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| Sunday, 19 September 2004 |
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Murali 'bowls' for charity by Srian Obeyesekere Sri Lankan cricketing superstar Muttiah Muralitharan is winning hearts in a new dimension from cricket. He is 'bowling' for charity at home like what former captain Steve Waugh is 'batting' for needy kids in India. At the heart of the world bowling Test record holder are the rural kids and youth for whom Muralitharan is making handsome financial doles to make their lot better. As much the wily off spinning legend is tending for the sick from cancer patients, bypass heart surgery to kindney transplants. Already, Muralitharan has launched some 80 odd charity projects through his Muralitharan-Kushil Gunasekera Foundation, according to Muralitharan's Manager, Kushil Gunasekera. "The donations come from sponsorship monies earned by Muralitharan," Gunasekera told the 'Sunday Observer.' He said that HNB had also come forward with a donation of Rs.200,000 towards Muralitharan's charity work. And last Tuesday cut a sombre mood away from the cricket as Muralitharan, forced to skip the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy Tournament due to a shoulder ailment from which he is recuperating, held centre stage at the Hatton National Bank (HNB) headquarters alongside its Managing Director, Rienzie Wijetilleke. It marked the launch of some 100,000 exercise books by HNB, and the life like picture of Muralitharan on the rather glossy cover page highlighted by a set of wickets going crashing with the inscription 'Murali Magic' was unmistakable. Murali, as he is affectionately known throughout the globe, held out a theme message to school children bordering on his climb to the top the hard way as the best example. Inside, it read, 'For me the thrill of playing for my country is still the same as when I played in my first Test match. Every time I walk out with the team, it comes alive and inspires me to give more than my 100 % on the field. The world record of the highest number of wickets in Tests is a dream come true. All this took a lot of hard work, dedication and most of all the will to succeed. Now ! You too can reach the heights if you are ready to give in your best effort every time and most importantly believe in yourself.' The first issue of the books was handed over by Muralitharan to an Isipathana College students. An HNB source said that this was only an initial amount, and that more stocks would be distributed in accordance with Muralitharan's wishes island-wide. The day saw HNB's Managing Director, Wijetilleke strike a chord when he said that Muralitharan was the finest example to up and coming students as the legendary bowler's Test milestone of 527 wickets was one of the greatest post independence achievements in bringing international recognition for Sri Lanka. |
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