The Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo paid tribute to their loyal servant, Mahela Jayawardena at a grand ceremony held at the club premises yesterday evening after the 37-year old legend retired from Test cricket two months ago at the same venue.
Former Sri Lanka captain and his wife, Christina Jayawardena were the chief guests of this gala dinner with many present and past national cricketers and distinguished club members attending to pay tribute to one of the most stylish batsmen to walk the face of the earth and easily the most sophisticated to be produced by the ‘Pearl of the Indian Ocean’.
After the arrival of all the guests to the special tent, Mr. Tommy Ellawela, President of SSC spoke a few words of appreciation on Mahela, “I welcome you all to this memorable night which is organized by the club’s cricket house committee. Mahela has devoted his entire 19-years of cricket career at SSC. In all these years, he has given his time and his skill as a player for SSC, to which we are most grateful. “
Mahela Jayawardene holds the record for the most Test centuries (11) at a single venue and his favourite hunting ground is none other than his home turf SSC. The SSC commemorated this great feat of this extra-ordinary player by unveiling a plaque at the club premises during this felicitation ceremony in the presence of his wife, parents and other distinguished guests.
Cricket house committee chairman Samantha Dodanwela auctioned two souvenir bats in memory of Mahela Jayawardena, one autographed by the master himself and the other one is signed by all the T20 World Cup winning squad. All funds collected by the auction were entirely donated to the welfare of the junior players at Sinhalese Sports Club.
A special question and answer session was hosted by the current Sri Lanka manager, Michael De Zoysa together with Mahela Jayawardena and it took the center stage of this magnificent event. The first question thrown out at Mahela was on his memories of his first Test, “I was to be honest surprised when I got the call-up. Luckily for me, there were quite few injuries after the West Indies tour. Walking into that dressing room of superstars at that time who won the 96’ world cup, I was very nervous. It was a great match and it’s probably the best Test match a debutant can ask for.” Mahela replied with pride written all over his face.
Michael questioned Mahela on his next favourite ground after the SSC “I think it’s a close battle between Lord’s and Galle. But I’d probably prefer Lord’s, because there’s lot of history behind that grounds and there’s a different atmosphere when you walk-in to bat, going past the long room, all members cheering and the whole tradition, it is something special. “MJ said.
The question on the most difficult bowler he faced was another intriguing thought on lots of minds and like many others before him Mahela had no hesitation in answering “I think it is Wasim Akram, probably the best bowler who had everything in his armory.”
Finally, the current Sri Lanka captain, Angelo Mathews broke an inside story on Mahela, getting a bit of his own back on his former captain who did just that to him a few days back at the Joes Night of the Stars, “Well as you all are aware, Mahela is a huge fan of Manchester United and we have been running quite a bit these days and after a fitness session, we all play a game of soccer. He knows the rules, he’s the best but the opposition will never score a goal. He is very passionate about the game but now I’m going to spoil the party and I know you will get me for this but Mahela you are an absolute cheat when it comes to soccer (tremendous laughter from around the audience). If the opposition scores a goal, it is either a hand ball or an off-side or any other foul, you name it. “
The night ended with Mahela taking photographs with almost all present at SSC and as we witnessed the other night where he was dragged away from dinner to take photographs; he never held back from interaction with his fans and appreciating them and their homage of him.
Long will prevail this unassuming hero in the hearts of all constituents of this tiny island Sri Lanka
Video of the felicitation ceremony
