A remnant from our colonial past has grown to become a national pastime. Even on a busy weekday, you can easily find a throng of people staring across the glass of an electronic store that has tuned in their brand new TVs to the ongoing match. The talk of any office discussion would usually be of yesterday’s match. Any group of boys and men if they have some spare time, would invariably pick up a bat and ball and play a game of Cricket be it in their back yards, or while on vacation, in a park. This game has single-handedly brought this nation together.

Even during the times of the civil war which ravaged our country, the war itself stopped for a game of cricket, especially when Sri Lanka won the 1996 World Cup. A day that would forever be etched, in the memories of those who were alive to witness its glory. Our team, a humble mix of young men from varying backgrounds became superstars overnight. Their famous Blue and Yellow jerseys became a household fashion accessory for young boys and men alike.

When travelling across the island from the Southern Coastal fishing villages to the far North of Jaffna, you are very likely to see a group of boys playing a game of Cricket and having a great time in the process.

Despite the ups and downs in the international game, and the performances of our national team, the eternal hope and passion for this game will forever be etched in the Sri Lankan way of life.