Former Sri Lankan U-19 cricket team captain shot dead

Former Sri Lanka under-19 cricket captain Dhammika Niroshana was reportedly shot dead at his Ambalangoda home in Sri Lanka's Galle in  on Tuesday night.

The incident took place at his Kanda Mawatha residence. Niroshana, 41, was with his wife and two children when an assailant opened fire, local police reports said.

 

According to local media reports, the assailant, who has not been identified as yet, used a 12-bore firearm. 

 

Police have sent Niroshana’s body for autopsy and are investigating the matter.

 

Niroshana was considered one of the finest pace-bowling all-rounders to emerge from Sri Lanka’s youth cricket system.

 

He captained notable players such as Farvez Maharoof, Angelo Mathews, and Upul Tharanga before leaving the sport at the age of 20.

 

During his career, Niroshana played 12 first-class matches and 8 List-A games for Galle Cricket Club between 2001 and 2004, amassing over 300 runs and taking 19 wickets.

 

He made his debut for Sri Lanka’s U19 side in 2000 and played in several under-19 Tests and ODIs over two years.

 

The cricket community mourned the loss of a talented player who showed great promise in his early years.