Cricket in Jaffna Peninsula Reborn

http://www.nationalsecurity.lk/fullnews.php?id=26749

Cricket in Jaffna Peninsula Reborn
14 Sep 2010 - 12:38
In order to foster better relations in the field of cricket and also popularize it among Jaffna District civil cricketers, a T-20 tournament was recently organized for the first time in the Jaffna peninsula by the Security Forces, Jaffna in cooperation with the Jaffna District Cricket Association.
The final match, held at the Jaffna Central College on Friday (10) was attended by a massive gathering of cricket fans and sport lovers.
Former Sri Lankan Captain Mr Sanath Jayasuriya, (MP) graced the occasion as the Guest of Honour. Senior Officers of all three services serving the Security Forces Headquarters – Jaffna witnessed the event.
22 teams including Tri Service teams and the Jaffna District Spots Clubs took part in this tournament after initial encounters began in July this year. Security Forces Headquarters Team, Air Force Team, Navy Team with the Jaffna Cricket Team, the ‘Joniens’ managed to enter the semi-finals after their matches were played at Jaffna Central College, Jaffna Hindu College, Kokuvil Hindu College, St Patrick College and Jaffna University grounds.
Security Forces Headquarters – Jaffna Team secured the third place whilst the ‘Joniens’ Sports club emerged the first runner-up after being defeated by Air Force Team who finally clinched ‘CIMIC T-20 Challenge Trophy’ and turned victorious.
The prime aim of organizing this tournament was to introduce hardball cricket to Jaffna youngsters who had been deprived the chances of contributing to sport activities, nearly for three decades due to LTTE terrorism in the north. It was also meant to further promote civil relations that have been given a fillip by Major General Mahinda Hathurusinghe, Commander, Security Forces-Jaffna by re-inculcating trust and cordial relations between the Security Forces and the Jaffna community.
Organizers expect to encourage Jaffna sports-loving youth and produce at least one cricketer to the Sri Lankan Cricket Team from Jaffna.
Brigadier General Staff SF-J, Brigadier B C J A F Rodrigo graced the final tournament as the Chief Guest.
The winners received their awards from the Chief Guest. Mr Sanath Jayasuriya (MP), Guest of Honour and the Senior Manager (Supply) of Airtel Lanka Mr Lal Jayathilaka also joined awarding trophies, certificates and awards to the winners and participating teams.