FROM THE PRESIDENT, BOARD OF CONTROL FOR
CRICKET OF SRI LANKA
The year 1979 will witness an unique event in
the field of cricket. The two of the premier Colleges In Sri
Lanka, Royal and S. Thomas' will celebrate the centenary of
their cricket encounters. The first Into Collegiate Cricket
Match seems to have been launched in the year 1879. Since then
this Inter-Collegiate fixture has become one of our national
land marks in the field of sport. Every year when the month of
March comes round, old boys of the two Colleges are all agog
with excitement. The present boys pulsate will the prospect of
unending rounds of shouting and merry-making for two whole days.
Even those un-connected with these two Colleges and those who
are keenly interested in the great game of Cricket display an
unusual degree of enthusiasm over this match because it is more
than a Cricket match. It has become a social event where
rivalries merge with the bonhomie that exists.
Mr. D. S. Senanayake, the first Prime Minister
of Sri Lanka was such an ardent follower of the Royal-Thomian Match
that he would cancel public engagements, and even adjourn meetings
of the State Council and later of Parliament, in order to feast his
eyes on the prowess of the youngsters of his aim mater. No doubt
this event brought nostalgic memories of the by gone days when he
wielded the willom with devastating effect despatching the leather
ball over the heads of the spectators. His son Dudley Senanayake was
equally keen on the game. If Parliament was still sitting, it was
not unusual for notes to be passed from the Government to the
Opposition or from the Opposition to the Government indicating the
latest scores in the Match that was proceeding. Sir John Kotelawalo
himself a cricketer of ability found time with other Members of
Parliament to bask in the relaxation of the Royal-Thomian Match mi
matters of State could be laid aside for the day.
The Centenary of this unique social event must,
therefore, evoke island-wide interest. It is fitting and proper that
this event should be commemorated by a publication of a souvenir not
merely to celebrate the great occasion but also to keep for ever
fresh the happy memories of by gone days.
It gives me great pleasure both as President of
the Hoard of Cricket Control and as an old boy of S. Thomas' to send
this message to the souvenir. It is a great tribute to our people
that we have always been able to play the great game of Cricket,
maintain the great traditions of the game and carry this healthy
rivalry to all walks of life.
N. M. PERERA
