PM recalls two unforgettable events of 1996 World Cup

17 March 2021 06:31 pm - 4 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa today recalled two unforgettable incidents that took place during the 1996 cricket World Cup which, highlighted the humanitarian aspect of the then Sri Lanka cricket team.

Reminiscing his memories on one incident, he said during the semi-final match played in India where the excited crowd started pelting bottles and projectiles, Sri Lanka reserve player Upul Chandana had volunteered to field in the boundary in place of Aravinda de Silva saying that the veteran would sustain injuries preventing him from playing the World Cup final.

Speaking at the 25th anniversary commemorations held to felicitate the 1996 World Cup winning Sri Lanka cricket team, he said players at that time had a feeling about the country where they were prepared even to sacrifice their lives. “This is the true sense of humanity,” he said.

The Prime Minister also remembered another incident highlighting the humanity of the then cricket team where he said that after returning with the World Cup, Arjuna Ranatunga first visited the residence of late Gamini Dissanayake who was assassinated by the LTTE, to pay his gratitude for the service he had rendered to Cricket, despite his father was a minister in the then government.

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Comments - 4

Dr Mano, New York, USA Wednesday, 17 March 2021 08:28 PM

I was present myself at the stadium in India when the Indian cricket spectators started to throw bottles, metals, stones and firecrackers at the Sri Lankan players who were fielding at that time and going strong while the Indians were struggling with the bat. Aravinda Silva who was standing closer to the boundary line received few direct hits from the Indians. As the situation became very dangerous to the Sri Lankans all the players and the umpires abruptly left the field and ran into the pavilion. Then the West Indian Clive Loyd who was the match umpire came out courageously and announced that the match had been abandoned. If the match had continued the Indians would have killed all our players. I became an Anti-Indian and a Pro-Chinese from that day forward.

vithura Wednesday, 17 March 2021 10:31 PM

and now the Chinese kill the world with their virus!

sarath Thursday, 18 March 2021 09:43 AM

are you seriously a real Dr.

Thiru Thursday, 18 March 2021 11:32 AM

Priminister forgot the two teams (India and Pakistan) who came to Sri lanka voluntarily to convince other Teams that Sri Lanka is safe zone to play despite Central Bank bombing

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PM recalls two unforgettable events of 1996 World Cup

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