Bringing back the Golden Era of Ananda Cricket
Ananda College Cricket wing together with the Old Anandian’s Sports Club and the Principal . Lal Dissanayake launched a trust fund, on June 16 at the Kularatne hall with a large gathering of parents and cricket playing students of all age groups.
This trust fund would support the development of Ananda Cricket in a sustainable manner while recapturing its cricket glory starting with each and every Anandian and not putting the burden on the parents at a time of an economic crisis the country is faced with. By 1981 , Ananda College had produced five out of 19 Cricketers who represented the under 19 national team and has consistently produced high performing national level cricketers to represent Lanka at Test and ODI games.
Project “ Road to Glory “ will focus on providing the much required technical support, nutrition, mental strength, motivation and most importantly, instill the required levels of discipline in the upcoming young players, to perform at the highest level in line with this project, The trust fund will be managed by former Cricketing stars and professionals from Ananda College, while giving due place to authenticity and transparency at the top. The “ Trust for the Development of Cricket at Ananda College “ ( TDCAC ) which was launched on June 16 and a Board of top tier business and professional personnel from the College alumnus have been appointed through a special management unit to steer the College’s cricketing journey.
Commenting on the launch of the trust fund, Ranjith Pandithage stated, “We are committed to bring back the golden era where we proudly cheered, not only for our nation but for our school mates as well. To assist this long term and sustainable journey, we request all AnandianS to step forward and support Cricket Ananda with funding- be it Individual level or or at a corporate level . This plea also goes to to all past Anandian’s who reside in Sri-Lanka and overseas as well. This is the start of a new journey that will be memorable in the sporting annals of Ananda College.”
The management unit, the Cricket Wing of Ananda College, branded as “ Cricket Ananda” will be run by several top tier business and professional personnel from College’s alumnus and will drive College’s Cricketing engagement, effectively immediately.
The trustees of TDCAC include Ex- National Cricketer . Sidath Wettimuny, Ex Cricketer administrator . Ana Punchihewa, reputed businessman and distinguished Anandian Ranjith Pandithage, distinguished Anandian from the finance community . Deva Rodrigo, distinguished Anandian from the legal community Prashantha Lal de Alwis, the Executive President of the OBA Bimal Wijayasinghe , and the President of the Old Anandian’s Sports Club. Amitha Munasinghe.