The United National Party (Sri Lanka), National Youth Front (NYF) branch of the United Kingdom displayed that they do not only steer towards its political ideologies but also strives to create harmony among the Sri Lankan community residing in UK.
Since cricket as a sport is an embedded joy to all Sri Lankans irrespective of cast or creed, the NYF UK was instrumental in organizing the Hon. Ruwan Wijewardena Challenge Trophy Cricket Fiesta on the 14th of July 2013 at the Harrow Cricket grounds.
Many Sri Lankans residing in UK gathered together on this day along with their family and friend. The event was a spectacle with an unexpected turnout.
Twenty Four teams competed in this 6A side cricket tournament with a great spirit of sportsmanship and remarkable skills. As play commenced at 10.45 am all teams were in high spirits. The enthusiasm of all teams induced the match referee Mr. Isuru Ranaweera to ensure that full play is provided to all teams under every stage. Therefore, this eventful day comprised of 40 matches in 4 grounds.
The popularity of this event crossed borders and attracted many dignitaries. Hon. Sujeewa Senasinghe (UNP-MP) and Hon. Daya Ranathunga (UNP Organizer to Europe) graced this occasion and commended the excellent organizing skills of the organizing committee and congratulated the President and his team on a job well done.
Mr. Vajira Danapala, Mr.Chinthaka De Silva and Mr. Ranga Ranasinghe, the main sponsors of the event applauded the efforts of NYF UK expressed their pleasure to be able to contribute towards this immensely successful event.
As the event came to an end Mr. Madhawa Senanayake President of NYF UK thanked his hard working organizers of the event Thushan Gunarathne, Numal Perera, Mahesh Chandrarathna, Amila Prasad, Chandana Prasanna, Indika Cooray, Dimithri Senanayake , Bimal Arachchige, Sidath Dissanayake,Indika Subasinghe, Lasitha Senanayke, YuteeYogeshwari, Rasangani Ayagama, Denendra Senavirathne, Asanaka Samaraweera, NavinSenarath, Malinda Obeysekara, and all the NYFUK members for committing themselves towards the success of this event and working together as one family in unity.
He also appreciated Namal Wijaymuni Zoysa ( Past President NYFUK) and Rakitha Nirmal Rajapakse (Policy and Democracy Secretary NYFUK) for their valuable contribution towards the event.
Chief organizer Dasitha Gamage made the vote of thank and thanked all the sponsors( VMD Solicitors, Mass Global Shipping & TSL Exchange), Hon. Ruwan Wijewardane for all the advice and support , members, their families and everyone who helped them in numerous ways.
The event was concluded with many smiles and wonderful memories among all present as they departed.
Final Results:
Hon. Ruwan Wijewardane Challenge Trophy + £700 – Southgate United
Runners up + £400 – Lampton Starts (TSL Exchange)
President cup + £200 – South Harrow Eagles
Outstanding Contribution to Soft ball Cricket – Nipul Thewarapperuma
Man of the Match Final – Prabath Manohar
Fair Play Award – Ceylon Kitchen Cricket
Upcoming & Promising tram of the tournament – Machan CC
Who had the most fun- London Jaltha
Out Standing Umpires – Numal Perera, Naveen Senerath, Chandana Watawala
Tournament Referee- Isuru Ranaweera
