25th Anniversary of Sri Lanka's 1996 Cricket World Cup Victory

Date: 17 March 2021
Venue: Temple Trees - Colombo

On 17 March 2021, I had the opportunity to attend the official celebration held at Temple Trees to commemorate the 25th anniversary of Sri Lanka's historic victory at the 1996 Cricket World Cup.

The event was held under the patronage of then Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa and was jointly organised by the Prime Minister's Office, the Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs, and Sri Lanka Cricket. Members and officials of the 1996 World Cup-winning team were also honoured during the commemoration.

Sri Lanka had won the World Cup exactly 25 years earlier, on 17 March 1996, defeating Australia by seven wickets at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore under the captaincy of Arjuna Ranatunga. The victory remains one of the defining achievements in Sri Lankan sporting history.

Being present 25 years later at an event commemorating that historic achievement, and having the opportunity to see the World Cup trophy at close range, made this a particularly memorable occasion for me. It was also an opportunity to meet and interact with people associated with Sri Lankan cricket while sharing in the remembrance of a sporting achievement that holds a special place in the country's history.