1 week Ago By Thilina Walpola
Sri Sumangala Vidyalaya, Hikkaduwa has scripted a fairytale rise in school cricket, marking a monumental milestone just 18 years after forming its first team. Once deprived of even a proper ground, the school now proudly boasts an unbeaten Under-19 team that has clinched both the Division III two-day and one-day championships — a rare double that has earned them promotion to Division 2. The turnaround began in 2007 when the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) helped establish the Sri Sumangala MCC Lord’s Cricket Grounds following the devastating tsunami.
This facility, offered free of charge, became a beacon for young cricketers who had talent but lacked opportunity. What followed is nothing short of a sporting miracle: 16 consecutive outright wins by the U19 team and national recognition in school cricket circuits. This isn’t just a story of trophies and titles — it’s about breaking generational barriers.
These young cricketers, once trapped in a cycle of poverty and obscurity, now inspire their community and set benchmarks for others in rural Sri Lanka. The MCC’s early investment has borne fruit, turning dreams into tangible success. Today, the legacy of Lord’s lives not only in London but also in the hearts of the aspiring cricketers of Hikkaduwa — proof that when given a chance, talent can indeed take flight.
Foundation of Goodness has been a beacon of hope for sporting talents in the region and representation for Sri Lanka Women’s Under-19 team has been dominated by them. The same could happen with the men’s team in the near future..
