Archives

The Ninth Inter Club Six-a-side Cricket Tournament for the Sri Lanka Ambassador's Trophy concluded on a successful note recently at the Amsterdam Cricket Club Grounds.

Twelve First Division Cricket Clubs in the Netherlands participated at this tournament which was won by Voorburg Cricket Club (VCC) who beat VRS (The League Champions) in the finals.

The Sri Lanka Ambassador's Trophy opened its doors in 1994 in the Netherlands when the first resident Sri Lanka Ambassador, P. G. Karunasiri took the initiative together with Flavian Aponso, a former Sri Lankan cricketer now domiciled in the Netherlands, to introduce limited over cricket to the Dutch. Since then this tournament has rightfully earned its place in the Dutch cricket calendar as the most popular event amongst both players and spectators alike.

Ambassador Rupa Karunatilaka and Mrs. Karunatilaka on their arrival at the Amsterdamsche Cricket Grounds were received by Members of the Organising Committee Flavian Aponso and Russel Kern.

The President of the Royal Netherlands Cricket Board, Mr. Rene van Ierschot whilst welcoming the new Ambassador to his first tournament praised him for the support to this prestigious tournament and thanked everyone who has been involved in organising this tournament stating that this event brings Sri Lanka and the Netherlands closer and strengthening the existing bonds.

He further stated that this "King of Sports" is a common and popular sport between both countries and should be continued.

Speaking at the awards ceremony Ambassador Rupa Karunatilaka thanked Rene van Ierschot the President of the Royal Netherlands Cricket Board, Max de Bruin jr, President of the Amsterdamsche Cricket Club, Flavian Aponso and Russel Kern of the Organising Committee for all their support towards the successful completion of this tournament.

Speaking further the Ambassador expressed his appreciation to the very supportive sponsors and especially to Hasitha de Alwis and the Sri Lanka Tea Board for arranging financial support towards the tea promotion at this event. Rajeewa Jayaweera and SriLankan Airlines for presenting a return air ticket to Sri Lanka.

Anselm Perera of Mlesna (Ceylon) Ltd. for the beautiful gift packs and Jayantha Karunaratne of Imperial Tea Exports (Pvt) Ltd. for the unstinted support. He expressed his hope that the tenth six-a-side cricket tournament would be organised on a grand scale in 2004.

Further he proposed inviting Sri Lankan cricketers to grace this event.

www.crescat.com

News | Business | Features | Editorial | Security
Politics | World | Letters | Sports | Obituaries

Produced by Lake House
Copyright © 2003 The Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Ltd.
Comments and suggestions to :Web Manager