Legendary Mahela Jayawardene was Tuesday Appointed as the Cricket house Committee Chairman Of the prestigious Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC), Cricket Age reliably learns.
The decision was taken anonymously during the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the club yesterday.
“Unlike other clubs in Sri Lanka, SSC doesn’t choose the Cricket committee chairman through election. The club has the unique tradition to elect the chairman anonymously” a SSC official told Cricket Age.
More importantly, Mahela, one of the greatest batsman and captain of his time, will be automatically become the SSC ExCo member as well. This brings a rare occasion for Sri Lanka cricket, as two all time great captains of the Island – Mahela and Arjuna Ranatunga (He is already in the SSC ExCo) – will come together after their playing days.
Mahela has replaced Samantha Dodenwela as the SSC cricket house committee. Dodenwela, a stalwart of Sri Lanka cricket, had announced last year itself that he would step down. He will, however, continue to serve as ExCo member as immediate past chairman.
“When Mahela’s name was proposed by the senior cricketers, we spoke to him and he instantly agreed. It’s good for the club that a legend like Mahela will be heading the cricket committee” Dodenwela told Cricket Age.
Dodenwela has the unique record to serve SSC as ExCo member for 10 years.
“I served SSC as a player since I left school in 1991 and represented at premier/1st class and was in the National pool of 18 in 1996. After retiring from cricket in 1998, I was invited to serve in the cricket committee in 1999 and have served as a member, Secratary and Chairman up to date. No one has served right throughout for SSC. I also served in the EXCO of SSC for 10 years” a proud Dodenwela recalled his long association with the Iconic Club.
Sinhalese Sports Club
Sinhalese Sports Club is the most successful club in Sri Lankan domestic cricket, having won the Premier Trophy a record 31 times to 2013.
Mahela Jayawardene
One of the most accomplished batsman and shrewd captain of the 21st century, Mahela, after his retirement, has taken up to coaching. One of the best cricket brain, mahela is currently the head coach of the Indian Premier League (IPL) richest franchise Mumbai Indians.
