Royal-Thomian in Hambantota

The decision by the joint Organising Committee to continue playing the Royal-Thomian Cricket match 2021 on May 6,7,8 in Hambantota would baffle the old boys, parents and students of both schools.

It is understandable that the Committee had to take this decision initially to abide by instructions from relevant authorities in view of the severity of the Corona in Colombo District at that time.

However with the easing of the situation in Colombo and approval being given for the Ananda- Nalanda, Joe

Pete to be played at the

SSC next month and other big school matches as well, without spectators and observing required health protocols, the joint Committee should have shifted the Royal-Thomian match to either SSC or Kettarama. Since no spectators were permitted from the start, there was no question of pre-printed match tickets going waste.

The Royal-Thomian cricket match is the main sporting event to generate revenue for the two schools to meet their expenses to continue with their yearly school commitments. With other revenue generating sporting events such as rugby not being played last year, both schools are desperate for funds to continue with their activities for the benefit of their students.

The cost of ground hire, transport/security for TV equipment/coverage, accommodation/ transport/ meals for cricketers ( plus cost of 14- day quarantine prior to the game), match officials, commentators TV crew etc by staging the match in Hambantota would be much higher than in Colombo. With limited sponsors this time, the two schools are deprived of the budgeted/ required revenue from this match. Hence every extra rupee would have been very welcome by the Principal and Warden. On a rough estimate, the two schools could have each earned a minimum additional Rs. 10mn if the match was played in Colombo.

This was proposed personally by me to the present Committee as a past Royal cricketer and Organising Committee member, months ago no sooner it was announced that the Ananda- Nalanda and Joe- Pete was being played in Colombo, but they have not seen the positives and have stuck to their guns for reasons best known to themselves.

It's still not too late, as the benefits to the two schools which even the main sponsors will accept, outweigh any inconvenience.

Floreat. Thank you. Jayantha Kudahetty, Nugegoda.