The Colombo South team emerged victorious, defeating Kandy in the final match of the Prima Under-15 Sri Lanka Youth League (SLYL) 2024, organised by Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) under its National Pathway Program, with the objective of identifying promising young cricketers at an early stage. The final match was held at Thurstan College Cricket Ground on 6 December 2024, with youth cricketers from across the island participating.
Winning the toss and electing to bat first, Colombo South scored 214 runs for 9 wickets in 49 overs. In reply, Kandy was bowled out for 65 runs in 25.5 overs, crowning Colombo South as the champions of the Prima U15 SLYL 2024 tournament.
Mr. Ashley De Silva, CEO of Sri Lanka Cricket, said, “The tournament gave the youngsters a big opportunity to play, perform, and further enhance their cricketing skills and gain vital exposure to shape up and aspire to be among the future generation of Sri Lankan cricketers. I also wish to thank Prima for continuing to be a part of empowering the youngsters.”
Prima U15 SLYL 2024, the 50 over tournament, commenced on the 21st of November, featuring young cricketers selected from district-level competitions. These players competed in five teams, namely Colombo North, Colombo South, Dambulla, Galle, and Kandy.
Mr. Andy Wirawan, Group General Manager of Prima Group Sri Lanka, remarked, “This tournament has consistently identified and nurtured exceptional young talent over the years. On behalf of Prima Group Sri Lanka, I would like to express my gratitude to Sri Lanka Cricket for allowing us to continue this partnership, which aligns with Prima’s ongoing commitment to nurturing the next generation of young cricketers in the country.”
Since 2007, Prima Group Sri Lanka has been the proud official sponsor of the Prima U15 SLYL tournament, which has served as a platform for thousands of young cricketers to represent their districts and, subsequently, their provinces. Many talented cricketers, both past and present, who represent the National Cricket Team have had their beginnings at this tournament.
Mr. Sajith Gunaratne, General Manager of Ceylon Agro Industries, Prima Group Sri Lanka, stated, “The Prima Under-15 Sri Lanka Youth League serves as a platform for aspiring young cricketers to advance their careers to both national and international levels. It’s inspiring to see the passion and skill displayed by these young cricketers, and we are proud to support their journey through the Prima Under-15 Sri Lanka Youth League.”
Reshan Solomons of Colombo South scored 77 runs off 99 balls, with 11 fours, recording the only half-century in the final match. Together with Mahiru Kodituwakku, he built a 51-run partnership. Reshan was awarded the Best Batsman of the Tournament title.
Chanithu Kankanamage of Colombo South, who took 5 wickets for 22 runs in the final match, became the Player of the Final, while Dushen Udawela of Colombo South earned the Player of the Tournament title. Yumal Egodage of Dambulla, who took 13 wickets in 4 matches, was named the Best Bowler of the Tournament.