Quintus de Zylva ( Chairman Sri Lanka Cricket Foundation Of Victoria )
Official coverage – Johann Jayasinha (SNNI) Melbourne

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The Sri Lanka Cricket Foundation of Victoria hosted the Sri Lanka Cricketers to a gala evening of great entertainment , good food and fellowship at THE GRAND on CATHIES LANE on Saturday 23rd February. A capacity crowd mingled with their idols and had all manner of items signed for future generations to admire.

Dr. Quintus de Zylva welcomed the audience and Arjuna Rantunga responded with some well chosen words that reflected on the support base that Melbourne has always provided through the Sri Lanka Cricket Foundation of Victoria. Arjuna spoke of the good and bad times that Sri Lanka cricket has been through and the confidence he has always had in the Melbourne crowds who often outnumber the Aussies in their flag waving enthusiasm at the MCG. Last Friday’s loss to Australia when rain caused the Sri Lankan team to be cheated by the Duckworth-Lewis count back was no exception.

A limited edition print of the Mahela – Kumar partnership kindly donated by Harry Solomons and large life-size action shots of the Sri Lankan cricketers were snapped up at an auction on the night.
The raffle also generated good support. These photographs were kindly supplied by Johann Jayasinha of (SNNI). A large print of Sir Donald Bradman in action personally signed by him fetched $1,500. It was donated by Tom Thompson of Ettimprint in Sydney.

The didgeridoo player lead the Sri Lankan team in to the gaily decorated hall followed by drummers and dancers that set the tone for a musical extravaganza complimented by a twenty three ensemble orchestra and solo performances by Eddie James and Sandra and Esrik that had toe tapping gyrations on a packed dance floor. Alston Koch was in charge of the musical arrangements for the evening and his “MURALI SONG” won wide acclaim.
Shanaka as usual turned out a mouth watering smorgasbord that complemented the décor and lighting. David and Cathy Cruse and their children played a vital role in a successful action-packed evening.

Courtesy - SNNI