Two outstanding schoolboy cricketers Royal’s Chamika Karunaratne and Lasith Lakshan of St Thomas College Matara have been selected to play in the UK County Championship under the overseas player programme conducted by Sri Lanka Cricket.
Karunaratne a bowling all-rounder captained Royal in 2013/14 and Lasith Lakshan right hand opening scored prolifically for the school and also against the visiting Bangladeshi U 19s.
Out of seven cricketers these two were selected by the SLC UK Committee. The SLC UK committee will be responsible for the well being of the cricketers and undertakes all expenses related to them during their stay in UK.
Some of the past cricketers who have been benefited from this scholarship scheme are Angelo Mathews, Dhammika Prasad, Farveez Maharoof, Kosala Kulasekara and Upul Tharanga.
For young potential national cricketers to have this opportunity to play a season of cricket in England is a dream come true and the experience will hold them in good stead for their future careers. The club cricket season runs from end of April till mid September.
The cricketers will be playing in the Middlesex County Championship which would give them competitive and challenging cricket throughout the season. The chairman of SLC UK Committee together with the Captain and Chairman of Southgate Cricket Club will be available at all times to ensure the well-being of the cricketers. In addition, a club a member who is Sri Lankan and a Level 3 Coach will be available to assist on any other matters relevant to the cricketers.
The Chairman of SLC UK Committee will act as the Mentor & Guardian of the scholarship cricketers throughout their stay along with the other SLC UK Committee members who will be around to support and help the cricketers during the season. SLC UK Committee will arrange to provide competent coaches (Level 3 or above) from MCC/ECB Coaching Staff, depending on the needs and requirements of the cricketers. SLC UK Committee/ Club will arrange gym membership and strength & conditioning coaches as appropriate during their stay in UK to develop all aspects of fitness and conditioning.
Attached photo is CEO Ashley De Silva & Head of Cricket Operations Carlton Bernadus handing over the sponsorship documents to the 2 young Cricketers for their trip to England
