Balangoda Ananda Maithreya Central needs funds urgently to carry on
by Leslie Fernando
The little known school from Sabaragamuwa Province-Ananda Maithreya
Central College, Balangoda that carried away the award for the Best
Up-and-Coming team at the Observer - Bata Schoolboy Cricketer of the
Year, 28th awards ceremony at the BMICH on Wednesday night have
performed well playing in division three cricket competition this year.
However, the school is facing somewhat financial problems in continuing
playing cricket.
Susantha Kularatne, the coach, said that this year the school 1st XI
team fared very well, winning 9 matches out of 13. Two matches were
drawn. The third term matches are due to start shortly and funds are
badly needed to continue playing the game.
The school started playing cricket in 1995 in the under-13, under-15
and under-17 age groups. In the under-17 tournament, the school won 5
games and gradually came up to 1st X1. At present, there are 30
cricketers turning up for training and those players can continue
playing for another two years.
The school has its own ground which has a matting wicket. The
Ratnapura District Cricket Association has provided a matting and few
equipment. But a lot more like bats, pads, balls are urgently needed and
finance is required. The umpires fees are paid by the school Development
Society with the assistance from the Ministry of Education.
The school has some promising players who turn out for Ratnapura
Cricket Club. Five of their players have represented the Provincial Team
this year - D. C. K. George - best batsman runner-up in the Outstation
Contest of the Observer-Bata Schoolboy Cricketer of the Year Contest, R.
A. Y. N. Ranasinghe, I. K. N. C. Fernando, H. F. S. M. Fonseka and R. D.
L. S. W. Jayawardena.
In addition, K. G. C. Priyasad is the most promising and talented
player in the side. The right-arm leg-spinner captured 48 wickets this
season and he is a regular player for Ratnapura CC in the under-23
cricket tournament conducted by the BCCSL. He has performed well
capturing 24 wickets in the under-23 tournament.
The school is expected to play 14 matches in the 2006-2007 season and
has to prepare ourselves. But to play cricket these days, a lot of money
is required added Kularatne.
The school is also depend on the parents of the players to provide
neccessary funds. But the school cannot force them but continue
requesting the parents of the players to find the money for cricket.
M. G. Ranasinghe, the Principal of the school together with R. J. M.
S. K. Jayasinghe is appealing to the Balangoda Provincial Council, the
Urban Council, Balangoda businessmen and well wishers to come forward
and assist the cricketers. The school is certain that there will be
several of their cricketers who are capable of reaching great hights
even should play big-time cricket in the future.
The school has some talented players, but all efforts of the school
authorities and perseverance of the boys alone will not be enough. Funds
are needed fast for the game to survive said Jayasinghe. |