60 Australia-based alumni fly in special flight for 96th Ananda and Nalanda clash

Thursday, 26 February 2026 04:25 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Text and pic by T.K.G. Kapila

A group of 60 alumni residing in Australia arrived at Katunayake Airport late on Tuesday (24) on a special SriLankan Airlines flight to witness the 96th “Suluhitha Sangrama” big match between Ananda and Nalanda Colleges in Colombo.

The alumni, many of whom are visiting Sri Lanka for the first time in years specifically to attend the historic encounter, were accompanied by members of their families. They landed at 10.45 p.m. on SriLankan Airlines flight UL-607 from Sydney.

For the first time, SriLankan Airlines has extended special concessional airfares to facilitate the group’s travel, enabling the overseas old boys to participate in the annual cricketing spectacle.

The 96th edition of the Ananda–Nalanda “Suluhitha Sangrama” will be played at the newly renovated Sinhalese Sports Club Ground (SSC) in Colombo. The three-day traditional encounter is scheduled from 27 February to 1 March.

In a first for the historic rivalry at this venue, the limited-overs 50-over match will be played as a day-night fixture on 7 March at the SSC Ground, adding a new dimension to one of Sri Lanka’s most celebrated school cricket contests.