An annual awards night is one of the most anticipated events for any sporting organization. It celebrates excellence, rewards achievement and gives players something tangible to aspire to while engaging fans in the journey. Australia has set the benchmark, staging its prestigious Allan Border Medal every year since 2000 at Melbourne’s Crown Casino.
Sri Lanka Cricket has held its awards ceremony only intermittently, largely due to the lack of a title sponsor. With Dialog stepping in to back the event, however, there is every reason to believe the awards will now become a permanent fixture on the cricketing calendar, with the sponsorship secured for at least the next two years.
Thursday’s ceremony was a fitting celebration of the game, honouring those who excelled in both domestic and international cricket.
The most emotional moments of the evening came when two former Sri Lanka captains, Michael Tissera and Anura Tennekoon, received Lifetime Achievement Awards. At 87, Mr. Tissera received a standing ovation before delivering an eloquent speech, without the aid of glasses, reminding the audience of the importance of safeguarding the game’s values. Mr. Tennekoon was equally inspiring, speaking with the humility and grace that have defined his cricketing life.
Former Test cricketer Sidath Wettimuny, now a key figure in cricket administration, reflected on the profound influence both men had on generations of Sri Lankan cricketers. Before him, SLC Chairman Eran Wickramaratne spoke passionately about how cricket shapes character, arguing that those who play the game often develop the ability to make sound decisions under pressure, an invaluable quality in life beyond the boundary.
Journalist Reemus Fernando and broadcaster Kelum Srimal were also honoured with Lifetime Achievement Awards. Reemus devoted decades to covering school cricket, chronicling the rise of countless players who went on to represent Sri Lanka, from Angelo Mathews to Lahiru Thirimanne. Kelum, meanwhile, brought the game closer to Sinhala speaking fans across the island through his engaging broadcasts.
Pathum Nissanka’s remarkable consistency across all three formats earned him the Men’s Cricketer of the Year award, while Chamari Athapaththu once again underlined her dominance in the women’s game. She collected more than half a dozen awards for her performances at both domestic and international level and was the unanimous choice as Women’s Cricketer of the Year.
The domestic awards reflected the healthy spread of talent in the men’s game, with players from several clubs being recognized. In contrast, the women’s honours were dominated by Chilaw Marians and Sri Lanka Navy, further highlighting the stranglehold the two clubs currently enjoy in women’s cricket.
Emerging stars were recognized too. Imesha Dulani, fresh from her match winning performances against Pakistan, claimed the women’s Emerging Player award, while Kamil Mishara was rewarded for an outstanding domestic campaign and impressive international performances with the men’s accolade. Veteran official Ravindra Kottahachchi was named Umpire of the Year.
The gathering brought together far more than just players. Club officials, sponsors, administrators, stakeholders and members of the wider cricket fraternity all came under one roof, making it a true celebration of Sri Lankan cricket.
The awards recognized performances during the 2025 season and with another edition already guaranteed, players know that every run scored, wicket taken and catch held this year could be rewarded when the cricketing fraternity gathers again.
