Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has launched a nationwide initiative to boost grassroots cricket, distributing over 10,000 pieces of cricket equipment to schools, clubs, and district and provincial squads under its National Pathway Program.
The simultaneous island-wide distribution began at 10:00 a.m. across all districts, with the main event held at the Duncan White Auditorium of the Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs. The program was conducted in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Schools Cricket Association and District and Provincial Cricket Associations.
Government and SLC leadership present at the launch
Hon. Sunil Kumara Gamage, Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs, served as Chief Guest on the invitation of Mr. Shammi Silva, Honorary President of SLC. Other dignitaries in attendance included:
Mr. Aruna Bandara – Secretary, Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs
Dr. Jayantha Dharmadasa – Honorary Vice President, SLC
Mr. Bandula Dissanayake – Honorary Secretary, SLC
Mr. Sujeeva Godaliyadda – Honorary Treasurer, SLC
Mr. Ashley De Silva – CEO, SLC
Mr. Susantha Mendis – Vice President, Sri Lanka Schools Cricket Association
Breakdown of equipment distributed
The following items were provided to support the ongoing development of players and coaches:
Cricket Shoes: 9,995 pairs distributed, including:
6,138 pairs to U19 school cricketers
3,250 pairs to district players
607 pairs to provincial players
Cricket Training Equipment Bags: 97 bags distributed to district and provincial coaches
Ball Throwing Arms: 970 cricket-playing schools received ball-throwing arms to enhance training
Cricket Balls: 2,760 balls provided to district squads and clubs under District Cricket Associations
Driving grassroots growth through the National Pathway Program
In attendance were school principals, school cricket captains, masters-in-charge, and district and provincial coaches, underlining the importance of the initiative in building a broad-based talent pipeline.
As the governing body of the sport, Sri Lanka Cricket continues to prioritize player development through its National Pathway Program, ensuring that aspiring cricketers across the island have access to world-class infrastructure and opportunities to progress to national representation.
