Colts celebrates 150th anniversary
Colombo Colts Cricket Club marked its illustrious 150th anniversary on December 8 in grand style. The event, attended by cricket enthusiasts, dignitaries, and esteemed members, featured President Ranil Wickremesinghe as the chief guest, along with the participation of Sports Minister Harin Fernando.
Under the leadership of Club President, Nishantha Ranatunga and the Executive Committee, the evening commenced with a ceremonial plaque unveiling, commemorated in a photograph with the executive committee and the chief guest.
The 1996 and 2014 World Cup-winning teams were celebrated, with a heartwarming gesture of life membership extended to each member. President Wickremasinghe presented tokens of appreciation to key players and members of the club’s President Ranthunga, General Secretary Shiran Abesekara and Treasurer M. Rathnaharan. The recipients included Colts first class player and national player Chaminda Mendis, who also served as a national selector, along with Chaminda Vaas and Angelo Matthews. Hemantha Devapriya, who played for over a decade for Colts and a national player, as well as past presidents K. Mathivanan and Gamini Goonasena, were acknowledged.
Esteemed long-term life members, including Patron Trevor Rajaratnam, Lester Fernando, Carlton Bernardus, Jagath Savanadasa, Richie Fernandopulle, Susilo De S. Wijeratne, late Michael Changmugam, late Ranjith Samarasekera and Tissa Abeywickrema, were also recognised. Former Colts, national women’s players and captains, Vaneesa Bowen, Rasanjali de Alwis, Dinesha Perera, former Colts and
Sri Lanka women’s hockey captain, were also acknowledged.