Chandi’s remarkable gesture

by Rex Clementine

Sri Lanka cricketer Dinesh Chandimal in a remarkable gesture has donated an indoor cricket facility to his Alma Mater – Dharmasoka College, Ambalangoda. Although Chandimal made a name for himself when he piled up runs for Ananada College, Colombo, it was at Ambalangoda that he learned the basics of the game. He was offered a scholarship by Ananda when he finished playing for Dharmasoka under-17 side.

Chandimal had donated Rs. 20 million for the project which will be not only used for the benefit of the kids of Dharmasoka but children from other schools of the vicinity as well. Ambalangoda is one of the key cricketing centers of Sri Lanka outside Colombo.

Chandimal had requested to name the facility ‘Ranjith Pandithage Indoor Cricket Stadium’. It was SSC stalwart Pandithage who took care of Chandimal when he arrived in Colombo to pursue his cricketing ambitions.

“When I met Mr. Ranjith Pandithage for the first time, he told me when I am old and feeble, I would be glad to hear about Dinesh Chandimal the human being than the cricketer. He gave me my first house, my first car and my first job. I’m always indebted to Mr. Pandithage. I am glad to have opened this facility on his birthday,” Chandimal, who is a Major in Sri Lanka Army said addressing the gathering.

“When I came into Asoka Kumar sir’s cricket academy in 2002, I had to pay Rs. 200 to buy balls and book the ground. For my parents paying that Rs. 200 was a big challenge. Today for me to be able to present a cricket facility that was built at a cost of Rs. 20 million means a lot. It’s a gesture to say thank you to the school where I learned my game,” Chandimal added.

With the blessings of the Commander of Sri Lanka Army labour was provided by the soldiers while planning and guidance for the project was given by Retired Major General Bimal Vidanage.