OBITUARY – PRASANNA NIMAL WIKRAMANAYAKE. KC (11 August 1933 – 20 December 2023) – By Hugh Karunanayake Nimal Wikramanayake, KC, eminent lawyer and the only Asian born Kings Counsel in Australia, passed away on 20 December at a private nursing home where he was recuperating following surgery. He celebrated his 90th birthday just a few months ago. Born in Colombo as the second son to EG(Guy) Wikramanayake, a leading counsel in Colombo in his day, Nimal schooled at S Thomas College, Mount Lavinia. On leaving school, unlike his elder brother Ranji a well known endocrinologist in Sydney, Nimal chose to follow in the footsteps of his forefathers. His paternal grandfather Edward Beauchamp was a lawyer himself, but it was Edward Beuchamp’s two sons Eric Bird, and Emil Guy, who created legal history by being granted silk, the only instance in Sri Lanka of two brothers being appointed Kings Counsel. Nimal’s ...
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BAMBALAPITIYA FLATS IN THE SWINGING SIXTIES ‘N’ SEVENTIES – By Asiff Hussein Source : Ceylon Then / Sri Lanka Now Bambalapitiya Flats was the place to be back then, as any good ole’ Bamba boy or girl will tell you. Built in the 1950s, the 16 blocks of buildings between Galle Road and the Indian Ocean comprised of two to four storeys built in such a way that the balconies gave a splendid view of the sea to the west. The blocks back then were colour coded for easy identification, with gelati colours like yellow, orange, pink, sky blue, lime green, and sandstone brown giving life to the scheme, especially in the evening when the golden orange orb of the sun set in the sea and bathed the flats with a beautiful sundown glow. The flats were meant to nurture community life with all sharing a common space that included a ...
Cricket Australia Launches Multicultural Action Plan (CA) has released its Multicultural Action Plan to create further engagement and inclusion in all areas of Australian Cricket and continue the game’s mission to be a Sport for All. The Plan is the result of thousands of hours of consultation with members of local communities to help understand the current state of connection including ongoing successes and potential challenges. As part of the research, there was a specific focus on understanding the experiences of South Asian communities in cricket. As the fastest growing demographic in Australia, people of South Asian heritage are considered critical to the game’s growth in all areas including decision making and volunteerism. However, the initiatives outlined in the plan are targeted at all culturally diverse communities and the initiatives will benefit the inclusion of all such groups. The Multicultural Action Plan was informed by research conducted using funding from ...
NRMA Insurance Test Series begins with strong viewing figures The NRMA Insurance West Test recorded a strong increase in viewing and attendance numbers as big audiences watched Australia take a 1-0 series lead against Pakistan. Session two of day four of the West Test had a national average audience of 1.1 million on linear TV across Foxtel and the Seven Network, with streaming audiences across Foxtel Group on Kayo Sports, Foxtel Go and Foxtel Now boosting audience figures further. The NRMA Insurance West Test linear TV ratings were up 22% on last year’s opening Test across Foxtel and the Seven Network, with streaming audiences across Foxtel Group up 43%. The Seven Network’s coverage of the West Test reached 5.97 million Australians nationally. The total match attendance of 59,125 was the largest for a Test Match in Perth against Pakistan. This was 40% greater than the previous record, with this year’s ...
Nathan Lyon grabs the headlines with his 500th and Australia grab the first Test. – BY TREVINE RODRIGO IN MELBOURNE. (eLanka Sports editor) Australia’s bowlers were clinical in their demolition job, ripping apart any hope of a Pakistan revival as they thumped the visitors by 361 runs on a treacherous Perth wicket. But the day’s play belonged to Nathan Lyon Australia’s off spinning GOAT who went on to claim his 500th Test wicket and writing his name in the record books as the third Australian to achieve this remarkable feat. The stadium erupted as he claimed the scalp of Faheem Ashraff and all of Australia would undoubtedly have acknowledged the tireless spinner’s fantastic milestone. He joins Shane Warne and Glenn McGrath in the elite company. The comprehensive thrashing was fashioned on the lead of 450 runs as Australia’s batters accelerated to 233 for 5 on a wicket that was deteriorating ...
