Colombo Colts Cricket Club celebrates 150th anniversary

Colombo Colts Cricket Club marked its illustrious 150th anniversary gala night on 8 December, 2023, in grand style. The event, attended by cricket enthusiasts, dignitaries, and esteemed members, featured Head of the State Ranil Wickremesinghe as the Chief Guest, along with the participation of Sports Minister Harin Fernando.

Under the leadership of Club President Nishantha Ranatunga and the Executive Committee, the evening commenced with a ceremonial plaque unveiling and commemorated in a photograph with the executive committee and the chief guest. In his welcome address, Nishantha Ranatunga reflected on the club’s history since its establishment in 1873, acknowledging the pivotal role of past presidents and executive committees in contributing to the club’s success. He emphasised the achievements in cricket and other sports, expressing gratitude for the Government’s support and underscoring the importance of investing in cricket infrastructure for ongoing success on the global stage.

The ‘96 and 2014 World Cup-winning teams were celebrated with a heart-warming gesture of life membership extended to each member.  President Wickremesinghe presented tokens of appreciation to key players and members of the club in the presence of the club president Ranatunga, General Secretary Shiran Abesekara, and Treasurer M. Rathnaharan. The recipients included Colts 1st Class player and SL National player Chaminda Mendis, who also served as a National Cricket Selector, along with Chaminda Vaas, who played and captained the national team, and Anjelo Matthews, the current National Captain and player. Colts 1st Class player Hemantha Devapriya, who played for over a decade and was a SL National player, as well as past presidents K. Mathivanan and Gamini Goonasena, were acknowledged.

Esteemed long-term life members, including Patron Trevor Rajaratnam, Lester Fernando, Carlton Bernardus, Jagath Savanadasa, Richie Fernandopulle, Susilo De S Wijeratne, Late Michael Changmugam, Late Ranjith Samarasekera, and Tissa Abeywickrema, were also recognised. Former Colts National Women’s cricket players and Captains, Vaneesa Bowen, Rasanjali De Alwis, Dinesha Perera, former Colts and Sri Lanka Women’s Hockey Captain were acknowledged for their contributions.

President Wickremesinghe was conferred life membership at the event, and expressed gratitude in his speech, extending heartfelt appreciation to the Colombo Colts Cricket Club for its remarkable contribution to the sport.  The evening was filled with entertainment and musical performances. With its rich legacy and commitment to the spirit of the game, the Colombo Colts Cricket Club looks forward to a future brimming with many more years of success and glory.