The biggest of bouquets and the heartiest of congratulations to our brave cricket team that knocked down the world heavyweights and number one ranked team Pakistan from their pedestal on their own ground and returned last week.
As reported there were no champagne bottles opened, speeches made and garlands galore to greet Dasun Shanaka’s all-conquering heroes. But what they did will be forever etched in the minds of cricket followers.
What was very special about the performances of the players was that they put aside everything including fears of threats to their lives and went to Pakistan carrying the Sri Lanka flag which they flew proudly and made all Sri Lankans proud.
The victory lap that Dasun Shanaka and his team did was very special and well applauded by the Pakistan crowd who had been starved of high quality international cricket for 10 long years.
To the players who backed out they should all hang their heads in shame for turning their backs on the country that made them who they are today. If not for cricket some of them would have been nobodies in society.
The whole country now knows which players are the ones who really play for the country and who does not. Unfortunately the president of the Cricket Board Mr. Shammi Silva spoke of wives and biological needs and shopping when the team returned to the country. This is outrageous. If and when sportsmen are committed to a cause and go with one focus, there is no need to think about anything else.
Dasun Shanaka and his team are the Real Patriots. Thank You Dasun Shanaka and Thanks to all your Team Mates. Your names have already being written in Letters of Gold in the Hearts of All Sri Lankans.
GLS de Silva
Negombo