Jayakantha Liyanage – Balapitiya
Four players from the Sri Lankan women’s cricket team, which recently won the Asian Cup, were felicitated at their alma mater, Rathgama Devapathiraja College. The honored players are Kaweesha Dilhari, Sachini Nisansala, Kavya Kavindi, and Shashini Jumni.
A ceremony to celebrate these cricketing heroines took place on July 31 at the school. Ambalangoda Regional Education Office Sports Director Sampath Jayasena was the chief guest.
Kaweesha Dilhari, Sachini Nisansala, Kavya Kavindi, and Shashini Jumni, who all represented the Sri Lankan women’s cricket team, were celebrated for their achievements.
Three of them were school cricket captains
Kaweesha Dilhari, from Nayagoda Rathgama, was the captain of the Devapathiraja women’s cricket team in 2020. Sachini Nisansala led the school’s team in 2021.
Kavya Kavindi, a resident of Walahanduwa, Galle, captained the team in 2022. Shashini Jumni is still in the 11th grade and hails from Rathgama Gammeddegoda. She is the youngest player to have represented the Sri Lankan women’s cricket team in their Asian Cup victory.
The cricketers were warmly welcomed at Rathgama Junction with garlands and a grand procession led by the college band. They were then received at the school’s main entrance and escorted to the main hall for the ceremony.
Mahesh Sandaruwan the man behind the success
Principal Sam de Silva expressed immense pride in having three former students and one current student of their school on the victorious team. He praised their contribution to elevating Sri Lanka’s profile in the Asian continent and highlighted the significant role played by coach Mahesh Sadaruwan in their success. Mr. de Silva emphasized the respect and honor the players have brought to their country, their school, and the Galle district.
