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'Sri Lanka is a very special place to me' - Warne
By Marlon Fernandopulle
It was not a test match or a one day international.However there were plenty of doosras,flippers,googlies and wrong ones bowled at each other as the world’s greatest spin bowlers Shane Warne and Muttiah Muralitharan joined hands to raise funds at the'500 club charity dinner' in aid of children effected by the tsunami.

The occasion itself was unique as the only two spinners in the world to have gone pass 500 wickets came together to pledge their support. The venue which was the Waters Edge Country club was great as it overlooked a sprawling and beautiful golf course.But the moment that captured the hearts and minds of the four hundred odd guests was the presence of former Sri Lanka Captain Arjuna Ranatunge to welcome Australian Shane Warne.

Sri Lanka’s world cup winning captain Arjuna Ranatunge was known to have an ongoing battle with Warne on and off the field.It continued even after Ranatunge hung his boots.

However Ranatunge who is now the deputy Minister of Tourism was in attendance as he welcomed Shane Warne and embraced him with both hands on arrival. Warne responded with a broad smile, customary of the Australian and then exchanged pleasantries.Ranatunge then along with Muralitharan, and former Sri Lanka Vice Captain Aravinda de Silva accompanied Warne to the head table.

Shane Warne who visited the Galle Cricket Stadium and the village of Murali's manager Kushil Gunasekera(Seenigama) during his three day visit was deeply moved and touched by what he witnessed."We saw pictures on television and the newspapers back in Australia but never realized the actual devastation.

The stories I heard in Kushils village was terrible. But what was amazing is that children who had lost their brothers,sisters or parents were still smiling when we gave them chocolates,crayons and books.That is really heartening".

Warne praised Murali’s efforts and all his deeds relating to the tsunami."I think Murali is doing a great job of work with his founadation with the Cricket Board and with his fellow team mates".He further stated in lighter vein that today if its Sri Lanka it's Murali-that smile,that face and those eyes! "There has been a lot of talk in the media about Murali and me and that we are after each other going for the world record and having a lot of rivalry between us.I don't think there is too much rivalry. We get on very well. Answering a question about Murali’s action Warne responded saying” I dont think he chucks, it’s the way he bowls”.

"Sri Lanka to me has a very special place. Out of the 120 tests I have played, the test match in Colombo in 1992 stands out as the best. It was Alan Border’s first win in the sub-continent and I took 3 for 11 in the second innings to contribute towards that win. Then last year in Galle it was my comeback test.I had 10 wickets, my 500th wicket and an Australia victory". Arjuna Ranatunge who addressed Shane Warne as his 'good friend'after Warne addressed him as 'Sir'said he was extremely thankful to Shane for coming to the island and helping out.He hoped that the Australian will send more tourists once he gets back. Ranatunge who is currently writing his autobiography revealed that over 50% is about the Australian leg spinner and hence wishes not to talk too much about him today.However he had one last request for Warne and said,"Shane, please allow Murali to pass you,I am waiting for that day.As for Muralitharan he urged the Lankan to continue the fight with Warne.

Cricket bats and balls autographed by the two bowlers were auctioned to raise funds for tsunami children during the evening.Ticket sales and auctions helped raise over Rupees four million thus completing a successful fund raiser for a truly worthy cause.

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