The Roshan Mahanama Trust (RMT), in collaboration with the New Zealand High Commission, recently hosted the New Zealand–Sri Lanka Friendship Cricket Match at the iconic S. Thomas’ College Cricket Grounds, Mount Lavinia.
This special event brought together two nations united by a deep love for cricket and a long-standing friendship that extends well beyond the boundary lines. The match featured the Roshan Mahanama Trust XI (Team Sri Lanka) taking on the Old Tablelands Cricket Club (Team New Zealand), in a vibrant celebration of camaraderie, community, and cricketing spirit.
The Sri Lankan side included some of the country’s most renowned cricketing personalities among them members of the legendary 1996 World Cup–winning team. The New Zealand team featured a mix of Kiwi business leaders and sporting figures. Taking the field for Sri Lanka were cricketing greats Roshan Mahanama, Chaminda Vaas, Romesh Kaluwitharana, Upul Chandana, and the only exception being the High Commissioner of Australia, His Excellency Matt Duckworth, delighting fans with their enduring class and sportsmanship.
The visiting Old Tablelands Cricket Club also pledged a cash donation to the Roshan Mahanama Trust, marking the beginning of their support of the trusts journey of uplifting the lives of underprivileged kids in Sri Lanka, which they plan to continue in the future as well.
The event was honoured to host children from the SOS Children’s Village as special guests as well as a couple of children who represented the RMT XI. These inspired children cheered from the stands and even joined the fun on the field. A group of young Kiwi leaders visiting from the Asia New Zealand Foundation also attended the event after the match. Their presence underscored the event’s broader purpose, to use sport as a platform for inclusion, connection, and international goodwill.
“This match is more than just a game,” said New Zealand High Commissioner David Pine. “It’s a celebration of the values we share, teamwork, respect, and friendship and a reminder of how sport can bring people together across borders.”
“Cricket has always had the power to unite people. This match reminds us that true victory lies in friendship, understanding, and the spirit of giving back,” said Roshan Mahanama, Chairman of the Roshan Mahanama Trust.
Team New Zealand won a nail biter of a game with two balls to go. The match drew cricket fans, diplomats, and friends of both nations, creating a relaxed Sunday atmosphere filled with nostalgia, laughter, and plenty of classic cover drives.
