Sports

How Mr. Neil Perera changed cricket’s landscape

Published

12 months ago

2025/01/26

Mr. Neil Perera’s contribution to the sport was recognized by Sri Lanka Cricket in 2018. Here, he’s seen accepting a token of appreciation from the World Cup winning former Indian captain Kapil Dev. Then SLC President Thilanga Sumathipala and then Sports Minister Dayasiri Jayasekara are also in the picture

by Rex Clementine

The cricketing fraternity is mourning the loss of Mr. Neil Perera, a trailblazer who reshaped the sport’s landscape. His final innings will conclude on Sunday at Borella, marking the end of a remarkable 95-year journey that earned him the respect and admiration of the cricketing world.

Mr. Perera first took guard as Secretary of the Cricket Board in 1972 under the stewardship of Robert Senanayake. Over the next three decades, he played a pivotal role in Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), donning various hats, including Vice-President and Team Manager apart from Secretary.

“He was at the helm as Manager when we clinched our first Test win overseas,” recalled former Test captain Arjuna Ranatunga. “A thorough gentleman with cricket running through his veins, he often dug deep into his own pocket to support the game. Despite his humility, he could be firm when the situation demanded. The game will sorely miss him,” Ranatunga added.

A visionary with an eye for the big picture, Mr. Perera was instrumental in orchestrating Asia’s joint bid to host the 1996 Cricket World Cup. In 1993, he floated the idea to then SLC President Tyronne Fernando, who swiftly escalated the proposal to President Ranasinghe Premadasa. With the President’s blessing, the groundwork was laid, and the dream seemed within reach.

However, just as the ICC meeting to decide the host nation approached, the tide turned. Nelson Mandela, fresh out of prison and riding the wave of global admiration, had successfully secured South Africa the hosting rights for the 1995 Rugby World Cup. He sought President Premadasa’s support to bring the Cricket World Cup to his nation. As a result, Mr. Perera was handed fresh instructions – Sri Lanka was to back South Africa’s bid.

But cricket, much like life, is unpredictable. When South Africa couldn’t muster enough support and pulled out of the race, Colombo gave Mr. Perera the green light to chase Asia’s dream once more. There was, however, one major hurdle – India and Pakistan, fierce rivals on and off the field, were at loggerheads with separate bids.

Displaying the finesse of a skilled batsman navigating a tricky pitch, Mr. Perera brought the warring parties to the same table. A unified Asian bid was submitted, momentum gathered, and in a historic moment, the ICC awarded the 1996 World Cup to the Asian bloc, with subsequent editions going to England and South Africa. It was a masterstroke that placed South Asia firmly on the cricketing map.

Yet, cricket is a game of glorious uncertainties and the very next year, Mr. Perera was clean-bowled in the Cricket Board elections. However, Indian cricket supremo Jagmohan Dalmiya, who later became the first Asian to preside over the ICC, acknowledged Mr. Perera’s crucial role. As a gesture of gratitude, he extended an all-expenses-paid invitation to witness the semi-finals and finals of the 1996 World Cup.

Dalmiya later wrote, “If not for Neil Perera’s timely intervention, the World Cup wouldn’t have come to Asia.” One can only wish for a Mr. Perera in today’s climate, someone capable of uniting Indian and Pakistani cricketing interests once again.

A stalwart of Panadura Sports Club, Mr. Perera was a loyal member of the club for 77 years, both as a player and administrator. His keen eye for talent unearthed fast bowler Ravindra Pushpakumara, who was fast-tracked to the MRF Pace Academy in India under the legendary Dennis Lillee’s watchful eyes. However, a freak swimming pool injury cut his training short.

Not one to give up easily, Mr. Perera made a strong appeal to then BCCI Secretary Jaywant Lele for a second chance, and the request was granted. Pushpakumara went on to serve Sri Lanka with distinction, thanks to Mr. Perera’s persistence and belief.

Even in his twilight years, Mr. Perera never lost his love for the game. A regular fixture in front of his television, he kept pace with the modern evolutions of cricket. Unlike many traditionalists who frown upon the fast-paced T20 and T10 formats, he welcomed change, acknowledging that cricket must evolve with the times to stay relevant.

Cricket has lost a true servant of the game, a man who selflessly dedicated his life to the sport he adored. As he takes his final walk back to the pavilion, may he attain the supreme bliss of Nibbana.

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Sports

Hasaranga backs Sri Lanka for World Cup semi-final push

Published

4 hours ago

2026/01/13

Sahan Weerasooriya

Sri Lanka’s leg-spin spearhead Wanindu Hasaranga has warned rivals not to write off the hosts ahead of the World Cup, after his four-wicket burst in the final T20I against Pakistan helped Sri Lanka square the three-match series on Sunday.

Hasaranga’s spell turned the game on its head and restored belief in a side that has blown hot and cold. Speaking after being named Player of the Match and Player of the Series, the leg-spinner said Sri Lanka, buoyed by home conditions, remain very much in the hunt for a semi-final berth.

Under head coach Sanath Jayasuriya, Sri Lanka have made steady strides over the past 18 months. There have been a few distractions recently like changes in selectors and captaincy among them, but the dressing room, Hasaranga insisted, is quietly confident.

“We know the conditions and we’ve grown up playing in these conditions,” Hasaranga said. “If we use them well, we can have a major impact. Players need to identify their roles. Once that happens, we can put on a good show.”

Sunday’s decider was reduced to 12 overs a side after rain delayed the start by more than two hours, but Hasaranga felt the shortened contest still offered valuable lessons.

“Today we looked good,” he said. “We’ve been lacking a bit of consistency in recent years. In a World Cup, you have to minimise mistakes and keep moving forward.”

