Sri Lanka: Royal-Thomian in safe and secure environment (31 January 1999)

31 January 1999

Sri Lanka: Royal-Thomian in safe and secure environment

A C de Silva

The Joint organising committee consisting of old boys of both Royal and S. Thomas' want a repeat of the atmosphere that prevailed last year at this year's Royal-Thomian cricket encounter that will be played at the SSC Grounds, Maitland Place from March 11 to 13.

This match is enjoyed by Royalists and Thomians, young and old and there many interested spectators not belonging to either school as well and it is the wish of the joint committee that all should have a enjoyable match.

"The match has to be played in a safe and secure environment, and therefore, we will be applying the same security arrangements like last year," said Nimal Dias Jayasinghe - chairman of field and security arrangements.

Last year, a batsman who made 99 was able to receive a standing ovation without being pestered by spectators, Nimal Dias Jayasinghe said and added that it was not intended to dampen the enthusiasm of the spectators, but to have a clean match.

Some years back, there were attempts made by 'outsiders' to disrupt the match and Jayasinghe said that the committee had to seek the assistance of army personel last year to stop unruly elements from taking the match into their hands.

The same security arrangements will be in force this year as well. No spectators will be allowed to rush onto the field when play is in progress. Bands will be allowed to parade the ground only during intervals.

There was a time when parents somewhat reluctant to send their sons for the match because of possible violence during the match but with the security operation in force those fears can be dispelled now.

"The Royal-Thomian cricket match has people of all walks of life coming to watch. This match is patronised not only by men and boys, but by ladies and girls too. So, we have a duty to protect all during the match," said Lyle Pieris - chairman of the joint organising committee.

The organising committee has taken note of the oncoming millennium and will have an exclusive tent named as the Millennium Tent at the former scoreboard end of the SSC grounds. There will be only 100 tickets sold for this tent.

The sale of tickets will start on February 13 at both Royal College and S. Thomas' College. The sale of tickets for the 50-over match to be played on March 20 at the SSC grounds too will be out on sale at the same time.

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