“We are enormously proud of you. We admire you not only for what you do for Sri Lankan cricket, but also for all of us in Sri Lanka,” the High Commissioner said as he warmly welcomed the Sri Lankan Cricket team.
The team participating in the ICC Championship Trophy 2013 was felicitated at a reception at the Sri Lanka High Commission in London. Captain of the team, Anjelo Mathews, and Manager of the team, Michael de Zoysa also addressed the gathering. High Commissioners of several Commonwealth countries, cricket enthusiasts, and Members of Parliament were present to felicitate the team in the true spirit of the Commonwealth.
The High Commissioner said that cricket players are an inspiration to the youth of the country. He added that although ‘cricket’ is a simple word, it is certainly one of those that arouses the passion and emotion of all Sri Lankans. He recalled that Sri Lanka won the World Cup during the time of the terrorist conflict, demonstrating the resilience, resolve, integrity and fortitude of the Sri Lankan people.
He further said that the Sri Lankan cricket team is a microcosm of Sri Lanka, reflecting the diversity and heterogeneity of the country. “The unity, teamwork and sportsmanship of the cricket team exemplifies the values and aspirations of all Sri Lankans,” he said.
“In the post-conflict era, Sport can be a strong unifier amongst all communities and rises above those who still seek to divide our people, and it is this spirit we see in Sri Lankan cricket,” he said. He congratulated the team for their perseverance and dedication and that it was a great tribute to Sri Lanka in the post-conflict era.
Sri Lanka High Commission
London
19th June 2013
