Anjala Bandara – spectacular cricketer from St. Anthony's Kandy
Anjala Bandara played School Cricket as a left-handed opening batsman cum an exceptional wicketkeeper for his alma mater St.Anthony’s College Kandy 1st XI team in the inter-schools ‘A’ Division Cricket tournament. Then he also had the unique record of being selected for the under 19 Sri Lankan national squad for the upcoming England home series. Incidentally, his older twin brothers represented the 1st XI cricket team of D.S.Senanayake and Mahanama College respectively.
At present, he is turning out for CCC in the ‘A’ Division inter club cricket tournament as a talented wicketkeeper/batsman.
Speaking to Daily News Anjala said “In my childhood, I used to go and watch my elder brother’s cricket matches. It was because of my two elder twin brothers who played cricket for their respective schools, which ultimately made me enter the world of sports”.
“All my family members were with me all the time supporting me right throughout. Hence I’m always grateful to all of them“.
“I chose Cricket because my twin brothers and I always used to play cricket at home. Hence I had a liking towards this fabulous game of cricket”.
“Throughout my entire life, my family and playing Cricket is my priority”.
“When I think of unforgettable memories in my career, scoring 150 runs in the provincial tournament and winning the best batsman award of the tournament are beautiful memories to be remembered forever”.
“My favorite Cricketer is Niroshan Dickwella the Sri Lankan national cricketer and I like singing, taking photos, and playing with my pet dog in my leisure time “.
“My greatest accomplishment so far is representing the premier ‘A’ Division team of CCC cricket club. To be honest to date I cherished that moment”
“In Sri Lanka, my favourite holiday destination is Nuwara Eliya or a place with a similar atmosphere”.
“The best compliment I have received was -Once a top coach told me that I was one of the best wicket Keepers in the school cricket arena”.
I always do what I think is right. If you feel the need to do this at this time, do it. Because I will never regret it later. So, I agree with everything I do. (These are things done inside of the boundary line) and I compare myself to the best player of the team I represent “.
“I’m honestly happy with every award I have received thus far”.
“It’s really hard to be a Cricketer, because everything in life is hard and nothing is easy, but if we dedicate ourselves to it, if we work hard, if we can dedicate our time, if we can dedicate ourselves to our goals, I think that’s what matters. Nothing comes easy”.
“According to my point of view, with the onset of Covid-19 disease, a lot of my work was delayed. It was a big loss for me. Education, as well as my training, was missed. It was a big challenge for me. But I practiced at home alone”.
“My most embarrassing moment on the Cricket field was – getting into an argument with a bowler from the opposition team and getting dismissed to the same bowler in the very next delivery”.
“In life, I would like to describe myself as a funny and a humble person”.
“When I grew up I wanted to represent the Sri Lanka national team and to be a match-winning player. That’s my ambition”.
“The kind of legacy I wanted to be remembered as the best wicketkeeper-batsman that Sri Lanka ever produced.
“On a concluding note I want to thank my masters Silva, Thoti, my coaches Nihal, Mihiran, Suneth, Dimuthu, Kelum, Tharanga Dhammika, Nipuna, Basnayaka, Julian, Lasantha, Ananda, Pinnaduwa, Woshantha, Ajith, Imal Boteju, Bandara, Kaludeera, Piyal, Tharanga, Dulshan, Ranawaka, Priyantha ayya our Trainer’.
“Also when I come to train in Colombo, I stay at a friend’s house. Aunty at that house and uncle treats me like my own mom and dad, I must say that. They give me a lot of support. Also, I get a lot of support from the alumni association of the college. I also want to thank the college and again my family for the support extended to me. Not forgetting my cousin brother Indika ayya also should be thanked and be reminded. I will work hard for them and make them proud”.