 "PM Modi met the 1996 World Cup-winning team in Sri Lanka on Saturday. Image: X/Modi")
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.
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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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.