Cricket is a way of life ....:

Hard work brings tangible results - Marvan Atapattu

By A.C. De Silva

OBSERVER-MOBITEL CRICKET AWARDS .....It was a night to remember last Tuesday at Hotel Galadari where the 34th OBSERVER-MOBITEL Schoolboy Cricketer of the Year show took centre stage to the delight of cricket fans and music lovers as well.

The vast gathering that came from to see their favourite school cricketers getting their rewards for a job well done during the season had a happy and contented look about them as their actions to the music doled out by some of the best artistes in the field amply proved that the vast gathering enjoyed the three-hour show. On top of the list there was Sports Minister Mahindananda Alithgamage, who inspite of the heavy schedule of work during the day, somehow kept a ‘date’ with the show. The Minister’s presence no doubt inspired the young cricketers that should they do well, they will be recognised.

With ANCL Chairman and Managing Director Bandula Padmakumara being the driving force behind the show and with the encouraging assistance of Mass Media’s Secretary Charitha Herath and the Director General of Sports Ranjani Jayakody all being present, the schoolboys, especially the cricketers had ample milleage to be satisfied their efforts on the playing field have been duly recognised.

On top of them all the officials could not have thought of a better person to be the chief guest to distribute the awards main awards than the 1990 winner of Observer Schoolboy Cricketer of the Year - Marvan Atapattu, who later went on to captain the Sri Lanka cricket team. Having played top class cricket for the school and Sri Lanka as well, Atapattu is now the batting coach of the Sri Lanka Test team and the authorities could not have chosen for a better person to handle that most important aspect of the game.

He paid rich compliments to his former Sri Lanka skipper Arjuna Ranatunga with whom he had close contact and said that Ranatunga really awakened the Sri Lanka cricketers and got the best of them. There was also that marvellous bowler Muttiah Muralitharan also served Sri Lanka cricket well and helped Sri Lanka climb the ladder of success.

Speaking to the young schoolboy cricketers Marvan Atapattu said that it was something like a homecoming to be with them on their great day. He said the young cricketers must dedicate themselves and the good things will come one’s way - that’s playing for the country and finding employment, etc. He said that playing cricket is a way of life, and advised the young cricketers not to be disheartened if they don’t get a call-up for the Sri Lanka at the first attempt, but stick on with the game as playing cricket is a way of life.

He said that besides playing the game, the game teaches the young players of how to conduct oneself in society. Atapattu said: “The stage has come to pay special attention to the game. Cricket is a learning game. Work hard. He cited Arjuna and Muralitharan - “they didn’t become heroes overnight, the two worked hard and they got their rewards.” Atapattu said that there are no short cuts in the game of cricket. “Work hard and devote more time in learning the finer points of the game. Hope Sri Lanka will bring more glory to the country in future too,” Atapattu further said.

Leslie Fernando remembered

The management of Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Limited did not forget the late Leslie Fernando of the Sunday Observer who did a tremendous amount of work for the Sunday Observer. The Chairman – Managing Director of ANCL Bandula Padmakumara presented a ‘purse’ to the late Leslie Fernando’s son Ajantha at the awards ceremony held on Tuesday.

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