Thanks to Gamini we are here today

Memories are still fresh of Sri Lanka’s lofty deeds in England, with the players taking a well earned rest right now. The consistent, elegant, stroke play of Mahela Jayawardena, the masterly bowling of Muttiah Muralitharan, will take awhile to be replaced from memory by the next lot of outstanding performances.

Twenty five years ago almost to this date the celebrations were of a different kind. The achievement was off the field than on it, but the memories, they still linger on. At the annual sessions of the ICC which are held in June each year, it was decided (in 1981) that Sri Lanka be granted ‘Test’ status. The thinking of the governing body then was opposite to now. They were adamant to restricting the number competing at the elite level.

Today every effort is being made to globalize the sport. Just recently, Myanmar became the latest addition to the team. They became the ninety seventh member country. There are ten full members (test playing), thirty two associate members and fifty five affiliate members. There is constant monitoring and assistance given to raise the standard of the game worldwide.

My recollections of that momentous event are very clear. I was in England playing professional minor county cricket for Bedfordshire C.C.C. On that particular day I was playing in an invitation three day game for the M.C.C. against Oxford University at the Parks. At breakfast the topic of Sri Lanka getting test status was discussed. Richard Hutton (son of Sir Len Hutton) and Michael Mence (a former county captain of Gloucestershire), both committee members of the M.C.C., were at the table. I listened in silence as they spelt out reasons why Sri Lanka should wait another couple of years before being admitted to the main fold. It was disappointing stuff to listen to.

The day passed by with the cricket. Later in the day news filtered that Sri Lanka has been granted test status, getting the required support from the other nations. Next morning at breakfast I had a lot to say and plenty to smile about! It was a red letter in the countries cricketing history.

The late Gamini Dissanayake was the figure at the centre of this achievement. As President of the Cricket Board it was he who presented the case on behalf of the country, at Lord’s. He had the assurance of the late J.R. Jayawardena, President of the nation, to provide further infra structure development, as required.

“At the meeting he ensured that an international venue would be constructed in Colombo, within 3 months. His inspiring speech to the members convinced all that Sri Lanka was ready to take the big step”, observed Lakshman Hulugalle, who was Gamini Dissanayake’s co-ordinating Secretary at that time. He further stated that BBN and Skanska came to assist with the re-construction of the Asgiriya Stadium.

Hulugalle reminisced, that when Minister Dissanayake returned to the island a flag waving Percy Abeysekara and some national cricketers, of whom Captain Bandula Warnapura was one, was present to greet him. It was indeed a happy and memorable occasion.

Having attained this new peak Gamini Dissanayake had three initial goals. To complete the international venue in Kandy as promised. To win a test match as early as possible and to establish an Asian Cricket controlling body. They have all been achieved.

Many players and administrators contributed immensely throughout the twentieth century and up to the present day in Sri Lanka’s forward march. Many of them have been unsung heroes. “Test Status” was a major ambition contributed. Thousands provided the ingredients and Gamini Dissanayake produced the icing on the cake.