Sunday Sep 22, 2024
Sunday Sep 22, 2024
Thursday, 11 July 2024 01:14 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
A felicitation ceremony in honour of Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) women’s team captain Chamari Athapaththu was held at the Ibbagamuwa Central College recently.
Athapaththu, born to the late A.M. Jayawardena Bandara, a former public health officer, and D.B. Chandra Jayawardena, began her schooling at Gokarella Maha Vidyalaya where she excelled in her studies. After excelling in the grade 5 scholarship exam, she had secured admission to the Ibbagamuwa Central College.
The felicitation ceremony was organised by students and the Past Pupils’ Association of the Ibbagamuwa Central College. Special guests included former adviser to the Sports Ministry and SLC Chairperson Shammi Silva, and United Youth Organisation President Sudath Chandrasekara.
Speaking at the event, Silva assured that Ibbagamuwa Central College would receive a new sports stadium, a fully equipped sports field, a side wicket, and a bodybuilding centre.
During his address, Silva also credited President Ranil Wickremesinghe with saving sports in Sri Lanka from politicisation.
He drew parallels between his alma mater, Nalanda College, and Ibbagamuwa Central College. Silva noted that a former student of Nalanda College had been appointed as the principal of Ibbagamuwa Central College and he had worked tirelessly to develop the school.
He mentioned that the school is one of the leading institutions in sports, particularly in events like javelin, discus, and spear throwing. Silva highlighted that students from Ibbagamuwa Central College, often unknown initially, rise to achieve significant success in Sri Lanka. Reflecting on his memories, he emphasised the school’s hidden potential and development in sports, recalling fond memories of athletes and achievements from Ibbagamuwa Central College.
“When I visited the college playground, I envisioned that in the next two to three years, four or five talents like Chamari Athapaththu could emerge from this field. As I observed your school’s playground, I strongly felt the need for a new pavilion. It should include a fully equipped indoor cricket ground, additional side wickets, and a comprehensive gym facility. I assure you that once these upgrades are completed soon, this sports school will emerge as the premier sports institution in Sri Lanka,” he said.
He noted that Athapaththu recently expressed her desire to quit playing cricket, but he encouraged her not to stop and to dedicate another four to five years to the sport. After their discussion, he said Athapaththu agreed to continue playing. He emphasised the upcoming World Cup matches and the potential of other talented youngsters who are eager to follow in her footsteps.
He stated that Athapaththu is currently the best female cricketer. Looking ahead, he expressed hope that after Athapaththu retires in five years, she could potentially be the first woman to occupy his position in SLC. “We hold onto this hope and urge Chamari to continue her fight for another five years,” he said.
Referring to the stadium, he pledged to develop it into the best after the Dambulla Welagedara Stadium and hand it over to future generations.
“I request that once completed, this stadium be named the Chamari Athapaththu Stadium. We are working diligently, and completion is expected within four months. Athletes like Chamari will inspire others to excel. I anticipate that within the next two years, this college will produce not only talented female players but also outstanding athletes in general,” he added.
Silva also remarked that just six months ago, sports in Sri Lanka were on the brink of ruin.
“Our rugby, football, and cricket were banned,” he noted. According to Silva, these bans were only lifted with the arrival of the current President, who depoliticised sports, thereby allowing players to once more engage in these sports freely.
