Barmy Army invades Sri Lanka

By Leonard Ratnayake

The British Barmy Army has landed in Sri Lanka, formerly known as the colony of Ceylon, with drums beating, songs flowing, and spirits soaring. Once linked to the island through history and politics, the English now return in a very different role: not as rulers, but as one of the world’s most famous cricket supporter groups, bringing colour and cheer to the stands.

The Barmy Army’s invasion of Sri Lanka may be loud, colourful, and fuelled by copious amounts of beer, but its origins were far more modest, and wonderfully accidental. The story begins during the 1994–95 Ashes tour of Australia, when three friends, unknown to the public eye, David Peacock, Paul Burnham, and Gareth Evans, decided to follow England on what turned out to be a disastrous cricketing expedition.

Before long, the Barmy Army became blue-eyed favourites of both Australian media and fans. From those humble beginnings, the Barmy Army has grown enormously in stature and numbers. Today, they tour cricket-playing nations across the globe as a massive, organised group of English supporters, backed by a worldwide fan club. They are now officially authorised to operate with a travel and tour licence, a far cry from the days of three mates with a trumpet.

In Sri Lanka, to back the England cricket team during their preparatory tour ahead of the World Cup in India, the Barmy Army has transformed matches into full-blown sporting spectacles. With nonstop music, chants, flags, and an infectious sense of fun, they have injected fresh energy into the grounds, reminding everyone that cricket, especially under the tropical sun, is as much about joy as it is about competition.

My ground source in Sri Lanka, a former Sri Lanka Cricket Media Manager Brian Thomas once recalled meeting the Barmy Army in Galle around 2010. On that occasion, he even bumped into former England seamer Gladstone Small. It was an experience, he said, worthy of inclusion in his memoirs, should he ever pen his memories of the legendary Cricket Show during Sri Lanka’s golden era.

Their presence has had a noticeable impact on cricket viewership, both at the venues and beyond. The lively atmosphere has drawn curious fans, families, and tourists, turning ordinary warm-up games into must-watch events. Wherever they go, they are the centre of attraction. More importantly, they turn cricket into a true sporting spectacle, showcasing how the game can be pure fun under the sun. Their impact on cricket viewership is undeniable, drawing crowds and creating an environment that appeals even to neutral fans.

Fun-loving and famously beer-drinking, often from pints to gallons, the Barmy Army also brings significant economic benefits. As one Barmy Army member joked between chants, “We just hope the Sri Lanka’s Lion lager doesn’t run out,” neatly summing up the blend of beer, music, and good-natured cheer that follows the group wherever it travels. In Sri Lanka, one might safely assume that Ceylon Brewery’s revenues will soar during their stay.

Beyond the noise and colour, the Barmy Army’s visit carries real economic significance. The influx of travelling supporters has boosted hotel bookings, restaurant sales, transportation services, and local businesses, providing a welcome boost to the cricket and tourism economies. Hotels thrive on high occupancy, local businesses see increased trade, and foreign exchange flows in generously. This comes at a crucial time for Sri Lanka, a nation working hard to recover from the recent cyclone disaster and rebuild livelihoods.

In that sense, the Barmy Army’s invasion is a friendly one, celebrating cricket, spreading goodwill, and offering tangible support to a country eager to get back on its feet. Under the Sri Lankan sun, with bat, ball, song, and cheer, cricket once again proves its power to unite, entertain, and heal.

So, here’s to the Barmy Army; Thank you for the noise, the colour, and the joy you bring to the game. Sri Lanka welcomes you with open arms. Enjoy the Lion Lager, the arrack, the seafood, the spicy cuisine and curries, and above all, the warm, inviting hospitality of the smiling Sri Lankan people.