The Galle International Stadium is one of the most picturesque cricket grounds in the world as it is overlooked by a historic Dutch fort and stands beside the Indian Ocean on the south coast of Sri Lanka. Richard and Chris took the boys on a sight-seeing trip that involved a visit to the Test ground that was completely rebuilt after the tsumani of December 2004 and was the ground on which Muttiah Muralitharan took his 800th Test wicket to bring down the curtain on an outstanding Test career.
The tour party then looked round the historic fort which was first built by the Portuguese in 1588 and then heavily fortified by the Duch in the 17th century. The fort has had a colourful history which is reflected by the architecture of the buildings inside the fort and its importance has been recognised as it has been made a UNESCO World Heritage Site as it perfectly illustrates the interaction of European architecture and South Asian traditions over four centuries.
With the history lesson over, Rich and the boys soon found a game of cricket to join in on one of the grassy areas within the fort. Chris was busy taking several memorable photographs of the interaction between Thai and Sri Lankan cricketing traditions which has been the centre point of this wonderful trip.
Funding for the boys’ tour to Sri Lanka has been provided by The Willows CC in New Zealand, Chiang Mai International Cricket Sixes and Chiang Mai Lanna Cricket Club and the financial assistance is greatly appreciated.