The game of cricket has become a welcome distraction for Sri Lankans looking for a break from the effects of the economic crisis in the country – long lines to buy fuel and cooking gas and disrupted schools and work as there is little access to public transport.
The cricket-crazy South Asian island nation is facing its worst economic crisis in recent memory, suffering acute shortages of food, fuel and medicine. The government has closed schools and universities and limited the supply of fuel.
“Yes there is a problem in the country, people have become poor and helpless by all kinds of problems. We lead a monotonous life and sometimes spend five, six seven days in the fuel lines,” said Ujith Nilantha, who last week watched the first Test between Sri Lanka and Australia between Sri Lanka and Australia in the southern city of Galle. . ,
“There is no happiness for children, and we cannot give what a child needs. When we watch it (cricket) it is a mental recovery,” said Neelantha, whose livelihood in the tourism sector is facing energy crisis. has been interrupted after arrival.
Nilantha said that she had planned to suggest her son play cricket, which is an expensive sport by Sri Lankan standards, but with the economic crisis her life quickly changed and her plans were shattered.
“We love cricket but we can’t spend all our time on cricket, with employment problems and all that. But I hope to get some relief from the pressure by watching cricket.
Anti-government protesters protest a 17th century Dutch fort built during the second day of the first Test cricket match between Australia and Sri Lanka in Galle, Sri Lanka, on Thursday, June 30, 2022. The island nation is facing an unprecedented economic crisis and a severe shortage of essential supplies.
Cricket, a legacy of the British colonists, has become part of the local culture in Sri Lanka as has many South Asian and Caribbean countries. It has been seen as a unifying factor in a country torn by racial, religious and political strife.
Even a quarter-century bloody civil war did not hinder the sport’s progress or following in Sri Lanka.
The now defeated Tamil Tiger rebel group, which fought for an independent state, ceased its arms for 1996 World Cup final, when Sri Lanka defeated Australia to win the title.
Teenager Thekshana Nethumakshila was at the beautiful cricket ground in Galle, traveling by train from the neighboring town of Matara.
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16-year-old Nethumakshila is all set to appear in the public examinations this year, but due to the closure of the school, she is unable to prepare properly.
“We only have cricket in times of sorrow,” he said. We come here to watch cricket to get it out of our minds.”
Before proceeding with the tour, the Australian cricket team had to consider whether it was ethical to travel and play in Sri Lanka when the locals were struggling without electricity even for basic needs.
The tour included a three-match Twenty20 International series won by Australia and a five-match One Day International series won by Sri Lanka 3–2.
The Australian team’s decision to go ahead with the tour earned him praise from fans, who last month in the fifth ODI wearing yellow – the color of Australia’s ODI uniform – thanked him for entertaining him and sending a positive message. Sri Lanka to the world to give.
Some Australian players returned the favor. Led by captain Pat Cummins, many took to social media to say they appreciated the support received from Sri Lankan fans.
Australia won the first Test by 10 wickets, giving Sri Lanka a chance to level the series when the tour concludes with a second Test, also in Galle, starting on Friday.
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