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Elmo Rodrigopulle reporting from Melbourne

A carnival atmosphere will prevail when the Sri Lankan cricketers take on a Victorian Country Cricket League X1 in a limited overs game at Hastings in Melbourne on Sunday starting at 10 a m local time. The match has been termed Project Hope with proceeds collected from the match being donated to the Hope Cancer Hospital Project in Sri Lanka.

Former Sri Lanka vice captain Mahela Jayawardena who is the prime mover of this project told the "Daily News" that he was very pleased with all the arrangements made for the match and that he is grateful for the excellent arrangements made.: I owe them a debt of gratitude" he said.

The Hastings ground is a wonderful setting and the large crowd that is expected, especially the Lankans living around the city are expected to throng in their numbers and contribute lavishly for this very vital and needy project.

From what we can gather several old school associations have organised a fun filled day with a mix of food stalls, a range of trade stalls, cultural; shows, children's activities and competitions and a raffle draw with fabulous prizes. A popular Sri Lankan movie will also be shown on giant Electronic screen.

The Hope Cancer Project was first launched on November 24 at the Knox Tavern in Melbourne where about 75 people attended. The Launch Organising committee decided to have a small launch function and were happy with the support and the sponsorship provided by Hieniken, McWilliams, Tony Grayson, Knox Tavern and others.

At the launch a number of past Sri Lankan Test cricketers were present along with Muttiah Muralitheran and Victorian batsman Jason Arnberger.

The gathering were addressed by Dr Quintus De Zylva (Australian representative BCCSL), Warren Riches, President VCCL), Roshan Mahanama, Secretary, SLCA and member of Project Hope and Ian Crawford, Prahan CC.

All speakers dwelled on the great cause that the proceeds will be going towards, that of the Project Hope Hospital for cancer in Colombo. Although that evening was not designed to be a profit-making venture some $400.00 was raised for the Project Hope.

Having said all that the Lankans here are poking a bit of fun at the cricketers asking them not to lose this game too. If the Lankans lose this game too we will have to run away from here", said some Lankans of course in jest. We hope the Lankan cricketers will get the message find their winning ways in this game and carry the winning streak into the VB series that will follow.

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