From the North and the South of Sri Lanka, in perfect parallel, two talented young cricketers sharing the same name have followed remarkable journeys to the national stage. The Foundation of Goodness is delighted to celebrate the achievements of Latheendra Akash and Vigneswaran Akash, whose hard work, perseverance, and dedication have earned them places in the Under-19 India Tour of Sri Lanka 2026.
Latheendra Akash, a student of Hikkaduwa Sri Sumangala Central College, first discovered his passion for cricket at the age of 15. Although he temporarily stepped away from the game to focus on his G.C.E. Ordinary Level examinations, his natural talent was recognised by his school’s Head Coach, Lakmal Dissanayake, who encouraged him to return to the field.
Under Coach Dissanayake’s guidance, Latheendra steadily progressed through the ranks, earning selection to the Under-17 Super Provincial Team before being introduced to Sri Lanka Cricket Select Committee member Roger Seneviratne and Sri Lanka Under-19 fast bowling coach Omesh Siriwardhane. Challenged to increase his bowling speed from 128 km/h to 135 km/h, Latheendra embraced the task with determination. A key turning point in his cricketing journey came when, through the Foundation of Goodness, he was selected to receive the prestigious MCC Cricket scholarship presented to talented up and coming players by the Marylebone Cricket Club. He was also selected to attend a talent identification camp organised by Karwan Cricket Club from UAE, where he had the opportunity to bowl before Sri Lankan cricket legend Chaminda Vaas. The recognition and encouragement he received at the camp further strengthened his confidence and determination, helping pave the way to his first selection to the Sri Lanka Under-19 Cricket Team.
Joining him in the national squad is fellow Foundation of Goodness cricketer Vigneswaran Akash, also a recipient of the MCC Cricket Scholarship through FoG, whose journey began through the Foundation’s North Tokyo Cement Cricket Camps. After three years of dedicated training, his talent was recognised by our coaches before progressing through the provincial and district levels and ultimately catching the attention of the national selectors, who picked him for the Sri Lanka Under-19 squad three years ago.
Since then, Vigneswaran has continued to go from strength to strength. Following the 2026 ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup, he joined St. Joseph’s College, Colombo, where he made an immediate impact. His outstanding performance in the school’s annual big match against St. Peter’s College, in which he claimed 10 wickets, earned him the Player of the Match award and further cemented his reputation as one of the country’s most promising young cricketers.
Both players have been selected for the India U19 Tour of Sri Lanka 2026 Four Day Squad while Vigneswaran was also selected for the One Day Squad. The journeys of Latheendra and Vigneswaran are a testament to the power of talent, determination, dedicated coaching, and opportunity. Coming from opposite ends of the country, they embody the Foundation of Goodness’ vision of empowering young people through sport and creating pathways for them to realise their full potential.
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to both Latheendra Akash and Vigneswaran Akash and wish them every success as they continue to make Sri Lanka proud while also raising our caps to incredible donors like the MCC Foundation who have paved the way for talented rural players to shine through their support and sponsorship.
Latheendra Akash
Vigneswaran Akash
