Speech by Mr. Palitha Wijesena, President of Sri Lanka cricket NSW

Ladies and Gentlemen,

On behalf of Sri Lanka cricket NSW, it is my pleasure to welcome you all to this function.

Cricket in Sri Lanka has come a long way in what has traditionally been very much a men's game. But in the women's game we are still in its infancy.

If we had our men's team here today this place would be busting at the  seams with each one wanting to get a piece of the action with our cricketing super stars.

But we do not have a Murali or a Mahela or a Sangakkarra today. Instead we have an unknown group of ladies who have represented Sri Lanka in the women's world cup. They have reached this point against all the odds and in spite of the lack of facilities that sports men and women take for granted in country like Australia .

All of you who are present here today are the true believers. You have come here to lend your support and to express your appreciation of this team. You have shown beyond any doubt that your intention is not a grab for some glory but rather a genuine support of Sri Lankan cricket.

Some of us who took time off our busy personal schedules to watch the girls play were pleasantly surprised to witness the standard of the women's cricket in Sri Lanka .

Personally, I was amazed at the skills, enthusiasm and the effort displayed by the ladies. One player in particular that caught my eye was the little wicket keeper who reminded me of Kaluwitahran in his early days. In the match against India she took a brilliant catch standing up to an intimidating fast bowler.

She was also active and noisy too through the whole of the 50 overs ensuring the rest of the team did not loose focus.

Believe me, there is an abundance of talent in this team and it can and will succeed given the right support.

We have several organizations in Sydney representing various interest groups and schools especially the ladies schools in Sri Lanka . they will pack the halls with their dances to raise money for their own needs. But it would appear they are not that forthcoming in their support for others.

It therefore disappoints me to see only the Sri Lanka Association , the St. Bridget's old girls association and Feel For Life present here today.

We thank you and your committees and Ashra and her school mates and applaud you for your support for what is indeed a worthy cause. You can be proud of yourselves. You are the true believers.

We in Sri Lanka cricket NSW now have a new focus and a new challenge. This is to participate in whatever small way we can to ensure that women's cricket in Sri Lanka reach the same dizzy heights achieved by their male counterparts.

I have no doubt that all of you will lend us your support whenever possible. We need you all.

My special thanks to our committee members Prasana, Siva and Ajit who went that extra yard to ensure the girls enjoyed their short stay in Sydney . (Siva gey bath kari labunay nattahn nungilata eka match ekka wath gahana pana nahaya nayde).

A special thank you to Mrs. Sandra Healey the official coordinator for our team. I am informed that you have done a superlative job of looking after the team in a warm and friendly manner.

You are now an honorary Sri Lankan and we expect you to support Sri Lanka when they next play Australia in Australia even though you carry a name synonymous with Australian cricket.

I would now request the team manager Iranganee Ariyartane to introduce each team member individually to the audience.

Finally it is our intention to present all the proceeds from today's function to the members of the cricket team as a token of our appreciation.

So please dig deep into your pockets and contribute in any way you can

Click here to view an album of photos from the event provided by the Organisers