Bowling with a wet ball tested the spinners’ skills and patience, but Hasaranga viewed it as useful match practice rather than an inconvenience.

“It was challenging with a wet ball,” he explained. “But it’s good these things happen before a World Cup. It prepares you for all kinds of situations. I even spoke to our batters about what deliveries they’d prefer to face, and that input helped when we went out to defend.”

Sri Lanka now enjoy a week’s breather before hosting England with Hasaranga keen to see his side peak at the right time.

“When this series started, we had six games leading into the World Cup,” he said. “Rain in Dambulla meant things didn’t always go to plan. As a team, we wanted winning momentum. There are only a couple of games left now and we need to be firing on all cylinders when the World Cup begins.”

Sri Lanka had stumbled in the opener, losing by six wickets after being bowled out inside 20 overs, while the second match was washed out without a toss. A 14-run win in the final game, however, ensured honours ended even.

Rex Clementine
in Dambulla

Sports

Sunil Gunawardana among contenders for top post of Sri Lanka Athletics

Published

4 hours ago

2026/01/13

Sahan Weerasooriya

It will be a four-way battle for the top post of Sri Lanka Athletics as fresh nominations for the election of office bearers closed at the Sports Ministry on Monday. Former president Sunil Gunawardana, Bimal Wijesinhge, Sugath Kumara and Prasanna Indika are the nominees for the post of president and they are subjected to objections.

‎This is the second time the Ministry of Sports called for nominations after different stakeholders successfully challanged the earlier niminations alleging that there were errors in the process.

‎Informed sources said that this time too the Ministry of Sports has left enough room for allegations as it announced the names of the nominees without waiting for the nominations sent by post.

‎”There was a fundamental error as they did not wait for nominations sent by post. They informed the stake holders by post. Some member federations had received the letters only on last Thursday. They were in a mighty hurry to announce the names of the nominees soon after the nominations closed,” a source close to athletics told The Island.

‎Following are the nominees for various posts of Sri Lanka Athletics.

‎‎President: Sunil Gunawardana, Bimal Wijesinhge, Prasanna Indika, Sugath Kumara

‎‎Vice President: Prasanna Indika, Lal Chandrakumara, Lt. Col. G.N. Jayathilaka, Irangani Rupasinghe, Jagath Silva, G.J. Siyamudali, Prasanna Aluvihare

‎‎Secretary: Dr. Dhammika Senanayake, Sameera Perera, Madawa Herath

‎Asst. Secretary: Sameera Perera, Aloy Wickramasinghe (RF)

Sports

Lakmal, Pravina win trophies at Eagles Monsoon Cup Golf Tournament

Published

4 hours ago

2026/01/13

Sahan Weerasooriya

Wing Commander Lakmal Gunewardene (Retd) won the Eagles’ Monsoon Cup Trophy. (L) / Pravina Dunuwille emerged as the Ladies' Trophy winner. (R)

Wing Commander Lakmal Gunewardene (Retd) secured the Eagles’ Monsoon Cup Trophy, achieving the highest score in the gents’ category and Pravina Dunuwille emerged as the Ladies’ Trophy winner at the fourth edition of the Eagles Monsoon Cup Golf Tournament which came to a close at the picturesque China Bay, near the harbour city of Trincomalee.

‎The Sri Lanka Air Force, in collaboration with Eagles’ Golf Links and Courses, successfully conducted the fourth edition of the Eagles’ Monsoon Cup Golf Tournament on Sunday.

‎The tournament, conducted under the Stableford Scoring System, commenced in the morning with the participation of 80 enthusiastic golfers, including 13 women golfers. The tournament was officially inaugurated when one of the former Commanders of the Air Force, Air Chief Marshal Jayalath Weerakkody, took the first tee-off.

‎Wing Commander Nalin Bentharaarachchi (Retd) claimed the Runner-up position in the Gents’ category, and Niloo Jayathilake was awarded the Ladies’ Runner-up position. In addition, Buddika Amarasinghe and Air Chief Marshal Jayalath Weerakkody received accolades for the Longest Drive and Nearest to the Pin, respectively, in the Gents’ category, while Sandra Cadien secured the Longest Drive in the Ladies’ category. The Wooden Spoon was awarded to Nimal Jayasinghe.

‎The Eagles’ Monsoon Defence Challenge Trophy, presented to members of the Tri-Services in the Men’s category, was won by Wing Commander Asantha Gunaratne from the SLAF. Lieutenant Commander Mevan Perera from the SL Navy was the Runner-up of the Defence Challenge Trophy. Commodore Mangala Mummullage received the award for the Longest Drive in the Defence Challenge category.

‎The Best Total Net Score in the Six Hidden Holes competition segment was achieved by Wing Commander Lakmal Gunewardene (Retd) and Group Captain Prabath Wijekoon received the Commander’s Island Green Award for the 2025 year’s Eagles’ Monsoon Cup iteration.

‎The awards of the Eagles’ Monsoon Cup were presented at a gala Awards Ceremony held at Eagles’ Golf Links during the evening of the same day. The Director General Air Operations, Air Vice Marshal Dhammika Dias, graced the Awards Ceremony as the Chief Guest. Further, Air Chief Marshal Jayalath Weerakkodi, Chairman of SLAF Golf, Air Commodore Erandika Gunewardene, Secretary of Air Force Golf Links and Courses, Group Captain Asanka Rathnayake, Secretary of Air Force Golf, Wing Commander Thushan Fernando, Sales Manager of Aviyana Ceylon Resorts, Suranga Fernando (representing the Chairman of Aviyana Ceylon Resorts) and other golf enthusiasts attended the ceremony.

‎Adding to the prestige of the occasion, Aviyana Ceylon Resorts sponsored the tournament, enhancing its grandeur and providing a memorable experience for all participants.‎