I – Tier A) for the first time. While competing against the top schools in the land is a challenge in itself, they managed to secure two first-innings wins against formidable opponents.
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The team is captained by fifth-year coloursman Denura Dimansith. Following an impressive season last year, Denura’s stature has risen significantly, earning him a place in the Sri Lanka youth squad for the 2025 Tour of Bangladesh. This season, he has been in sublime form with the bat, scoring 838 runs featuring a century and five half-centuries. He is ably supported by his deputy, Janith Mihiranga, who has contributed 640 runs. The batting lineup looks formidable with contributions expected from Javindu Madusanka (444 runs), Leshan Sathsara (282 runs), Ohas Sadew (302 runs), Induwara Oshada (189 runs), and Atheesha Malindu (187 runs).
The bowling attack offers a good mix of spin and pace. Left-arm chinaman bowler Sahas Induwara and left-arm pace bowler Ohas Sadew will lead the respective attacks. They will be supported by Nethupa Sandiw, Leshan Sathsara, Javindu Madusanka, and Janith Mihiranga in the hunt for wickets.
Both teams have posted moderate to strong runs during the season, setting the stage for an intriguing battle. While Gurukula College possesses the experience of playing in the top tier and will be eager to retain the trophy, the spirited Dharmaloka outfit has nothing to lose and everything to gain as they eye their first-ever title.
The Cricketing action between these two schools does not end with the three-day encounter. The 23rd Limited Over Encounter (50 Overs) is set to be played on the 11th of April. Furthermore, the 4th T20 encounter between the two sides will be staged on the 25th of April, both at the same venue. As April approaches, the stage is set for a carnival of Cricket in Kelaniya, where history, pride, and talent will collide at the P. Sara Oval.
Gurukula College team
Denura Dimansith (Captain), Janith Mihiranga (Vice Captain), Javindu Madushaka, Oshan Thushantha, Induwara Fonseka, Leshen Sathsara, Pinsara Gunasekara, Induwara Thusantha, Shan Jumantha, Nethupa Panagoda, Deneth Madushanka, Dihen Kaushan, Kalana Potzmann and Yasith Galhena
Sri Dharmaloka Vidyalaya team
Omal Vihanga (Captain), Sathindra Prabodha (Vice Captain), Kaveen Dineth, Tishan Nipun, Mewan Randeepana, Tharusha Mihiranga, Koshitha Adithya, Senuka Pehesara, Chanul Nethsitha, Minuka Bimsara, Senuk Nilesh, Vipun Sasanka, Movindu Gimhan, Vidulanga Liyanage and Chamuditha Kalana
