SSC annex two titles under Saman Jayantha
In May 2022, when Saman Jayantha assumed the role of head coach at the prestigious Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC), there were concerns regarding his ability to integrate. His appointment raised questions about whether he could align with the culture of the elite 125-year-old institution.Despite initial skepticism, Jayantha’s tenure witnessed a remarkable transformation. He guided a group of young players to secure the Major Clubs Limited Overs title, while also sharing the League title with Police, amidst weather interruptions.
Samantha Dodanwela, Chairman of SSC’s Cricket House Committee, acknowledged there were reservations initially but lauded Jayantha’s adaptability and leadership, which culminated in two championships within a single year.
“When he first arrived, we were not entirely pleased. Our team, including some players, expressed discontent due to the cultural differences. However, as time progressed, he adapted well and guided the team to two championships in a single year,” said Dodanwela.
A former Sri Lanka ODI cricketer who previously coached the Army team, Jayantha embraced SSC’s unique requirements, targeting the cultivation of national team prospects while pursuing championships. “I’ve had a long domestic career, played for Sri Lanka and also a banker and this helped me integrate with SSC’s culture,” explained Jayantha.
“SSC’s requirements are distinct, aiming to foster cricketers for the national team while striving for championships. I am delighted to have achieved this,” Jayantha said, after securing a 30-month extension of his role.
“It’s a high point for the club to clinch a double in a special year and, personally, it’s a great achievement to guide this young team to success. I must recognise the support extended by my support staff, without whom none of these would have been possible”.
The Sinhalese Sports Club was started in 1899 by a group of distinguished Ceylonese consisting of lawyers, legislators, businessmen, proprietary planters and civil society leaders of that time, and was established as a cricket club.
Saman Jayantha, coach of SSC, (on right centre) with his boys after emerging Joint Champs at the Major League Tournament
Dodanwela emphasised the club’s commitment to nurturing talent, citing successful transitions of talented school leavers to the national stage. He also praised the recent accomplishments of several players, underlining the club’s focus on building a strong foundation for cricket in the country.
“It’s an exceptional thing for the club as we celebrate the 125th anniversary. For the last seven years, we have not won a championship. This is because we are building cricketers to go on to play for Sri Lanka. As a result, when the tournaments are on, most of the players are away, either with the national team, ‘A’ team or the emerging team. But we were still challenging the other teams and knocking at the door for championships. So this year, the youngsters put their hands up and delivered to us,” he related.
SSC’s investment in young talents has yielded remarkable results, with players like Shevon Daniel representing Sri Lanka at a young age. The club’s commitment to providing good wickets, professional contracts, player match fees, and incentives further demonstrates its dedication to cricket as a profession.
“Players like Nuwanidu Fernando, Nipun Dhananjaya, Sadeesha Rajapaksa, Ranidu Somaratna, Lakshitha Manasinghe, Krishan Sanjula, Kavindu Nandishan and Thamudu Vikram, did extremely well,” Dodanwela pointed out.
“These are young guys who have come into the limelight and they have taken that challenge to do well because we always talk about what SSC requires from them. So, I’m happy that the future will be good because most of these guys are very young. They have another 10 years of cricket behind them and blending with those seniors like Kusal Mendis, Dasun Shanaka, Charith Asalanka, Dimuth Karunaratne and Avishka Fernando, will make them better players. It’s something good for them also. And I think all these guys have fallen in line. Even though Kusal came from another club (CCC), he has fallen in line with the policies of the club. We believe in discipline, that’s something that we always talk about.”
Renowned for its unique achievements, SSC boasts an unparalleled record in Sri Lanka’s domestic club cricket. It stands out for producing the highest number of players for the national cricket team, including national captains—a distinction unmatched by any other club in the country.
SSC’s exceptional reputation is attributed to its commitment to high standards for members and the outstanding facilities provided to aspiring cricketers. Playing for SSC is considered a prestigious pathway to representing the national team, underscoring the club’s esteemed status.
SSC’s investment in these young talents has yielded remarkable results, with players like Shevon Daniel representing Sri Lanka at the age of 19. The club’s commitment to providing good wickets, professional contracts ranging from Rs.200,000 to Rs.800,000 for the season, player match fees, and various incentives reinforces its dedication to cricket as a profession.
Affectionately considered the ‘Lords of Sri Lanka cricket’, SSC will celebrate its 125 years and the double championship marks a historic milestone in SSC’s illustrious journey.