Monday, 3 February 2014 00:05
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Sri Lanka Cricket, together with the SLC committee in the United Arab Emirates, organised an official dinner to raise funds for infrastructure development of school cricket in rural areas of Sri Lanka. The event was held at Atlantis, the Palm Hotel, Palm Jumeirah.
SLC Secretary Nishantha Ranatunga, speaking at this event, said: “Spreading the game throughout our beautiful country is something that is absolutely vital to the long-term health of cricket in Sri Lanka and this initiative is designed to help us do exactly that.”
He added: “The funds raised from this event in Dubai will allow Sri Lanka Cricket to provide facilities for youngsters to learn the skills involved in playing the game so that they can emulate the current stars of our national team and create a foundation for the well-being of the sport in Sri Lanka well into the future.”
Addressing the large gathering, National Team Captain Angelo Mathews said: “It is a privilege to play with three of the most senior and greatest players, and past captains like Sanga, Mahela and Dilshan.” He further said that Graham Ford had been a great coach. “I take this opportunity to thank Mr. Ford for all his advice and services rendered to our national team as head coach.”
Team Manager Micheal De Zoysa speaking at the event thanked the sponsors and contributors for their support towards the event. He noted that the Sri Lanka Tea Board is the overseas sponsor of the national team and thanked them for being part of the team. He further stated: “On behalf of Sri Lanka Cricket, I thank the SLC UAE Committee members for organising this wonderful event.”
Over 350 cricket fans across the UAE attended the event to support it. As most people only get the chance to watch their favourite players on television, this was a great opportunity for all the fans to get close to them, take photographs and collect autographs.
A ticket of the event was sold at the rate of AED 250 each including buffet dinner. Shyam Bhatiya and Mr and Mrs. Sanjeewa Kawathaarachchi contributed in bidding for two signature bats, while Micheal Camball contributed in purchasing an ODI signature bat. Neil De Silva took a photograph with the whole team and contributed to this fund raiser.
This was an opportunity given to all the fans in UAE to meet and greet the Sri Lankan cricketers in Dubai – the squad that recently beat Pakistan by nine wickets in the second Test at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday, taking a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
