The Sri Lankan Cricketers’ Association (SLCA) announced its commitment to assist former cricketers who brought glory to the nation with the launching of a special Benevolent Fund which was initiated by the ever-loving legends in Sri Lanka, the 1996 World Champion Team.
The newly formed Trust with initial funds amounting to nearly Rs. 4 million were raised through various initiatives by SLCA together with the 1996 Cricket World Cup winning team and will be used to assist past cricketers financially in times of medical emergency or any other urgent need.
Speaking at the official press conference held on Tuesday (3rd) at the SSC, member of the ’96 World Cup team and trustee Roshan Mahanama said they have no intention to be recognized by SLC or ICC in the future, “We started this in 2012 together with Hemas when we sponsored about 240 kids for five years to uplift their education. Now, this fund is dedicated to the past cricketers, we owe so much to cricketers before our era that has helped us in many ways. Some cricket governing bodies do not accept Cricketers Associations’ and our sole aim is to be a guiding hand in times of need, nothing else.”
Photos : Sri Lankan Cricketers Association launches Benevolent Fund
Requests for support and financial assistance from the fund should be made through a member of the ’96 World Cup winning team or a member of the SLCA, which is headed by former fast bowler, Graeme Labrooy. The Trustees will screen the requests, approve, allocate the sum and the SLCA will then disburse the funds to the recipients within 48 hours of approval.
Throughout 2016, the SLCA in collaboration with the 1996 Cricket World Cup Champions organized a series of events in Sri Lanka and Australia to raise funds for this project.
“We have always been together as a family since our triumph in 1996 and for this initiative also, everyone came forward without any hesitation. In Australia, the team had a 10-day stay, played 2 T20s and attended 2 functions to raise funds.” Former Sri Lanka no.3 batsman, Asanka Gurusingha further stated.
The first beneficiaries of the Past Cricketers Benevolent Fund, A.J Samarasekara and Russell Harmer received their financial assistance from the members of the ’96 World Cup winning team members at the occasion.
“It burns my heart to see the state of some of our former cricketers who advised us those days. Our duty (and) focus is about the former players not the current players in this generation. We need the support of the current players to sustain this project because they will be past cricketers one day.” The hero of the 1996 World Cup final and current Chairman of the SLC Cricket Committee, Aravinda De Silva stated.
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