Sangakkara Supports Jaffna's Rising Cricket Stars

This contribution is a significant boost for the players, as Ranjithkumar Newton and K. Mathulan have been selected to represent Sri Lanka Under-19 in the prestigious Asia Cup, while V. Akash has been chosen to join the Sri Lanka Under-17 squad for the upcoming series against Bangladesh. The selection of these three players from the Dambulla Junior team to the national youth squads is a historic milestone, marking the first time that such a number of players from Jaffna have made it to the national level.

Ranjithkumar Newton, a left-arm fast bowler from Jaffna Central College, K. Mathulan, a right-arm slinger from St. John’s College, and V. Akash, a right-arm leg spinner from Hartley College in Point Pedro, have reached an impressive milestone in their cricket careers.

Ranjan Paranawithana, who has been a key figure in the development of these young players, expressed his deep appreciation for Sangakkara's support. “This is a momentous achievement for the region, and it's inspiring to see players from Dambulla, a region that has nurtured them, now representing Sri Lanka at the international level. The fact that three players from Jaffna are now part of the Sri Lankan youth teams shows the rising cricketing talent in the area,” he said.

Ranjan went on to acknowledge the efforts of the players, noting that this success was built upon their exceptional performances at the super provincial level, which served as the launching pad for their national selection. He also highlighted the importance of Sangakkara’s contribution, saying, “The cricket gear donation from Kumar Sangakkara is invaluable for these young cricketers. It has significantly boosted their confidence and provided them with the tools needed to further their development. We are all deeply grateful for his support.”

Sangakkara’s gesture follows his commitment to supporting young talent in Sri Lanka, especially those from underserved regions like Jaffna, and his continued backing is seen as an inspiration to many in the cricketing community.

The success of Newton, Mathulan, and Akash is a testament to the growing strength of youth cricket in Sri Lanka, particularly from areas that have often been overlooked. With support from figures like Sangakkara, these young cricketers now have the opportunity to excel on the international stage, with the hope that they will inspire future generations of players from their region.