Press Conference

Battle of the Oldies: Nuwara Eliya’s Premier Cricket Encounter

Nuwara Eliya’s Race Course Grounds will once again be the stage for a thrilling showdown as the Battle of the Oldies Cricket Encounter returns on April 20, 2024. This eagerly anticipated event, a highlight of the April holiday season, will feature the loyal old boys of St. Xavier’s College facing off against the seasoned players of Gamini National School, all vying for the prestigious Mayor’s Cup.

What began 15 years ago as a modest gathering of dedicated old boys has evolved into a significant sporting tradition, proudly holding the title of the longest continuous cricket match in Nuwara Eliya’s picturesque hills. While cricket has woven itself into the fabric of Nuwara Eliya’s history since 1856, and St. Xavier’s College has been a bastion of school cricket since 1925, the Battle of the Oldies Cricket Encounter, initiated in 2010, has emerged as a platform not just for sport but also for discussions on the revitalization of education in Nuwara Eliya.

This annual event has been a catalyst for the promotion of inter-school cricket matches and junior cricket at the school level in Nuwara Eliya. It has captured the imagination of the youth, encouraging them to spend quality time honing their skills through hardball cricket matches. By offering avenues for the development of young talent, the primary aim of the event is to reinforce the bonds among old boys while fostering goodwill and camaraderie among past pupils spanning different generations.

Battle of the Comrades: A Tradition of Excellence

April 4, 2024 marks the 6th consecutive year of the Battle of the Comrades, a spirited cricket encounter initiated in 2018 between the St. Xavier’s Old Boys’ Association team and the alumni of Paynter Memorial School. This annual clash not only showcases exceptional cricketing talent but also serves as a testament to the enduring spirit of friendly competition and camaraderie.

The Battle of the Comrades has played a pivotal role in the resurgence of educational standards and the establishment of Past Pupil’s Associations. Moreover, it has been instrumental in promoting inter-school cricket encounters, underlining the indispensable role that sports and education play in shaping a brighter future for Nuwara Eliya.

For media inquiries and more information, please contact: Benjamin Jeganathan/Nilan de Zoysa on: 0726288816-07777359919

The Organizing Committee: UC Emmanuel, Benjamin Jeganathan, Nilan de Zoysa, RM Nawaz, Chandika Waidyasiri, Lakmal Eranga, Sadaruwan Kumara Herath, Thissa Jayawardene, Suren Ekanayake, Vadivel Balendran,  John Christopher, Ujitha Samarawickrama, Mohomed Zaky, Dilan Dominic, Chathuranga Lakmal Weragoda,Rasika Hearth                                Sithum Sri Isanka Bandara ,Laheru Sri    Duminda Ranga ,Nalaka Perera,Sanjeewa Weerasinghe.

Old Xaverians XI:      Sanjeewa Weerasinghe (Skipper), Gerald Anthony, Is hard Mohomed, Tony Peter Paul,Wanpushpa Peter Paul, Pradeepan Jeganathan ,John Christopher, Ramlan Mohomed, T.Lukshan, Vadivel Prashanth, Siva Lakshan, Sameera Dilshan, R.A. Puhanrshwaran H.Silva K,Muralidaran, Gokul Kumar.

Old Gaminians XI:     Lakmal Eranga (Skipper), Senila Sanika,Sameera Lakmal,Chandimal Wimalarathne, Asanka Dissanayaka ,Chinthaka Nishanth,Shaun Fernando,Kasun Dananjaya,Jayashan Sadeepa ,Pubudu Priyadharshana,IG Rangana,Sukitha Mihisara,Sumith Ranasinghe,Yasitha Anuradha ,Ovin Benedict

Old Paynterites XI:   Namal Samantha(Skipper), Saman Kumara,Manoj Abeywicrama,                       Pradeep Basnayaka,Tharindu Basnayaka, Nilan Sampath, Suranga Wasana,                     Sampath, Punniywardana, Rajitha Dissanayaka, Shakila Herath, Asantha Weerasorriya                       Nuwan Rajapaksha, Ruwan Herath,  Ruwan Chamara, Mohammed Rikas, Lasantha Ruberu, Heshan Weheranga