Sri Lankan women’s cricket has taken great strides in recent years, reaching new heights on the international stage. The recent triumph of the Sri Lankan women’s team in winning their first-ever Asia Cup title, defeating the formidable Indian team in the final, marks a significant milestone in the sport’s history. However, behind this success lies the unwavering dedication and tireless efforts of Apsari Singhabahu Thilakaratne, wife of former Sri Lankan cricket captain Hashan Thilakaratne, who has played a pivotal role in the growth and promotion of women’s cricket in Sri Lanka.
Apsari Singhabahu’s commitment to the development of women’s cricket has been nothing short of extraordinary. As an employee of Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), she took it upon herself to travel to the farthest corners of the country, visiting outstation and rural areas to introduce cricket to young girls who had little to no exposure to the sport. Her efforts have not only expanded the reach of cricket but also helped to establish cricket programs in rural schools, where girls now have the opportunity to play the sport and dream of representing their nation.
Her journey of spotting and nurturing young talent has yielded remarkable results. Apsari has been instrumental in identifying and developing promising players, some of whom have gone on to make a significant impact at the national level. One standout example is a fifteen-year-old girl who recently took a five-wicket haul while playing for the Sri Lankan women’s national team, a testament to Apsari’s eye for talent and dedication to nurturing the next generation of cricketers.
As a mother of three sons, Apsari understands the struggles that many families in rural areas face when trying to provide for their daughters who aspire to play cricket. Recognizing that cricket is an expensive sport, she has worked closely with the management at SLC to provide much-needed support to these families. This includes supplying equipment and other resources to help ease the financial burden on parents and schools. Her efforts have been a lifeline for many young female cricketers, offering them opportunities they might not have had otherwise.
Apsari’s passion for promoting women’s cricket is also deeply influenced by her husband, Hashan Thilakaratne, who himself has played a significant role in the development of the women’s national team. As the Head Coach of Sri Lanka Women’s Cricket, Hashan made invaluable contributions to shaping the team’s performance and guiding them to their recent success. His experience and knowledge of the game have undoubtedly influenced Apsari’s dedication to the cause, as the couple worked together to elevate women’s cricket in Sri Lanka to new heights.
Their combined efforts have helped raise the profile of women’s cricket, turning what was once a little-recognized sport into one that is now celebrated on the international stage. Sri Lanka’s historic Asia Cup win is a reflection of years of hard work, both on and off the field, and Apsari Singhabahu Thilakaratne has been a key driving force behind this transformation.
Her legacy in women’s cricket will be remembered for her selfless contributions, from her grassroots initiatives to her relentless advocacy for young female cricketers. As Sri Lanka Women’s Cricket continues to soar, the foundation laid by Apsari’s work will ensure that many more girls across the country will have the opportunity to pursue their passion for cricket, transforming dreams into reality.
Sri Lanka Women’s cricket, once in the shadows, is now basking in the limelight of success, and Apsari Singhabahu Thilakaratne’s role in that journey deserves to be celebrated. Her dedication to promoting the sport, empowering young girls, and ensuring the sustainability of women’s cricket in Sri Lanka has left an indelible mark on the game, one that will resonate for generations to come.
