The Old and Sturdy Dutch Fort in Galle-by Michael Roberts Cricket in the 1980s –Pix by Nihal Fernando   Source:Thuppahis Volleyball, it is claimed, is our national sport. However there is no doubt that Cricket is the most popular sport in Sri Lanka. That popular West Indies calypso ‘Cricket, lovely cricket.’,’ will always be ringing in our ears. From the villages where youngsters from around 16 to 26 or maybe even older, use ‘polpithi’ bats, to the towns where more sophisticated young men use willow bats, it is cricket, cricket and more cricket. Little wonder then that we have been correctly described as ‘ a cricket crazy nation.’ And when it comes to grounds for international matches the Galle International Stadium is the most favored by our cricketers, our coaches and our spectators. The reason is that as at today (03. 05 .21), 34 Test Matches [have been] played on these ...

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Shane Warne…a legacy hard to parallel –  By Trevine Rodrigo in Melbourne Just a couple of weeks ago, I was one of a few million people who enjoyed the theatrics of Shane Warne on Foxtel’s coverage of a T20 game between Australia and Sri Lanka.  The legend and undoubted King of leg spin was needling one of his partners in crime, Mark Waugh in the commentary box, siding with the Lankans who were in low ebb after the series had been decided, suggesting he was moving across to the Sri Lanka dressing room. Warne openly professed on that day, after being quizzed by co-comentator Brandon Julian, about his love for Sri Lanka and it’s people who openly embraced him during his success while touring with the Australian team.  “I love the Sri Lankans and their people and their warm hospitality, it’s a special place in the world for me and ...

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    David Young honoured by Sri Lankan President – By TREVINE RODRIGO IN MELBOURNE with Johann Dias Jayasinha Sri Lanka President Maithripala Sirisena presented Australian doctor David Young with the country’s second highest Honour conferred to non-nationals, ‘The Sri Lanka Ranjana’, at the annual National Awards Ceremony held at the Bandaranayake Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH) on August 19. Dr. David Young needs little introduction in Australia and now Sri Lanka for his selfless deeds to help those with joint problems or others in need of proper medical equipment and training in the field of Orthopaedic surgery in which he is one of the leading specialists in Australia. David has a special place in his heart for Sri Lanka after his initial introduction to the island nation through a picture postcard he received from his grandfather in 1970. His Fascination for Sri Lanka and its need for expertise in ...

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    SRI LANKA CRICKET’S AMAZING TURNAROUND – BY TREVINE RODRIGO IN MELBOURNE If motivation comes from within, it should not be activated by the misfortune of others as Sri Lanka’s cricketing fortunes appear to indicate. The sacking of the coach and the installation of a new leader appears to have done just that judging by the sudden dominance of an ordinary looking line up that struggled against all-comers till now. installation of a new leader appears to have done just that judging by the sudden dominance of an ordinary looking line up that struggled against all-comers till now. Rising like the proverbial Phoenix from the ashes of a horrendous past few months, Sri Lanka under new skipper Dimuth Karunaratne have discovered a new confidence which has turned things around and brought with it unprecedented success. Following up on a better than expected World Cup performance, the Lankans have shown ...

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