Murali has been everywhere in Sri Lanka these last two weeks. From giant hoardings and cover stories, he has been the centre of attraction. The legendary off-spinner who retired after the first Test against India at Galle also united the opposition and ruling party. The parliament on Friday decided to pay a joint tribute to the world record holder who bid adieu to the longer version on Thursday.
Meet Thiursiren at the SSC. The old man has not let age deter his enthusiasm. The professional who is in charge of the honours board at the SSC is a busy man as the SLC has decided to update all records after 2006. “I never played cricket all my life but was always interested in the game. I have been working here for nearly 25 years and putting up the names of great players gives me huge satisfaction,” he says.
Harmony on the upswing here. The Hindu Adi Vel festival that was stopped for 16 years has commenced again. The president and first lady received the procession near their residence. The procession in all splendour went through the media hotel. The locals say it’s the most significant show of solidarity between the Tamils and the Sinhalese after the war ended last year.
Nearly a hundred drivers who worked for the LTTE are getting a new lease of life. They are receiving training to be recruited as drivers for the Northern Transport Board. There is life even if you were a rebel.
Family members and friends from the Indian High Commission were in full attendance at the SSC on Sunday. It was a pleasant sight to see kids showing keen interest in Test cricket. Rahul Dravid and Indian skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni did not disappoint the young fans as they patiently posed for photographs on Sunday.
An extended net session for master-blaster Sachin Tendulkar deprived the fans of a chance meeting with their hero.