Galle, Mar 20, 1PM – In a touching tribute to his father’s sporting legacy, Dacshitha Sumathipala, President of the Anuradhapura District Football League, honored former Mahinda College cricketer and Sri Lanka Board XI player Upul Sumathipala. At a special event held at the Mahinda College Main Hall, Dacshitha Sumathipala generously donated 100 footballs to the Old Boys Association of Mahinda College Galle. These footballs will be used for the upcoming Football Academy to be launched by the Cricket Foundation of Mahinda College (CFMC).
Dacshitha Sumathipala’s gesture holds profound significance as it commemorates his father’s remarkable achievements. Upul Sumathipala, a former Mahinda College cricket captain, not only represented his alma mater but also went on to play for Tamil Union and the Sri Lanka Under-19 team. His contributions extended to the Sri Lanka Board President’s XI, where he showcased his talent against Zimbabwe in the 1983-84 season.
Reflecting on the gesture, Dacshitha Sumathipala, an alumnus of Royal College, expressed his deep reverence for his father’s connection to Mahinda College and its football development through CFMC. “As an honor to my father, who was an old boy of Mahinda College and contributed significantly to its cricketing legacy, I made this donation,” he stated.
The Football Academy, initiated by the Cricket Foundation of Mahinda College, symbolizes the institution’s commitment to fostering talent across various sporting disciplines.
The event also saw the participation of esteemed figures like Rtd. Rear Admiral Ivan Kariyawasam, who captained both the cricket and football teams during the iconic Galle annual Big Match “Lovers Quarrel” of 1972. Their presence added to the significance of the handing-over ceremony held during the College AGM, emphasizing the enduring spirit of excellence within the Mahinda College sporting community.
