Women’s cricketer Bhagya Harshani does Jayasiri Junior School proud
Watapathane Gedara P. Bhagya Harshani is one of the most outstanding young cricketers who has represented the Jayasiripura Junior School, Elahera under 19 women’s cricket team within a very short period of time.
Bhagya Harshani belongs to a farming family and was born on the 16th of August 2004 as the daughter of W.G. Mahindaratne and Ihalagedara Mudiyanselage Kanthi Kumari in Akkara Desiya, Jayasiripura, Polonnaruwa. She has three sisters Madushani Rathna Menike(25) Theruni Navodya Sandeepni (7) and Deumi Themalsha Abhimani(4). Bhagya joined Jayasiripura Junior school in January 2010 and excelled in academic activities from grade one to nine.
Bhagya is currently studying for the G.CE. Ordinary level exam She initially showed her talents only in school sports games. She joined the newly formed under 19 school cricket team as a right hand opening batswoman and wicket keeper in 2020 and has been instrumental in her school winning many of the matches in which she participated. During the first year she scored 43 not out against Mahamaya Girls College Kandy, 33 against Nugawela Central college and 35 not out against St. Anthony’s Girls College Kandy In 2022 she scored 39 against Atharagallewa M.V, 24 not out against Karukkankulama Wijebhu Central College, 32 not out against secondary school Habarana, 24 against Siddhartha Central College Eppawala 26 not out against Fatima Madhya Maha Vidyalayam Pesalai Manner and unbeaten 97 against Mirihanegama M.V. Kurunegala respectively.
Due to the fact that the opposing team did not get much runs against their team and despite batting second in most matches Bhagya did not get a chance to show off her skills to a great extent.However, Sri Lankan cricket officials recognised her talent and, she was selected to play for the Polonnaruwa District and North Western Province women’s cricket team .
Bhagya Harshani said after her academic activities she hopes to.become a sports teacher in a government school and play for the Sri Lanka womens cricket team and bring honour and fame to her country and school. At the same time she takes this opportunity to thank all the coaches, school principal, sports teachers in charge and parents who have made the school’s women’s cricket team a force to be reckoned with.