Online edition of Daily News

Arriving at a 'twenty five year' milestone in any endeavour by any standard, is indeed a remarkable achievement worthy of much rejoicing, in a manner befitting the occasion.

This was very much in evidence, when the well sustained 'Bata-Observer' alliance celebrated its Silver Jubilee partnership, in holding its 25th annual 'Schoolboy Cricketer of the Year' awards ceremony last Friday evening at the BMICH.

Samadara Sumathipala wife of the chief guest Thilanga Sumathipala, President of the Board of Control for Cricket in Sri Lanka being welcomed by a little girl with a bouquet of flowers at the entrance of the BMICH before the Bata-Observer Schoolboy Cricketer of the Year awards ceremony held on Friday. Also in the picture are Mrs. Anushika Ladduwahetty, wife of Chairman ANCL, Nalin Ladduwahetty Chairman ANCL, Kym Bradley, Managing Director Bata and Thilanga Sumathipala. (Pictures by Ravindra Seneviratne)

Commendable it is, that this awards ceremony held for the past 25 years without interruption - has through the years grown to be a much looked forward to prestigious event. An event that serves as an incentive and encouragement in the lives of many an aspiring cricketer in the Island.

The organisers led by Bata's Export Manager, Errol Nugawela (associated with the event from its inception) really turned it on, to make this Silver Jubilee as memorable as possible, to the privileged award winners, who were fortunate enough to be associated with the event, in its historic year.

The Bata billboards, buntings and banners, with an elaborate panel backdrop on stage, did provide an air of festive gaiety for the large gathering in the auditorium, who exchanged pleasantries and indulged in small talk - which with time gave way to the throbbing beating of drums and rhythmic dancers, who led down the aisle the chief guests, the President of the BCCSL Thilanga Sumathipala and his wife Samadara, the guests of honour, Managing Director Bata Shoe Company Ltd, Kym Bradley, Mrs. Jane Bradley, the Chairman of ANCL, Nalin Ladduwahetty and Mrs. Anushika Ladduwahetty.

The Schoolboy Cricketer of the Year Farveez Maharoof of Wesley College holding aloft his trophies after receiving them from the chief guest Thilanga Sumathipala.

With the nuances and cadences of the drummers and dancers fading of, the chief guests and guests of honour along with the Chairman of Singer, Hemaka Amarasuriya, Errol Nugawela and Ifthikar Sameem, set the evenings' programme came alive by lighting the traditional oil lamp.

Stepping mike side was compere, Laddie Hettiarachchie, who steered proceedings in his own inimitable style and candour making the welcome address was the newly appointed Chairman of Bata Shoe Company Ltd, Kym Bradley, who is his day was a keen sportsman - was quick enough to say that Bata was dedicated to sponsor sports throughout the world and, are doing it here as well.

Mentioning that they began at first in a small way, confining the contest to a few schools, but now it has grown through the years to encompass the entire Island.

Most of the award winners Bradley explained, have gone on to play cricket with some representing the country as well - which to Bata was both a satisfying and rewarding experience.

Bradley thanked ANCL for its continued collaboration, which has enabled it to become a regular event, not forgetting to thank the umpires panel and the Bata team with a special word for Errol Nugawela.

He concluded by saying that this was his maiden appearance at a Bata-Observer awards show and, that it did give him a sense of well being, in giving away awards to the boys, of whom their parents will be proud of.

The Chairman of ANCL Nalin Ladduwahetty speaking on the occasion expressed his pleasure of being the head of ANCL for the past two years and his pride in being able to grace the awards ceremony for the second successive year and, that too in the year of its Silver Jubilee which is a rare privilege. He lost no time in making it known that the 'Daily News' the flag ship of ANCL is in the forefront of promoting sports and that in years gone by, the Premier Cricket tournament in the country was held for the 'Daily News Trophy' - not forgetting to mention that ANCL this year is the sponsor of the Ragama Cricket Club.

Incidentally, it must be also added that cultural and religious festivals are also assisted by the ANCL.

Ladduwahetty looking back said that the Bata-Observer awards night has through the years grown in stature to enjoy a rich history of colourful, talented cricketers - amongst whom was Ranjan Madugalle who not only captained Sri Lanka but also went onto bring fame and honour to the country by being appointed the Chief Match Referee by the ICC (Ranjan was the first winner of the 'Schoolboy cricketer of the Year' award in the year of inception in 1979). This event which is the climax of the school cricket season brings with it many an accolade and encomium to the winners, which must further bolster him to strive for greater things to come - observed Ladduwahetty.

He was pleased that Sumathipala was the chief guest, stressing that Thilanga was a member of the Nalanda cricket team that won the best team award.

Equally happy was he that the former Interim Committee Chairman, Hemaka Amarasuriya - the Chairman of Singer Sri Lanka was also present. Ladduwahetty, whilst congratulating the winners urged the losers not to lose heart and wound up his address by recalling to mind for the benefit of the young the adage "For when the great scorer comes, he will not ask, as to whether you won or lost, but how you played the game."

Chief guest, Thilanga Sumathipala, who does enjoy wide popularity that cannot be easily matched, is presently serving his third stint as President of the BCCSL.

Addressing in particular the parents, students and the up and coming young cricketers he reminisced of his school days where he too walked up the stage to win an award or two.

Winning an award was fine, making you cherish the moment as memorable. But it must not stop there he stressed, for one should strive to do even better to come out on top to reach the highest level.

This he emphasised was a significant night for the winners, who must think ahead of further enhancing their game.

Sumathipala said that we ought to be grateful to Bata for the support and much needed fillip given to school cricket, which is a sound investment in character building, where the young will be so trained and disciplined to play in the true spirit of the game. The coveted award - the Observer-Bata Schoolboy Cricketer of the Year, went to Farveez Maharoof of Wesley College.

The outstation Schoolboy Cricketer award was won by Chinthaka Rasanga Perera of President's College, Kotte. The award for the Schoolboy Cricketer of the North was won by Chandranathan Mathusan of Kokuvil Hindu College, Jaffna, there were yet other awards for excellence.

The presentation of awards which was staggered was made by the chief guest Thilanga Sumathipala, Managing Director of Bata Shoe Company of Ceylon Ltd, Kym Bradley, the Chairman ANCL Nalin Laduwahetty, Mrs. Jane Bradley, Mrs. Samadara Sumathipala and Mrs. Anushika Ladduwahetty.

The presentations were interspersed by breaks for musical entertainment provided by Sohan and the X'Periments with appropriate vocals and skits rendered by Yasmin, Sohan, Rajieve, Corrine and Ronnie Leitch with the Western Dance Club performing as well.