Diplomat says cricket now a national passion in Sri Lanka

The High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to the United Kingdom Rohitha Bogollagama says cricket has evolved into a national passion, becoming part and parcel of Sri Lankan culture.?

The High Commissioner hosted a special reception in honour of the Sri Lanka National Cricket Team at Sri Lanka House in London. The Sri Lanka National Cricket Team is currently touring the United Kingdom for a test match series taking place from 21 August to 10 September 2024. This is Sri Lanka?s first test tour to England since 2016.

The event was attended by distinguished guests, including members of the UK polity, diplomatic corps, corporate leaders, British and Sri Lankan cricket enthusiasts, and officials who gathered to celebrate the team?s visit and to show their unwavering support for Sri Lanka?s most beloved sport.

In his address, High Commissioner Bogollagama highlighted Sri Lanka’s deep-rooted connection with cricket, tracing its origins back to the introduction of the sport to the island by the British in the 1830s. He emphasized how cricket has since evolved into a national passion, becoming part and parcel of Sri Lankan culture. He also referred to how cricket unites different groups of people and has thereby been a symbol of solidarity. Further, the High Commissioner extended his best wishes to the Sri Lanka National Cricket Team for their ongoing tour of England.

Addressing the gathering the Team Manager of the National Team Mahinda Halangoda expressed his gratitude to High Commissioner Bogollagama for hosting the event. He reflected on Sri Lanka?s rich cricketing heritage, highlighting the significance of the sport in the nation?s history.

The reception at Sri Lanka House was a reaffirmation of the close ties between Sri Lanka and the United Kingdom, particularly through the shared love of cricket. The event underscored the enduring bond between the two nations, forged through a common sporting heritage and mutual respect.

The test match series comprises three test matches: from 21 to 25 August at Old Trafford, Manchester; from 29 August to 2 September at Lord’s, London, and from 6 to 10 September at The Oval, London. (Colombo Gazette)