Saturday Nov 29, 2025
Saturday Nov 29, 2025
Friday, 31 October 2025 00:02 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
Fireside chat between Angelo Mathews (centre), Mahela Jayawardene (left) and Dinesh Chandimal
The Colombo Colts Cricket Club hosted a grand felicitation ceremony on Saturday at the Monarch Imperial, Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte, to honour one of its most illustrious members and a proud ambassador of Sri Lankan cricket Angelo Mathews.
Organised as part of the club’s annual Get-Together and Dinner Dance, the evening celebrated Mathews’ extraordinary contribution to Sri Lanka cricket and his long-standing loyalty to the Colombo Colts Cricket Club — the only club he has represented throughout his professional career.
The event was graced by a distinguished gathering of Sri Lanka’s cricketing legends including Arjuna Ranatunga, Aravinda de Silva, Mahela Jayawardene, Chaminda Vaas, Hemantha Devapriya, Dinesh Chandimal, Dhammika Prasad and Sadeera Samarawickrama, alongside sponsors, club members, and well-wishers.
Mathews attended the event with his wife Heshani and his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Mathews.
In his welcome address, Nishantha Ranatunga, President of the Colombo Colts CC paid a heartfelt tribute to Mathews, describing him as “a true son of Colts, a great ambassador of Sri Lankan cricket, and above all, a remarkable human being.” He reflected on Mathews’ journey from his school days at St. Joseph’s College – where he captained the side and earned the prestigious Josephian Blue – to his meteoric rise in international cricket. The president highlighted Mathews’ leadership across all formats of the game, his memorable victories as captain, and his enduring loyalty and humility.
The evening featured several special moments, including a tribute video celebrating Mathews’ cricketing journey, and an engaging fireside chat between Mathews, Mahela Jayawardene, and Dinesh Chandimal.
Bandula Dissanayake, Secretary of Sri Lanka Cricket, and Eastman Narangoda, Patron of the Colombo Colts CC, presented special mementos to Mathews in recognition of his achievements and service to the game.
The Club also took the opportunity to honour its outstanding sportsmen and women for the 2024-25 season, recognising excellence across multiple disciplines. The ceremony was compered by Roshan Abeysinghe, who’s engaging presentation added warmth and character to the evening.
In his speech, Mathews expressed heartfelt gratitude to the club, its members, and his teammates, reaffirming that the Colombo Colts CC remains his home and foundation. The night concluded with dinner, entertainment, and camaraderie, celebrating not only a great cricketer but also the enduring spirit, unity, and tradition of the Colombo Colts CC. (ST)
