MCC lends a hand in Sri Lanka

Date released: 17 December 2007

On Boxing Day 2004, Sri Lanka was engulfed by tragedy on a enormous scale. But emerging from the tide is the plight of a coastal village, Seenigama.

Here the "waves of compassion overpower the waves of distruction" says village elder Kushil Gunasekere. MCC have taken Gunasekere's dream to help transform this village, cricket ground and the lives of those who live within it.

Stephenson, Brearley and Bradshaw join the opening procession On Sunday 16th December MCC, represented by President Mike Brearley, Chief Executive Keith Bradshaw and Head of Cricket John Stephenson joined the celebrations at the culmination of a two-year partnership with Gunasekera.

On a day of cricket fun and enjoyment the MCC Centre of Excellence and a new, purpose-built cricket ground and training facility were opened.

Fun in the field

As part of the celebrations the ECB sent England stars Ian Bell and Graeme Swann to help show the local youngsters how it was done.

Swann swings... and misses! In front of a crowd of over 3,000 people the international stars joined a game of Kwik Cricket with enthusiastic local children.

With a big smile and perhaps admiring the new facilities, Swann was cleaned bowled first ball - swinging at a sharp delivery.

Ian Bell fared slightly better than his England team-mate Normal service was soon resumed with Bell stroking the ball around the new outfield - with the local team chasing every ball down with wholehearted effort.

Bradshaw tosses the coin for the start of the match Keith Bradshaw also led an MCC team in a showcase Twenty20 match against a team from the Foundation of Goodness charity - who were also heavily involved in the project.

The day was a great success and a huge cause of pride for MCC. The ground and area is unrecognisable from the events of three years ago and it is hoped it will be enjoyed for many years to come.