The Sri Lanka Cricket Team might have lost to the all conquering Aussie super stars but there is a lot we can all take comfort and pride in. Sri Lanka played the final in the true spirit of a gentleman's game and were honourable losers to a better side on the day.

Lasith Malinga's bowling was a treat to watch and his accuracy pin point in his opening spell. Sanath Jayasuriya and Kumar Sangakkara's batting steadied the ship and had Ponting worried for many an over. Kumar's signal to the umpire that the catch had not been taken cleanly displayed a high standard of sportsmanship.

Mahela Jayawardene conceding victory to the Aussies and agreeing to play on in almost pitch darkness was again sportsmanship of a high calibre.

Sri Lanka has always played cricket in the best spirit of the game. Offensive sledging has never been a part of our cricket and the authorities that have guided Sri Lanka can be proud of that.

Adam Gilchrist had to come good on the law of averages and unfortunately for Sri Lanka he played the innings of his life on that final day. Sanath was just as entertaining and unfortunate that he was trying to beat the Duckworth-Lewis calculation when a snorter of a ball stayed so low and shattered his castle.

Tom Moodie and the support staff have done a magificient job with the talented Sri Lankan side. Their future is indeed bright and perhaps the tables can be turned when Sri Lanka visit Australia later this year.

Jayantha Dharmadasa and the Interim Committee have shown all Sri Lankans that

an Interim Committee can do a good job of work when the right men are entrusted with the responsibility of looking after the cricketers and the coffers.

Mahela's calmness and cricketing brain showed us that he well deserved his “Captain of the Year” award. Sanath, Vaas and Murali have proven to us that age does not matter and that experience is worth more than the eye can see.

Well done Sri Lanka – you did us proud and your tag as the under-dog did not detract from the pleasure you gave sportsmen around the world.

Baron Pierre de Coubertin (1908) at the Olympic Games said this “The important thing in life is not the victory but the contest: the essential thing is not to have won but to have fought well”.