Sri Lanka - Cricket Fund 2000 Receives Boost (26 Feb 1996)

Cricket Fund 2000 Receives Tremendous Boost

By Sa`adi Thawfeeq

Cricket Fund 2000 received a tremendous boost from its branch in the United Kingdom when an initial contribution of Rs. 300,000 was made to Sri Lanka Cricket Board president Ana Punchihewa at a reception held at the CIC House yesterday.

"There is tremendous support and sympathy for Sri Lanka cricket in the UK, not just from Sri Lankans but from the British public who have followed the progress of our cricket,`` said the Sri Lanka Cricket Board representative in the UK, Daya Pandithagunawardena, while handing over the cheque to Punchihewa.

"The British public are much aware of the talent that exists in Sri Lanka. They are also aware that we may not have the resources to harness and develop that talent, to make ourselves the best cricketing unit in the world by the year 2000,`` said Pandithagunawardena.

"We feel that with the enthusiasm generated and support of the British public and Sri Lankans living there, we will be able to raise 100,000 pounds sterling, which is our target,`` he said.

Pandithgunwardena said that Cricket Fund 2000 received a great boost when cricket-loving British Prime Minister John Major sent them a letter of support and good wishes.

"He wrote to us congratulating us on this venture and pledging his support for the cause,`` said Pandithagunawardena.

The Sri Lanka cricket branch in the UK have set out an ambitious program for the future, towards collecting 100,000 pounds sterling. They have planned to have a dinner evening in the House of Lord`s in Westminster. They have also planned a joint House of Commons and House of Lord`s cricket match to be played against the Cricket Fund 2000 XI, screening of a Sri Lankan movie, and selling of raffles and lottery on the lines of the British national lottery.

"Through Cricket Fund 2000 we are able to forge links and build bridges and pursue with all enthusiasm for a three-Test series in England,`` said Pandithagunawardena.

Sri Lanka High Commmissioner in UK, S.K. Wickremasinghe, who was also present on the occasion said : "Because of our ancient cultural heritage, we not only have cricketing centuries, but cultural centuries as well. Therefore, we always play our cricket in accordance with the rules of the game, but with a will to win, and in the true cricketing spirit``.

Cricket Board president Ana Punchihewa thanked the UK branch for the efforts they were making towards Cricket Fund 2000 and for the personal interest shown by Wickremasinghe.

Among the distinguished guests were Charles Woodhouse and his wife Magaret and members of the Sri Lanka cricket team. Woodhouse, a lawyer by profession and a great supporter of Sri Lankan cricket was instrumental in obtaining an apology from the International Cricket Council (ICC) on the ball tampering issue that surfaced during the recent cricket tour of Australia.

Source:: Daily News (https://www.lanka.net)