A close result anticipated in Gurukula–Dharmaloka match

by Edward Weerasinghe – Kelaniya Group Cor.

A ‘Big Match’ without sponsors – that the plight of the 25th ‘Big Match’ between Gurukula College, Kelaniya and Sri Dharmaloka College, Kelaniya to be played on March 27 and 28 at the Premadasa International Cricket Stadium in Colombo.

The 22nd one-day encounter between the two schools will be played on April 7 at the same venue.

This “Big Match” known as the ‘Battle of Kelaniya’ in the Gampaha District (Siyane Korale). Unfortunately, there are no sponsors for this annual encounter.

The organisers are still looking for a sponsor. Though there are no sponsors the two principals, the coaches, parents and old boys of both schools have contributed whatever they could to keep the match alive.

This season, Gurukula College has played 13 matches and won three and drawn 10. The matches that Gurukula College won were against President’s College, Rajagiriya by 110 runs, beat Sri Sumangala College, Panadura by an innings and 122 runs and they also beat Zahira College, Colombo by 10 wickets. A third year coloursman and right-arm pace bowler A.A. Nalin Perera who is also a capable middle-order batsman. He has scored around 500 runs inclusive of five half centuries and has captured 35 wickets. He played for Gampaha District under 19 team last year. The vice-captain is 4th year coloursman Heshan Dumindu who has scored 800 runs and captured 27 wickets. He was a member of the Sri Lanka under 17 tour to India in 2012 and is picked for the Sri Lanka under 19 team this year. The other prominent players are 4th year coloursman Rishan Anuruddha who also toured Malaysia in 2010.

Lisula Lakshan, Kasun Madusanka and Namal Pathum – another third year coloursmen are the experienced players in the side. Sri Dharmaloka College, Kelaniya has a history of around 30 years playing cricket under the guidance of Principal Col. A.G. Nimal Jayaweera. Sri Dharmaloka is led by Janith Madushan - 4th year coloursman.

This season, he scored a century and three half centuries. Prabudh Harshitha – is the vice-captain of the team and 5th year coloursman who has a century to his credit this season. Another 5th year coloursman is Gayan Geethanjana who has scored 402 runs and taken 21 wickets during the season.