Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has taken a commendable step towards promoting and developing cricket at the grassroots level by donating a side practice wicket to Sirimavo Bandaranaike Vidyalaya in Colombo. This generous contribution aims to introduce hard ball cricket at the school, marking a significant milestone in its sports development initiatives.
The practice wicket was officially declared open recently, in a ceremony that saw the participation of school officials, students, and representatives from Sri Lanka Cricket. With this new facility, Sirimavo Bandaranaike Vidyalaya is set to launch its cricket program, focusing on Under-15 and Under-19 cricket teams. This initiative not only provides the students with the necessary infrastructure to hone their cricketing skills but also paves the way for the school to make its mark in competitive cricket.
Dr. J. Sumedha Jayaweera, the principal of Sirimavo Bandaranaike Vidyalaya, expressed gratitude towards Sri Lanka Cricket for their support in helping the school embark on this cricketing journey. The establishment of the practice wicket is seen as a vital step in nurturing young talent and fostering a love for the game among the students.
Methmi Adithya, the captain of the school’s Under-19 cricket team, shared the team’s excitement about having a dedicated practice facility. She emphasized that the practice wicket would be instrumental in building a strong team and expressed the players’ aspirations to represent the national team in the future. This sentiment underscores the impact of providing proper training facilities on young athletes’ ambitions and career prospects.
Mr. Maurice De Zilva, School Cricket Coordinator of the SLC, also attended the opening ceremony, highlighting Sri Lanka Cricket’s commitment to supporting and promoting school cricket across the country. The donation of the practice wicket to Sirimavo Bandaranaike Vidyalaya is part of a broader initiative by SLC to enhance cricket infrastructure at the school level, thereby ensuring the sustainable development of the sport in Sri Lanka.
This initiative by Sri Lanka Cricket not only contributes to the physical development of the students by encouraging active participation in sports but also plays a crucial role in identifying and nurturing future cricketing talents for the national team. It is a step towards strengthening the foundation of cricket in Sri Lanka, ensuring that the legacy of the sport continues to thrive through the efforts of the next generation of cricketers.
