Lanka proud of this son of our soil - President congratulates Murali

‘Sri Lanka is proud of this son of our soil, who has reached the greatest height as a bowler with his new record, winning the highest respect of his contemporaries in the game the world over’, stated President Mahinda Rajapaksa congratulating Muttiah Muralitharan on achieving his new record of 800 wickets in Test Cricket in 133 Tests as he retired from this form of the game yesterday.

Murali has been an ornament in the world of cricket, overcoming the gravest of challenges, spinning his way to success for himself, his team and his country, the President further stated.

Following is the congratulatory message:

“I send my warmest congratulations to Muttiah Muralitharan, on his achieving his new record of 800 wickets in Test Cricket in 133 Tests, as he retires from this form of the game today, having contributed much to the victory of Sri Lanka in this his final Test. He also holds the highest tally of 515 wickets in 337 ODIs.

Murali, to all of us who enjoy the game of cricket, through the past 18 years, has played a great innings both for his own glory and Sri Lanka’s pride. In all this time, Murali has been an ornament in the world of cricket, overcoming the gravest of challenges, spinning his way to success for himself, his team and his country. He has won the admiration of all who loved Cricket, and earned well deserved plaudits for his continued success in all forms of the game. Sri Lanka is proud of this son of our soil, who has reached the greatest height as a bowler with his new record, winning the highest respect of his contemporaries in the game the world over, and the most discerning of critics and commentators, too.

The records he has notched in Test Cricket and ODIs will be eagerly chased by many a bowler in the years to come, though it will be a difficult task.

Even in retirement from Test Cricket, we look forward to the contribution that Murali will continue make in the field of sports and leadership, especially the example he will set to the youth of Sri Lanka, in keeping alive the true spirit of competition and sportsmanship.

I wish Murali every success in the years ahead.”