Sunday Observer and Mobitel have given school cricket a boost –
Dilshan de Silva – Secretary SLSCA
My involvement with Sri Lanka school cricket goes way back to the
year 2000, and within this period over a decade the Sunday Observer
Schoolboy Cricketer of The Year Contest has reached great heights by
recognising the bulk of the players who have represented the country at
the highest level.
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Dilshan de Silva – Secretary Schools Cricket Association |
These were the sentiments of the Secretary of the Sri Lanka Schools
Cricket Association Dilshan de Silva who has also played the game at the
highest club level and knows the capabilities of the players.
Dilshan de Silva who represented Dharmasoka College, Ambalangoda and
was a member of the Ambalangoda Rio CC said that no one can deny the
fact the Sunday Observer and Mobitel have played a major role
encouraging the youngsters to go forward by recognising their talent.
A good number of players who have represented the country at the
highest level have come through the system. Many schoolboy cricketers
believe that winning an award in the contest is something they cherish
during their life time.
The first two winners of the Schoolboy Cricketer of The Year award,
Ranjan Madugalle and Arjuna Ranatunga captained the Test sides and
thereafter Roshan Mahanama and Marvan Atapattu followed suit. In the
Outstation Competition, too we have seen many top players emerging.
Sanath Jayasuriya who won the Outstation award while at St. Servatius
College, Martara also went to lead the country.
The competition make the schoolboys something to look forward to
while playing at school level. Some have found good employment
opportunities due to their recognition gained through the contest and
have launched their future career for their future.
The format of the contest has been changed this year with three
divisions. ‘Platinum’ for schools playing in division one , ‘Gold’ and
‘Silver’ for schools taking part in division two and three in the SLSCA
conducted tournaments. This gives a wide range for selections for
outstation schools which will make the contest more interesting. (RA)
(RA)
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