Lankan lads, you did us proud

As the debate hotted-up worldwide on the rights and wrongs of the final stages of the Cricket World Cup final being played in total darkness, Sri Lankan cricketers warmed the hearts and minds of cricket lovers everywhere and helped lift the pall of gloom which settled on the premier cricket tournament, through their simplicity, honesty and down-to-earth conduct.

On the cricketing field the Lankans contrasted with some of their contenders; not only in cricketing prowess, in which they were brilliant, but in also their general approach to the game and in their human relations.

The clinically professional approach of the Australians has been much commented on. They were zealously single - minded and they went out "for the kill". They did not rest from their labours until they reached their prized goal.

It is not that the Lankans lacked professionalism but they tempered this quality with an abundance of gamesmanship, human consideration and flamboyance. It is the latter qualities that endeared the Lankan cricketers to almost everyone who watched them on and off the field.

There was certainly an abundance of professionalism in the Lankans but what differentiated them from the common run of professionals was their lack of ruthlessness and snooty arrogance. The Lankans fared remarkably well to contest the final but it was clear that this measure of success had not gone to their heads.

They remained sensible and down-to-earth, mingling freely with the spectators and displayed the winning sociability Lankans are famous for. Writing to this newspaper on the achievements of the Lankans, Foreign Ministry Secretary Dr. Palitha Kohona speaks of the exuberant friendliness evinced by the Lankan cricketers after the final, as they enjoyed a cheery chat and drink with the Lankan State officials who were on the scene.

The Lankans also offered a rare lesson in gamesmanship. We are certain that Lankan wicket keeper-batsman of great repute, Kumar Sangakkara, would have not only won a multitude of cheers but also a rich harvest of hearts when he seemed to have had Australian run machine, Adam Gilchrist, caught behind, but indicated that he had not taken the catch clean. In a keenly contested game, where no quarter is shown or given, this was exemplary sportsmanship.

We are reminded of the oft quoted saying that it is not whether one or lost that matters but how one played the game. The Lankans, certainly played the game in the highest traditions of gamesmanship.

So, the Lankans emerge resounding moral victors in this game, although they may have lost it, technically. They were led admirably in this task by skipper Mahela Jayewardena, who not only led from the front but kept a level, considerate head right through the tournament. Evincing not even an iota of bitterness and anger he gave credit where credit is due and perhaps gave the best assessment of the Australians' cricketing prowess.

All in all, the Lankans gave a very good and heart-stirring account of themselves. Well done, lads; Mother Lanka is proud of you.