Legendary Kumar Sangakkara to inspire youngsters as Chief Guest 

Kumar Sangakkara

It’s a matter of hours before the Dialog 4G-The Sunday Times Schoolboy Cricketer of the Year 2019 is finally revealed to the nation. School cricketers from all parts of the country – boys and girls – are set to gather at the Nelum Pokuna Theatre in Colombo today to receive honours for all their hard work put in on the field during the school cricket season of 2018/2019.

A total of 56 awards are to be given away from among a pool of over 200 award winners in individual and team categories of All-Island, Emerging, Up and Coming and Girls’ Schools. Top cricket officials, school administrators, parents and supporters are expected to turn out in numbers to witness the event.

The Dialog 4G-The Sunday Times Schoolboy Cricketer of the Year 2018 all-rounder Kamindu Mendis will appear to usher in his successor who will be picked from among the top three finalists – Lakshitha Rasanjana Manasinghe of Nalanda College, Santhush Gunathilake of St. Peter’s College and Kavishka Senadheera of Trinity College.

To recognise the talents of the young and aspiring school cricketers of both genders, Sri Lanka’s living legend in cricket, former national skipper Kumar Sangakkara, who is also the President-in-waiting of the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), guardians of cricket, will grace the occasion as Chief Guest. 

To make the event more exciting for the young cricketers, former Sri Lanka leg-spinning great Rangana Herath will make his presence as the Guest of Honour. Current Sri Lanka women’s team captain Chamari Atapattu will also attend as a Special Guest.

As of last year, event partner Dialog Axiata PLC has set all plans in motion with Wijeya Newspapers Ltd. and The Sunday Times to create a memorable event that would be talked about for the days to come. 

The event promises to be a one-of-a-kind experience for all attendees, the organisers adopting the latest high-tech activities to provide glamour and excitement.    

Surprises will be many tomorrow at Nelum Pokuna Theatre, with all participants promised good entertainment. A renowned music band comprising talented artists will make the event an unforgettable one, with a number of gigs lined up during the show.

The Sunday Times has made arrangements to publish a special pull-out with pictures and comprehensive information on the nominees with today’s (16 September) issue of the Daily Mirror, a limited number of which will be available free at the Nelum Pokuna Theatre.    

With everything in place for a glamorous and memorable evening, the show will also be streamed live on Dialog Axiata’s thePapare.com and Dialog TV Channel 77. Make sure to be part of it and witness the future talents of the country’s cricket recognised for their efforts and achievements of today.