Wesley College and St. Benedict’s College, two of Sri Lanka’s oldest cricket playing schools with a tradition of over 150 years, want all other academic institutions playing what are called “big matches” to take a lesson from them and maintain the highest standards in the true spirit of sport instead of resorting to the syndrome of winning at any cost.
The two schools made the emphasis on sportsmanship and fellowship when they came together to launch their annual match which is scheduled to take place on February 23 and 24 at the historic P Sara Oval in Colombo.
With several incidents of rowdy behaviour and disruption of play attributed to “big matches” in the country over the years, the heads of both schools said that what they have showcased on the cricket field and beyond make theirs two institutions worth emulating.
“The partnership between our two schools has gone from strength to strength setting the example that all schools could follow in a gentlemanly manner playing the game in its true spirit and maintaining discipline of the highest level,” said Wesley College principal Avanka Fernando.
His counterpart at St. Benedict’s College Rev Bro Director Pubudu Rajapaksha called on all schools playing cricket in the country to not only play but also uphold the norms of sportsmanship from which their players and followers could learn for the welfare of the country.
“Our match with Wesley has so much of meaning and our contribution as schools to the nation goes beyond words. We have cemented a kind of friendship beyond expectations,” said Rev Bro Rajapaksha.
The two schools have refused to brand their match a Big Match like many other schools involved in traditional encounters and instead prefer to go by their hallowed slogan of “A Match Made in Heaven”.
St. Benedict’s College is captained by Sri Lanka Under-19 Youth World Cup player Sharujan Shanmuganathan who many have touted as the next Kumar Sangakkara for his batting technique that is similar to the former Sri Lanka captain and south paw batter.
“Our match is not about victory and defeat but about our shared passion for the sport and it showcases the bonds between both St. Benedict’s and Wesley,” said Shanmuganathan.
