NEW DELHI: Dhammika Niroshana, a former captain of Sri Lanka's cricket team's Under-19 squad, was reportedly shot and killed at his residence on Tuesday night. The event happened at the former cricket player's Ambalangoda home, Kanda Mawatha.
As to the claims from the local media, Niroshana was shot with a 12-bore rifle while at home with his wife and two children. Police arrived at the scene after obtaining information, took possession of the body, and sent it for autopsy. They have also started an investigation into the situation.
The suspect and the reason for the shooting have not yet been identified by the police. Dhammika Niroshana was a right-arm fast bowler and right-handed batsman. After making his debut for the Sri Lanka Under-19 team in 2000, he spent a few years playing age-group cricket.
Dhammika Niroshana is said to be one of the best all-round cricketers Sri Lanka youth system produced. Angelo Mathews, Upul Tharanga, Dinesh Chandimal all played under him. Unfortunately, at the age of 20 he gave up cricket.
During the 2002 ICC Under-19 World Cup in New Zealand, he led Sri Lanka and claimed seven wickets at an average of 19.28 in five innings.
Along with representing the Chilaw Marians Cricket Club, Galle Cricket Club, and Singha Sports Club in Sri Lanka, Dhammika Niroshana amassed over 200 runs and 19 wickets in 12 first-class matches and 48 runs and five wickets in eight List-A matches.
