From Glory to Reflection: Why Sri Lankan Cricket Must Return to Its Roots
View(s):As I sat down the other evening, I found myself once again watching that unforgettable cricket match in Sydney back in 2006—nineteen years ago—when Sri Lanka faced Australia and the great Sanath Jayasuriya lit up the ground with a blistering 114 off just 96 balls, sending four soaring sixes and ten exquisite boundaries across the field. Tony Greig considered this a “magnificent performance from a wonderful cricketer.” We had such an era in cricket in Sri Lanka in those days. Now, as Sri Lankans, we do not have any “live” cricket, as we need to browse the web and recall the history.
This is the best time for all cricket-loving people to have reflections. In the 1950s and 1960s, we mostly listened to a cricket match on the radio about the talents of players like Sathasivam, Michael Tissera , Stanley Jayasinghe , Bertie Wijesinha and in the 1970s and 1980s, we were fortunate to see the quality of players like Roy Dias, AnuraTennekoon ,Bandula Warnapura,Lalith Kaluperuma, Sidath Wettimuny, Mahesh Gunathilake, Dullip Mendis, Ranjan Madugalle etc.
With Sri Lanka’s remarkable World Cup victory in 1996, we witnessed an era defined by exceptional performance and unity — the golden age of legends such as Jayasuriya, Muralitharan, Aravinda, Arjuna, Kaluwitharana, Mahanama,Vaas, Hashan, Dharmasena ,Gurusinghe and Marvan. More importantly, during that time, representing the nation on the cricket field was regarded as a truly sacred duty. The sacrifice made by administrators for Sri Lankan cricket, such as Gamini Dissanayake, Ana Punchihewa and many more, cannot be ignored and should be well respected.
Sri Lankan cricket today appears to be drifting away from the vibrant spirit and deep sense of devotion that once defined it. The passion, pride, and unity that inspired an entire nation during its golden era seem to have faded, replaced by a more individualistic and commercial outlook. The game that once embodied national pride and collective purpose is now struggling to recapture the same heartbeat and spirit that made it so special. Now we can see some postmortems, or retrospective analyses (analyses carried out shortly after the conclusion of an event, especially an unsuccessful one), on the defeat. It is good. But in management, we are talking about “paralysis by analysis.” So we have to be concerned about that as well. If you play for the country, you should consider playing for the nation as sacred. Sri Lanka is an island where we have many success stories manifested by our belief in religion, history, and the spirit of teamwork.
There is a need to respect tradition, and those who love and play cricket should start to “read” about legends like Murali, Jayasuriya , How our past cricketers played cricket with commitment and dedication . Moreover, it is vital for every player to understand the rich heritage of our nation — from the architectural marvel of Sigiriya to the ancient capitals of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa, each reflecting the vision, strength, and wisdom of our past leaders. A true cricketer representing Sri Lanka must carry that same pride and responsibility — proving their dedication not only on the field but also through their conduct and character off it. Then only the people of the country will respect you.
Sri Lanka is really fortunate to have most of the players and professionals mentioned earlier with a great interest in Sri Lankan cricket. I believe Sri Lankan cricket should be concerned about ADT factors (Attitude, Discipline and Talent).In the past Sri Lankan school cricket, we have nurtured players with all ADT factors. But today, we often see only “superstars” emerging — players focused on short-term glory rather than long-term commitment, losing sight of the deeper sense of purpose that once made playing for the nation a sacred honour. In this context, it is essential to recognise professionals such as Palitha Perera, whose immense experience, deep understanding of the game, and mastery of the practical nuances of the “art of cricket” have greatly enriched the sport. His remarkable contributions extend far beyond the commentary box — encompassing leadership, mentorship, and administrative excellence. The legacy of individuals like him should be remembered, celebrated, and passed on to the younger generation as a source of inspiration and guidance. These are the timeless values our youth must embrace if they are to keep the spirit of the game and the pride of the nation alive.
In a nation that breathes cricket, it’s easy to relive the glory of 1996, but true progress lies in learning from it. The greatness of that generation came from discipline, teamwork, and an unshakable love for the game. To rise again, Sri Lanka must blend those timeless values with modern best practices, resilience, and purpose. Cricket must once more be treated as a sacred duty, with every player stepping onto the field not just to compete, but to carry the pride, passion, and soul of an entire nation.
Professor Nalin Abeysekera
(The writer is a Professor in Management Studies, Open University of Sri Lanka and you can reach Professor Abeysekera at nabey@ou.ac.lk)
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