OBSERVER-MOBITEL cricket contests have contributed much to Sri Lanka Cricket - Dammika Ranatunga

by Ranjan Anandappa

The Sunday Observer - Mobitel Schoolboy Cricketer of The Year contest has contributed immensely towards the success of Sri Lanka cricket, as looking back over the years most of the recipients have ended up playing for the national team said the former Sri Lanka opening batsman Dammika Ranatunga the eldest of the cricketing trio.

Dammika, was an invitee at the recently concluded 'Dialog' Cricket Awards ceremony show and spent some time airing his views on the annual Sunday Observer Schoolboy Cricketer of The Year show which he has been following from the inception. He never won an award in any of the contests, but he was pleased and proud when his younger brothers Arjuna and Sanjeeva both won the prestigious award and later played Test cricket.

The elder Ranatunga said the contest has been a stepping stone for many aspiring cricketers and a much looked forward to event while representing a school. During Dammika's era cricket fixtures during the season were restricted unlike today. Scoring 1000 runs and taking 100 wickets during the season was something unique.

The only way of recognising the achievements came through from a contest of this nature.

Now with the competition spreading its wings with the inclusion of another segment which is beneficial to the outstation cricketers . We have seen some less privileged schools coming into the limelight and being on stage with the more recognised one's which will no doubt give them a big boost.

Dammika Ranatunga made his Test debut in 1989 against Australia in Brisbane when the first Test between Sri Lanka and Australia was played on December 8. He opened the Innings with Roshan Mahanama in the second Test, and this happened to be the only two Tests that he played for the country in an era where fewer Tests were played. Dammika was one time the Chief Executive Officer at Sri Lanka Cricket and contributed well towards the development of the game.