Sri Lanka, as a nation, need this cricket world cup more than ever, said Sports Minister Harin Fernando during the departure ceremony of the national team, held at the board premise on Monday.
The SLC opted for a simple religious ceremony for the team before their departure for the world cup campaign tomorrow morning. As Sri Lanka, as a nation, is still in shock after the deadly serial bomb blasts on Easter Sunday that killed hundreds of innocent people’s, Harin said that a World Cup victory will bring smile back in this crisis period.
“We need this World Cup more than ever. The team is leaving for the World Cup at a time, when the country is going through all these issues. But our team is used to take up challenges. In 1996 too, when we participated in the world cup, our country was in a similar situation. Now there are ISIS terrorists. Then it was LTTE, even then after losing all five matches in a series prior to the mega event, our team lead by Arjuna Ranatunga, won the world cup and created history” he said.
Harin’s further stated that he is confident that the team will prosper amidst all the challenges.
“I am confident that our team will do their best. We as a nation should get united and and shower our blessings to them” he added.
Sri Lanka will leave on May 7 (tomorrow) to England for a one week camp before heading to Scotland to play two ODIs. Sri Lanka’s opening World Cup match is against New Zealand on June 1, 2019.
Sri Lanka’s World Cup fixtures
1 June: Vs New Zealand at Cardiff
4 June: Vs Afghanistan at Cardiff
7 June: Vs Pakistan at Bristol
11 June: Vs Bangladesh at Bristol
15 June: Vs Australia at The Oval
21 June: Vs England at Leeds
28 June: Vs South Africa at Chester-Le-Street
1 July: Vs West Indies at Chester-Le-Street
6 July – India – Leeds
