Former U-19 World Cup Captain Gunned Down in Sri Lanka
In a tragic incident, Dhammika Niroshana, who had led Sri Lanka’s under-19 team in the 2002 World Cup, was shot dead outside his home in Ambalangoda, Galle on Wednesday. According to local police reports, the 41-year-old cricketer was with his wife and two children when an unknown assailant opened fire, taking his life. Initial investigations suggest the shooting may be linked to past gang rivalries in the region.
As a promising youngster, Niroshana had made his debut for Sri Lanka U-19 in 2000 and was given the responsibility of captaining the side a few times. He then led the national junior team in the 2002 ICC Under-19 World Cup held in New Zealand. While Sri Lanka could only win one game in the tournament, Niroshana proved his skill with both bat and ball, aggregating 7 wickets in the competition. After retiring from professional cricket at the age of 21, he had returned to his hometown only a few months ago following threats to his safety.
Police sources have stated the murder appears to be connected to the killing of Niroshana’s close friend Dasun Manawadu in the same Ambalangoda area back in 2016. They are also examining possible ties to the shooting of former first-class cricketer and administrator H. Premasiri, who had also been gunned down near his house while serving as president of the Galle cricket association. The authorities have launched a manhunt to apprehend the culprit and bring them to justice.
