It’s debated by cricket crazy fans that Anuruddha Polonowita could help win your team the match. A spinner might want from him a dry, dusty pitch that would allow the ball to careen in at an angle no batsmen could predict; a pacie a little moisture, a little grass, just enough to allow his fast balls to accelerate till they become a blur heading for the wickets.

The hands and feet are clawed. Sometimes fingers and toes have been amputated, but the spirit is strong. Aiyo Thaththa ne neda, cries a woman with her face crumpling up for a moment, as she hobbles up to us, but gives a toothless smile and says, Eth putha innawane, and asks for a few rupees to eat hoppers.