The year 1979 will witness an unique event in the field of cricket. The two of the premier Colleges In Sri Lanka, Royal and S. Thomas' will celebrate the centenary of their cricket encounters. The first Into Collegiate Cricket Match seems to have been launched in the year 1879. Since then this Inter-Collegiate fixture has become one of our national land marks in the field of sport. Every year when the month of March comes round, old boys of the two Colleges are all agog with excitement. The present boys pulsate will the prospect of unending rounds of shouting and merry-making for two whole days. Even those un-connected with these two Colleges and those who are keenly interested in the great game of Cricket display an unusual degree of enthusiasm over this match because it is more than a Cricket match. It has become a social event where rivalries merge with the bonhomie that exists.

Mr. D. S. Senanayake, the first Prime Minister of Sri Lanka was such an ardent follower of the Royal-Thomian Match that he would cancel public engagements, and even adjourn meetings of the State Council and later of Parliament, in order to feast his eyes on the prowess of the youngsters of his aim mater. No doubt this event brought nostalgic memories of the by gone days when he wielded the willom with devastating effect despatching the leather ball over the heads of the spectators. His son Dudley Senanayake was equally keen on the game. If Parliament was still sitting, it was not unusual for notes to be passed from the Government to the Opposition or from the Opposition to the Government indicating the latest scores in the Match that was proceeding. Sir John Kotelawalo himself a cricketer of ability found time with other Members of Parliament to bask in the relaxation of the Royal-Thomian Match mi matters of State could be laid aside for the day.

The Centenary of this unique social event must, therefore, evoke island-wide interest. It is fitting and proper that this event should be commemorated by a publication of a souvenir not merely to celebrate the great occasion but also to keep for ever fresh the happy memories of by gone days.

It gives me great pleasure both as President of the Hoard of Cricket Control and as an old boy of S. Thomas' to send this message to the souvenir. It is a great tribute to our people that we have always been able to play the great game of Cricket, maintain the great traditions of the game and carry this healthy rivalry to all walks of life.

N. M. PERERA

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