Thilanga launches book; ‘Wave Maker’

Former President of Sri Lanka Cricket and Asian Cricket Council Thilanga Sumathipala launched a book last week in Colombo. Titled, ‘Wave Maker’ the book deals on inner dynamics of Sri Lanka’s Cricket Legacy.

Thilanga in 1998 became the youngest SLC President ever at the age of 33. He oversaw some testing periods for cricket in the country that included the chucking controversy in Australia.

Under Thilanga’s dynamic leadership, SLC were able to clear Murali after scientific research done in the University of Western Australia in Perth.

During his tenure, the board’s finances hit record profits. This was following a three-year television deal signed with World Sports Group making SLC richer by many folds.

Thilanga was also instrumental in turning Galle Cricket Stadium into an international venue. Every cricket team touring Sri Lanka has one request; to play a Test match in Galle. England and Australia during their most recent visit to the island wanted to play both Test matches at the iconic venue.

Recently, Galle was rated as the most favourite cricket ground in the world ahead of Lord’s in England, Newlands in South Africa and SCG in Australia.

Thilanga was also responsible in taking cricket to every nook and corner in the country by providing practice facilities to rural areas. The provincial and district tournaments at school levels was his brainchild and ushered in exciting cricket talents from all across the country be it Vijaykanth Viyaskanth from Jaffna or Dilshan Madushanka from Hungama. Provincial and District Coaches were able to identify unique talents and direct them to the High Performance Center.

Building an international cricket stadium in Dambulla was his idea and he executed this plan in a record time. The venue has served SLC well as it is situated in one of the driest areas in the country with a low rainfall.

The book has been authored by reputed cricket writer Daminda Wijesuriya, Sports Editor of Lankadeepa.