 "Sri Lanka's World Cup-winning stars laud PM Modi after meeting in Colombo: 'Most powerful leader in South Asia'")
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his official two-day visit to Colombo , received a warm welcome from cricketing legends of Sri Lanka’s 1996 ICC World Cup-winning team on Saturday. The iconic cricketers, who etched their names in history with the island nation’s only World Cup triumph, expressed admiration for the Indian leader.
Among those present at the special interaction were Sanath Jayasuriya, Aravinda de Silva, Chaminda Vaas, Marvan Atapattu, Romesh Kaluwitharana, and Kumara Dharmasena. The players shared personal impressions about the meeting and lauded PM Modi ’s influence and contributions in strengthening the India-Sri Lanka diplomatic ties.
Cricket connect!
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 5, 2025
Delighted to interact with members of the 1996 Sri Lankan cricket team, which won the World Cup that year. This team captured the imagination of countless sports lovers! pic.twitter.com/2ZprMmOtz6
Most powerful leader in South Asia: Chaminda Vaas
Former Sri Lanka pace bowler Chaminda Vaas said, “It’s a great honour to meet PM @narendramodi personally. We talked about sports and how in 1996 we (Sri Lanka) won the World Cup. Prime Minister Modi is the most powerful leader in South Asia. His cricket knowledge is very good.”
‘It’s a great honor to meet PM @narendramodi personally. We talked about sports and how in 1996 we(Sri Lanka) won the world cup. Prime Minister Modi is the most powerful leader in South Asia, his cricket knowledge is very good.’ Former Srilankan cricketer Chaminda Vaas pic.twitter.com/DVbc4hO0bq
— DD News (@DDNewslive) April 5, 2025
Legendary opener Sanath Jayasuriya, known for his explosive batting during the 1996 campaign, said: “It was a great experience meeting PM @narendramodi. He explained nicely how he developed India as a nation.”
‘It was a great experience meeting PM @narendramodi. He explained nicely how he developed India as a nation’, says Sanath Jayasuriya former Sri Lankan cricketer after meeting PM Modi. pic.twitter.com/s8ZCOFPhRW
— DD News (@DDNewslive) April 5, 2025
Middle-order stalwart Aravinda de Silva, who played a key role in the 1996 final, described the encounter as memorable, saying, “He is a person well respected around the world and he has done so much for India. Being Prime Minister three times running is remarkable.”
He is a person well respected around the world and he has done so much for India… being Prime Minister three times running is remarkable”, says Aravind de Silva, Sri Lankan cricketing great, after meeting PM @narendramodi @PMOIndia pic.twitter.com/fAi9K5FZnF
— DD News (@DDNewslive) April 5, 2025
Former cricketer and current ICC umpire Kumara Dharmasena said, “It’s the first time I have seen a leader like him… it was fantastic. As the leader of a giant neighbour of Sri Lanka, he has given lots of support to our country.”
“It’s the first time I have seen a leader like him… it was fantastic ... as the leader of a giant neighbour of Sri Lanka he has given lots of support to our country”, says Kumara Dharmasena a former cricketing legend known for his magic with bat and ball. @narendramodi pic.twitter.com/2T3JWQPc7s
— DD News (@DDNewslive) April 5, 2025
Former captain Marvan Atapattu also commented on the interaction: “It was an extraordinary meeting PM Modi, a leader who has brought India to such heights… it was a dream come true.”
It was an extraordinary meeting PM Modi, a leader who has brought India to such heights...it was a dream come true”, says legendary Sri Lankan cricketer Marvan Atapattu after meeting PM @narendramodi @PMOIndia pic.twitter.com/hVBMyGGHNy
— DD News (@DDNewslive) April 5, 2025
Romesh Kaluwitharana acknowledged India’s role in aiding Sri Lanka in difficult times: “PM @narendramodi’s transformative leadership since taking office has benefited Sri Lanka. I express my gratitude to India for the support during crises and financial aid for cricket tours.”
Romesh Kaluwitharana,former Sri Lanka cricketer,acknowledges PM @narendramodi ‘s transformative leadership since taking office,benefiting Sri Lanka.He expresses gratitude to India for support during crises and financial aid in cricket tours. @PMOIndia pic.twitter.com/qalav9ruhK
— DD News (@DDNewslive) April 5, 2025
PM Modi was also conferred with the prestigious Mithra Vibhushana medal by the Government of Sri Lanka. It is the highest civilian award of the country. He received the honour from Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.
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