‘Ex-Giants’ (they still are) of the Plantation Industry – Manthi Delwita, Edward Welikala, Nimal Amarasekera, Upali Wijeyesekera, Ronnie Gunaratne and Bede Johnpillai are the movers.

The association has continued the bond that existed amongst the planters of yesteryear and decided to fill the present gap in the Test cricket scene!

The P. Sara Stadium (Oval), probably the best turf wicket in town was selected over the prestigious locations for the 25 over battle.

Even the Ladies’ (over 40-age or waist) will be on show for a softball match. Very senior ex. George Steuarts Planter – Cubby Wijetunga is a major sponsor of the ‘spiritual’ aspect.

The date is Sunday, March 1.

Both teams consist of top class schoolboy cricketers, those who would have been potential Test players if not for them selecting the planting profession, where they had to be out of Colombo. Ironically, both sides are captained by Ratwattes!

They are all over the place and this family bandyism must end, said a non-Ratwatte. But on the other hand, the JEDB cannot find a better skipper than (evergreen) Jayantissa Ratwatte from the "best school of all" who captained, was awarded the ‘Lion’.

His deputy is Ronnie Gunaratne, the Peterite, born with balls in both hands. They have stylish Dhayan Madawala, Tony Gunawardena who sure can hit, the hard hitting, boundary seeking G. D. V. Perera whose nickname says it all (Donga); the super fit Srilal Samarasekera; once upon a time the school’s fastest bowler (that’s what he thinks!), Lalith Obeysekera, back hand and forehand Brian Pereira, Tony Perera and Ana de Silva who are fighting for the tallest player in the side. Also, there is Brian Munaweera and Gehan Perera who are better players with the oval shaped ball.

SLSPC is led by the mercurial Naresh Ratwatte who has arranged practices at the James Finlay boardroom.

His deputy is left hander Dyan Caldera. Among the others in the team are Schools ‘Big Match’ winner Dr. Rohan Fernando (not many planters ended up as doctors); fresh from a Russian tea company and Josephian pacey Viji Johnpillai, Sunil Jayakody who has a ’ and a ‘hole in one’ at the Nuwara Eliya Golf course, Ken Murray, the last of the ‘Merry men of Uva’, Yasa Ratnayake who doesn’t leave the crease when the umpire gives out, Abey Dias, finding the time to get away from rubber, M. Odayar who shoots first and then looks around (fortunately, the Oval ground does not have wild boar), cool guy Brian Koelmayer from the kool climes, Tuan Dole, more of Maldives fame and dozens of others who cannot be named due to space limits.

With so much ball talk, the chief ball bearer behind the whole event is Upali Wijeyesekera, the only selector of both sides as he worked for both organizations. Apparently, Upali is the only planter who holds a MBA (Glasgow), as he is a Member of the Buddhist Association of the Glasgow Estate Temple at Agrapatana.

Just a glance at these names depicts the stuff of what the Plantation Industry owes these gentlemen.

Men who know how to win and how to lose. There are scores of others, but I am writing in the context of this cricket match.

Since Tony Grieg and Ritchy Benaud can’t make it for ball by ball commentary due to previous commitments, planter turned radio announcer Steve Morrell will do the honours. All Ex. and working planters, their kith and kin and well wishers are welcome and are requested to contact Nimal A. (0777-718589); Upali W. (0777-869789); Ronnie G. (077-2418812) or Bede J. (071-4101313) for juicy details.