Speech delivered by Singhalese Sports Club President Mr IS De Silva, at the 125th anniversary of the SSC on Thursday night with President Ranil Wickremesinghe and Professor Maithree Wickremesinghe as the chief guests:

Your Excellency, madam Maithree Wickramasinghe, my fellow members and distinguished guests, as we commemorate the 125th Anniversary of the Singhalese Sports Club, my thoughts turn with gratitude to our visionary founders, evoking the timeless words of the poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow: “The heights by great men reached and kept were not attained by sudden flight, but they, while their companions slept, were toiling upward in the night.”

These words resonate deeply with the dedication of our founding fathers. They initiated a journey and worked tirelessly to build the foundation to what is now regarded as the foremost premier sports club in the country.

Initially it was established as a Sinhalese only club in view of the restrictions that were imposed by the colonial rulers. However, much water has since passed through and the club now stands as a testament to inclusivity, welcoming members from all communities regardless of race and creed.

Evolving from its origins as a cricket and social club, SSC now embraces diverse sports such as tennis, swimming, squash and badminton, nurturing athletes who have proudly represented our country on the international stage.

In cricket, our club boasts luminaries like Arjuna Ranatunga, whose leadership led to our World Cup victory in 1996, and the graceful Mahela Jayawardene, the first SSC member honored in the ICC Hall of Fame, which is a rare prestige bestowed on a cricketer.

Beyond cricket, SSC has cultivated national champions across various sports, who have brought credit not only to the club but also to our country.

Throughout its illustrious history, the club has had the honor of counting among its presidents a head of state and two prime ministers—a distinction that sets us apart.

In recognition of their invaluable contributions, our club rules now extend the honorary presidency to sitting heads of state, a testament to the esteemed role our leaders have played in shaping our legacy.

As the club’s 10th President, I am deeply humbled to follow in the footsteps of such esteemed leaders. From its humble beginnings, SSC has grown into a beacon of sporting prowess, boasting state-of-the-art facilities capable of hosting international cricket matches. I am confident that not too far in the distant future with the support of our energetic and youthful Minister of Sports and the Sri Lanka Cricket Board with whom the Club has maintained a close and cordial relationship, the Singhalese Sports Club will be able to host international day and night matches.

I extend heartfelt gratitude to my predecessor, Mr. W.T. Ellawala, whose dedicated leadership has steered the club’s growth. I also wish to acknowledge the unwavering commitment of our office bearers and Executive Committee members, whose selfless efforts have been instrumental in shaping the club’s trajectory.

As we reflect on 125 years of remarkable journey, it is clear that our club’s foundation is strong and is most certainly poised to endure for generations to come.

Your Excellency, may I also take this opportunity to most respectfully urge you to contemplate transferring ownership of the properties of cricket clubs’, which have stood for over a century, to their respective members’. It is our humble view that this magnanimous act would ensure the preservation and continuation of the rich traditions and history of these institutions, fostering an environment where future generations of cricketers can thrive and flourish.

Finally, Ladies and gentlemen, let me conclude by inviting you to join me in proposing a toast to this “legacy of excellence”. I do not wish to inconvenience you to be upstanding. However please join me in raising your glasses -To the Singhalese Sports Club—a symbol of excellence, unity, and enduring legacy for many more generations to come.

Thank you all for joining us in this momentous celebration. May you enjoy the evening’s festivities to the fullest.