SLC gifts Rs 1.6m with another Rs 5m to follow
The Sri Lanka Association of Cricket Umpires (SLACU) after 74 very long years, at last found have an office of their own at the P. Sara Stadium Complex. It was ceremonially opened on Sept.22 by the Deputy Speaker of Parliament and Sri Lanka Cricket President Thilanga Sumapathipala, accompanied by SLACU President Buddhika Pathirana, SLACU officials, present SL Captains, Upul Tharanga and Dinesh Chandimal.
In his welcome address the SLACU President emphasised the longstanding dream of the SLACU to have its own office, which has now been fulfilled by the SLC, with its magnanimous donation of Rs 1.6 million, to which the SLACU will be ever grateful. The cheque was handed over by the SLC President to SLACU Treasurer Roshan Dhammika.
The SLC President in his address said the SLC will fulfill SLACU's dream with an additional Rs 5 million to enable the SLACU have its own office complex, for the untiring services rendered by the umpires of today and yesteryears.
Delivering the Vote of Thanks, SLACU Vice President Harsha Peiris said the SLACU is ever grateful and appreciat- ed SLC's gesture to fulfill its dream.
He went on to thank the Past Presidents, Secretaries and officials for the wonderful job done to safeguard the Association for such a long time. He also thanked the Sri Lanka Schools’ Cricket Association (SLSCA), SLC, Mercantile Cricket Association, National Services’ Cricket Association, State Services Cricket Association, all Universities, CCC School of Cricket, for the support extended to SLACU throughout the years.
His vote of thanks also extended to the Thurstan College Principal and its OBA for permitting them to conduct meetings in their pavilion at no cost. Singer Sri Lanka PLC for the continued support and being the main sponsor. Cricket loving officials of Tamil Union Cricket & Athletic Club for giving SLACU shelter at their complex, to all distinguished Invitees and all the Members of the SLACU.
SLC Secretary Mohan De Silva, SLC Chief Executive Officer Ashley De Silva, former Cricketer Nishan Danasinghe, SLSCA President Oshara Panditharatne and SLSCA Secretary Kapila Jayalath also graced this memorable occasion.