The VIMAN Street Cricket Cup 2025, an initiative by John Keells Properties in collaboration with Sri Lanka women’s cricket legend, Chamari Athapaththu, successfully concluded on the 2nd of February 2025 at the BOI Cricket Ground in Katunayake. Designed to encourage and support women’s cricket at the grassroots level, the tournament reflected a strong commitment to identifying and nurturing talent while creating opportunities for emerging female players across Sri Lanka. Bringing together aspiring young cricketers from diverse backgrounds, the event served as a visible platform for schoolgirls to showcase their skills, compete at a high level, and take their first steps toward a potential future in cricket.
The event drew a large crowd, comprising of students from participating schools, parents, and many more, from the local community in Gampaha. The matches were played in a tournament format, concluding with the semi-finals and finals. The competition was divided into Under 16 and Under 19 categories, with the Under 16 title claimed by Devi Balika Vidyalaya, Colombo, while Nenamal Royal College, Mawaramandiyafinished as the runners-up. In the Under 19 category, Anula Vidyalaya, Nugegoda secured the championship title, with Rathnavali Balika Vidyalaya, Gampaha finishing as runners-up. The enthusiastic turnout clearly showed the growing momentum behind women’s cricket in Sri Lanka and reinforced the importance of platforms such as the VIMAN Street Cricket Cup in inspiring young women cricketers.
Chamari Athapaththu, who has played an instrumental role in the initiative, attended the event and personally presented special awards to students who delivered outstanding performances during the tournament. Among the accolades were the woman of the series award, won by Sewmini Adikari in the Under 16 age category and by Yesali Jithara in the Under 19 age category, the woman of the match – final award, secured by Sewmini Adikari in the Under 16 age category and by Yesali Jithara in the Under 19 age category, the best batsman award, obtained by Sewmini Adikari in the Under 16 age category and by Hasini Wijesinghe in the Under 19 age category, and the best bowler award, which was presented to Hirushi Oshadi in the Under 16 age category and to Umaya Rathnayake in the Under 19 age category. These recognitions celebrated both individual excellence and a shared passion for cricket, which was displayed by the schoolgirls who participated throughout the competition.
A total of nine schools participated in the tournament, representing both the Colombo and Gampaha District. The participating teams included Newstead Girl’s College, Negombo; Anula Vidyalaya, Nugegoda; Ave Maria Convent, Negombo; Devi Balika Vidyalaya, Colombo; Rathnavali Balika Vidyalaya, Gampaha; Lyceum International School, Gampaha; Bandarawatta Parakrama Maha Vidyalaya, Gampaha; Nenamal Royal College, Mawaramandiya; and Ranpokunagama Maha Vidyalaya, Nittambuwa.
Reflecting on the success of the tournament, Nadeem Shums- Head of Sales & Marketing of the Property Sector, and Vice President of the John Keells Group said, “The VIMAN Street Cricket Cup 2025 has been an incredible success, setting the stage for what we envision as an annual tradition that empowers young women in sport. At John Keells Properties, we are committed to building opportunities that shape lives, inspire communities, and create lasting impact. With this tournament, we have taken a decisive step toward strengthening women’s cricket in Sri Lanka, supported by Chamari’s inspirational spirit and vision.”
Expressing pride in the achievements of the girls, Chamari Athapaththu added, “It’s been an absolute privilege to witness the talent and passion displayed by these young women cricketers. This tournament is creating pathways for the next generation of women cricketers to step forward with confidence and ambition. Seeing so many girls take to the field with such energy and determination has been truly inspiring. I’m incredibly proud to be a part of this initiative, and I am excited to continue working towards building a future where more young women have the opportunity to pursue their dreams in cricket.”
Many brands rallied behind the VIMAN Street Cricket Cup, with The Cricket Shop, Emerald International, Union Bank of Colombo, Hatton National Bank, HammerBTL, Elephant House Ice Cream and Beverages, Keells Krest, Fonterra, Perera and Sons, and Super PVC by Phoenix stepping in as key sponsors to support and help make the event a success.
With the successful conclusion of the VIMAN Street Cricket Cup 2025, the tournament is set to become an annual event that helps to encourage Sri Lankan women to pursue their dreams, both on and off the field.
VIMAN by John Keells Properties
VIMAN redefines modern suburban living across six acres of land, with 65% of the space dedicated to greenery and open areas. Located in the heart of Ja-Ela, VIMAN features 418 thoughtfully designed apartments and over 15 amenities, creating a serene sanctuary for families to thrive. Its prime location ensures easy access to the Colombo Port Access Highway, enabling a seamless 30-minute commute between Ja-Ela and Colombo.
With its vision of “Creating New Worlds,” John Keells Properties continues to lead transformative projects that combine community, sustainability, and modern living.