Avishka Tharindu, who created a new school record in Sri Lanka with his triple century has dedicated this to his family and college administrators.
Speaking exclusively over telephone from Sri Lanka on a day after the record, he says, “yes, without their support it would not have been possible. I was mentally down (when not chosen for the U-19 World Cup) and discussed this with my St. Anthony College school coach (Sarfraz Farook) and cricket-in-charge master (Rev. fr. Nuwann Chathurunga) and principal (Rev. fr. Mal Fernando) all supported me to overcome the situation”.
“My parents also supported me when I was very upset on not being in the U-19 World Cup squad. They tried to boost my morale all the time”.
Incidentally, Avishka’s mother, Nilakshi was present when the record was made on Tuesday.
“My dad lives overseas but my mother was there at the ground and cheered for the record. My mother was a national volleyball player and it helped me and my brother (Arinda) to play cricket”.
“Avishka’s parents were Airforce officers and his brother played for our college. He was an all rounder and also captained the school”, the coach, Sarfraz Farook said to this Reporter.
“Avishka is a clean and well-disciplined boy. He works really hard on his batting”, the coach added.
“He started playing cricket at the age of 10 and I have been mentoring him since last 4-5 years”.
“He was in the Under-14 team for the Malaysia tour. He is a very promising boy, the coach signed off.