Australia’s bowlers stifle Pakistan fightback. – BY TREVINE RODRIGO IN MELBOURNE. (eLanka Sports editor) Australia’s bowlers suffocated and finally extricated Pakistan’s remaining eight wickets to put them in the box seat in a see- sawing third day’s play. Stung by being bowled out for 271, continuing from 132 for two overnight, Pakistan’s bowlers sent shock waves through the Australia’s camp when Khurram Shahzad removed first innings hero David Warner for a duck and Marnus Labuschagne in quick succession. It underlined the tourists promise that they are not a pushover on this tour. But Steve Smith and Usman Khawaja dug in and weathered the storm under seige from a hostile Pakistan pace attack and carried Australia to a 300 run lead by the close, taking the sting out of a fightback. It sure was an engaging day’s cricket that may have a few more twists to its tail as Australia search ...
David Warner smashes brilliant century in build-up to his Swansong. – BY TREVINE RODRIGO IN MELBOURNE. (eLanka Sports editor) David Warner smashed his way to a memorable 164 as he planned to make his retirement etched with lingering memories of a glittering career for Australia. The dashing left hander was all class and composure as he crafted a important start to the Summer which put Australia in the box seat at the end of day one with an imposing 346 for 5 wickets and a huge psychological advantage over Pakistan on a challenging Perth track. Pat Cummins won the important toss and elected to bat in what could well be decisive to Australia’s fortunes. Warner and Usman Khawaja played the track to near perfection while surviving a few scares as Pakistan’s Shaheen Shah Afridi, khurram Shahzad and Aamer Jamal troubled Australia’s openers but let them off the hook with dropped ...
Christmas party at the Walawwa with Noeline Honter and Sohan Weerasinghe from Sri Lanka with Andrea Marr and popular band Ebony – by Trevine Rodrigo (eLanka) As the important day of the Christian calendar fast approaches, joyful parties to are taking place all around Australia. Esric Jackson and Shehan Wijewardena of the Walawwa organised a sellout Christmas party with Noeline Honter and Sohan Weerasinghe from Sri Lanka with Andrea Marr and popular band Ebony. Esric Jackson himself added more flavour to the event with his own vocal renditions to further liven up a great afternoon. Apart from a lively crowd of afternoon revellers, a wide attendance of musicians gathered to take in a wonderful show. Ash and Allison Jayasinha, Gwenie Khel, Cherrie Chamari, and a host of others were among those who showed up to take in the performance of two proven entertainers over the decades. And they were ...
Shahid Afridi anticipates exciting contest in Benaud Qadir Trophy Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi shared his thoughts on the upcoming Test series between Australia and Pakistan, expressing anticipation for a battle during the Benaud Qadir Trophy. “Aussies are traditionally strong, both mentally and physically,” Afridi acknowledges Australia as a cricket powerhouse. “They are a very formidable side in their own conditions and facing them is always a challenge.” Afridi, reminisced about his playing days with Australia, particularly highlighting the honor of sharing the field with legendary spinner Shane Warne. “Playing alongside Shane Warne was an excellent experience. He was a fighter and a brilliant cricketer. I learned a lot from him during our time together. We had some bowling sessions together, and he offered some valuable tips,” Afridi said. Former Pakistan captain emphasized the strength of Australia’s current batting lineup. “They have a very strong batting order, and I expect ...
Nathan McSweeney and Shan Masood shared their views at captains call in Manuka Shan Masood: Pakistan’s captain, Shan Masood, expressed his enthusiasm for a series that is expected to showcase thrilling cricket. Masood emphasized the need to accelerate the scoring rate, highlighting the importance of putting runs on the board quickly. He emphasized that the key to success lies in the bowlers taking twenty wickets, a strategy that aligns with their game plans. Masood conveyed confidence in Pakistan’s bowling options, citing the inclusion of Wasim Jr for his ability to exploit reverse swing in Sydney. He praised domestic performers Khurram Shahzad and Mir Hamza, emphasizing their potential to make an impact. In terms of the batting lineup, Masood announced Abdullah Shafiq and Imam-ul-Haq as the opening pair, with Babar Azam set to bat at number four. The captain also hinted at the preference for Sarfraz Ahmed over Mohammad Rizwan. Masood ...
