Sri Lanka’s colour and culture captivate cricketers

The North Harbour–Auckland (NHA) Ladies XI Cricket Team

We arrived at the Colombo International Airport around midnight, bleary-eyed from the long flight but excited about the adventure ahead. At the airport, we were met by our tour organiser Mr Amita Weerakoon — a Sri Lankan born New Zealander and the director of the Takapuna District Cricket Club — who took us to our hotel in the town of Negombo, a 25-minute bus ride from the airport.

The next morning, we woke to the sound of waves from the vast Indian-ocean rolling onto Negobo’s beautiful golden-sand beach. On the beach, locals were launching their fishing boats to start their working day.

After breakfast, we headed to the Free Trade Zone ground in Katunayake for our first game of cricket against a very strong Sri Lankan Development team.

The cricket ground was one of the best and the biggest our players have played on. Once the game started, we quickly realised that our opponents were of international class. Playing against such a calibre of talent was challenging, and we were well beaten, but it was a very good learning experience and a great opportunity to test ourselves against top-quality opponents.

Visiting Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage was a highlight of the tour for many of the players

On day three, we travelled to the city of Kandy, visiting the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage enroute. The Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is an orphanage, nursery and captive breeding ground for wild Asian elephants located at Pinnawala village. Pinnawala is notable for having the largest herd of captive elephants in the world.

Luna Burns, who plays for Selwyn College’s 1st XI, said, “Visiting the elephants at the elephant orphanage, walking with them down to the water and being allowed to hug, pat and splash them with water was probably my highlight of the tour”. It was a sentiment shared by many of the players.

On day four, the team played against a strong Kandy District Ladies XI in a T20 game at the St Anthoney’s College ground in Katugastotte. Ww played a very strong game, despite losing to the strong local team that included some current Sri Lankan U19 players.

NHA celebrate the taking of a Kandy District 1X batswoman

In the evening, we visited the sacred Temple of the Tooth, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Sri Dalada Maligawa commonly known in English as the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, is a Buddhist temple in Kandy that houses the relic of the tooth of the Buddha.  Since ancient times, the relic has played an important role in local politics because it is believed that whoever holds the relic holds the governance of the country.  

On day five, the team headed to Colombo. Enroute, we visited the Geragama Tea Factory and witness the process of manufacturing world famous Ceylon Tea. Sri Lanka is one of the world's largest tea producers, known for its high-quality Ceylon tea, which significantly contributes to the country's economy and exports. It was interesting to get to see this side of things.

Meeting New Zealand High Commissioner Mr David Pine (left) and former Sri Lankan Cricketer Rumesh Rathnayake

At our first game in Colombo, we came up against the Sri Lankan Women’s A team and were privileged to have the New Zealand High Commissioner His Excellency Mr David Pine as the chief guest.  We were also honoured to be visited by the legendary Sri Lankan Cricketer Rumesh Rathnayake, who handed out the after-match awards to the players.

As the tour pushed forward, two local players, Yenuli and Poornima, joined our team to help us make up the numbers. During our playing day in Kandy, we grew close to these wonderful girls, and even though they were shy, we started to really understand the Sri Lankan hospitality and kindness.

After the two games, we were sad to part ways but grateful for the time we spent with them. However,  the next day at the ground in Colombo, we were delighted to see Yenuli and Poornima again, the pair joining us on the squad for four more games! 

The team visiting a sea turtle sanctuary in Kosgoda

Next we travelled to the Coastal town of Galle. Enroute to Galle, the group visited a Sea Turtle Hatchery in Kosgoda, where we got to see where the turtles are raised and even handle some of them.

That afternoon, after checking in at the hotel, we visited the Dutch Fort and another UNESCO World Heritage Site. Founded in the 16th century by the Portuguese, Galle reached the height of its development in the 18th century, before the arrival of the British. It is the best example in South and Southeast Asia of a fortified city built by Europeans, showing the interaction between European architectural styles and South Asian traditions.

While visiting the fort was memorable, Selwyn College 1st XI player Augustine Malcolm said what truly stood out was seeing the local life going on in and around the fort.

“Watching a lot of cricket and the tours New Zealand has of Sri Lanka, I was used to seeing the Galle Dutch Fort from afar and in the background of the cricket broadcast but being able to see it up close was amazing," she said.

“Yes, the fort itself was astonishing, but to me, what really stood out was the beautiful sights happening around the fort: people fling kites with their families and LOTS of cricket being played on make-shift pitches. It was wonderful to witness the vibrant spirit that surrounds the fort.”

The best view of the Galle cricket ground is from the Dutch Fort, a UNESCO Heritage site

Though we had more losses than wins on this tour, it was a truly unforgettable trip thanks to all the cricketing, cultural, educational and luxury experiences we had on tour.

Dorothea Waldron, a Takapuna Grammar School 1st XI player summed it up when she said, “The Sri Lankan cricket tour was an incredible opportunity to learn and enjoy the culture and cricket of a foreign country while making unforgettable memories along the way!"

The Foundation's Sports Programme provides New Zealand sportspeople and administrators opportunities to grow more knowledgeable, connected and confident with Asia.