Former Sri Lanka U-19 cricketer Dhammika Niroshan was shot dead outside his home by an unidentified assailant in Ambalangoda in Galle on Wednesday. He was 41.
Sri Lankan Police have said that investigations are underway to apprehend the shooter. Local media reports suggest that Niroshana’s wife and two children were along with him at their home when the incident occurred. Reports also suggested that the shooter used a 12-bore firearm to commit the crime.
According to Sri Lanka Police media spokesperson Nihal Thalduwa, “Investigations are underway to arrest the suspect involved in the shooting which seemed to be a result of a gang rivalry.” Reports have also cited that Niroshana had returned to the country only three months ago, after having previously fled for his life following the murder of his close friend Dasun Manawadu in the Ambalangoda region.
Police are also probing whether there is a link between Niroshana’s murder and the death of former First-Class cricketer and cricket administrator H. Premasiri in 2016. Premasiri was also shot near his residence in Ambalangoda in the Galle district while he was active as the president of the Galle District Cricket Association.
Captaining Sri Lanka
Niroshana was considered to be a promising talent in Sri Lanka’s age-group system. He made his Under-19 debut for Sri Lanka in 2000 and went on to lead the side in a handful of games. However, he opted to retire at the age of 21.
Niroshana, a right-arm fast bowler and a handy right-hand batter, led Sri Lanka in the 2002 Under-19 World Cup held in New Zealand. Sri Lanka, however, won only game in the tournament even as they progressed to the second Super League stage. Niroshan’a team comprised several future international stars, including Farveez Maharoof, Jeevan Mendis, Dhammika Prasad and Upul Tharanga. Niroshana picked up seven wickets in five innings in the tournament, averaging 19.28 with a best of 3/38.
Niroshana made his First-Class debut in the 2001-02 season. He featured in 12 FC matches for teams such as Galle CC, Singha SC and Chilaw Marians, picking up 19 wickets across three years. His last professional game was for Galle Cricket Club in December 2004.
Get latest updates on T20 World Cup along with live score updates for all matches.
