Nelson Mendis felicitated as CCC School of Cricket celebrate 25 years
View(s):The 25th anniversary of the CCC School of Cricket was marked with a blazing felicitation ceremony on January 20, at the Bishop’s College Auditorium with distinguished guests gracing the momentous occasion. The event was graced by distinguished guests and cricket legends in attendance that made the evening with excitement to remember. The entire auditorium was packed with students of CCC School of Cricket, guests and parents that adorned with glitter and glamour.
Renowned cricket coach Nelson Mendis welcomed with a guard of honour
There was a star-studded lineup of former national cricketers that added charisma to the celebration. The presence as chief guest, former Nalandao College, SSC and Sri Lanka skipper Mahela Jayawardena, guests of honour – former Sri Lanka and the 1996 World Cup-winning captain Arjuna Ranatunga, Roshan Mahanama, Thilanga Sumathipala, Brendon Kuruppu, Michael Tissera, Ana Punchihewa, former Chairman of Singer Sri Lanka Hemaka Amarasuriya, Chief Executive Officer of Singer Finance, Thushan Amarasuriya and Kumar Samarasinghe, the former Managing Director of Singer Sri Lanka made it an extraordinary gathering.
Distinguished guests
Speeches were delivered by chief guest, Mahela Jayawardena, Arjuna Ranatunga, Roshan Mahanama, guests of honour — Eran Ranasinghe, the Managing Director of George Steuart Health, Lasantha Amarasinghe, the Chairman of Chance Sports, Sumith Tennakoon, the Secretary of CCC School of Cricket and Nelson Mendis, Director of Coaching himself, added a touch of wisdom to
the festivities.
A heartfelt recognition was extended to players who had gone all the way from representing their schools, Under-19 national team and clubs to donning the national team. Altogether 94 awards were presented at this glorious celebration where it did not stop at players, but acknowledging dedication to long standing committee members, coaches, the unsung heroes behind the scenes, were recognised for their dedicated honorary work were also presented with mementos. Their commitment and passion have been instrumental in shaping the success of the CCC School of Cricket.
A memento being presented to Nelson Mendis by former Nalanda, SSC and Sri Lanka skipper Mahela Jayawardena, watched by Hemaka Amarasuriya (L) and Thilanga Sumathipala (R, both former SLC Presidents
The highlight of the evening was the heartwarming celebration of the 86th birthday of the Chairman of CCC School of Cricket and the legendary living coach, Nelson Mendis, who has nurtured the most significant number of national cricketers; his contribution was celebrated with a memento with gratitude and admiration.
With the entertainment of Dream Star – Anjali Herath and Little Stars, Omeru and Dihain kept the entire audience enthralled and bubbling with happiness. The felicitation ceremony was organised by the Parents Executive Committee led by Harsha Peiris, Chief Executive Officer, and hats-off for the splendid job done.