Cheer Sri Lanka with Colombo's merriest

So head to the public arena, to a sports ground in the heart of Colombo, a restaurant or pub anywhere in the country to watch the teams battle in a game that never really tells the victor until the last ball is spun. Mingling with crowds of raucous youngsters and equally energised adults, displaying a show of unity as the cheers rise and fall, and the silence in moments of suspense is gripping. It will be a truly enjoyable experience of Sri Lankans and their way of enjoying their favourite sport.

Watching a cricket match with hundreds or even thousands of people before a large screen in an open playground while savouring barbecued chicken and hotdogs and fries, allows a swell of reactions sans restraint, from loud cheers to cries of disapproval at the umpire’s decision of dismissal. Of course there’ll be plenty of cricket talk doing the rounds with self-proclaimed pundits proclaiming their expertise on a particular bowling style and chastising mistakes made on the field.

In the ambience of a restaurant or pub, the mood could be no better, although in the midst of a limited crowd, the emotions are the same; exciting, thrilling and at times intense. The expression of cheer will be riotous. Cricket will remain the nail-biting game that keeps everyone on their toes. Whether watched on one’s feet in an open playground or in the comfort of a restaurant, the camaraderie that the Englishman’s game has created is something that can be cherished by all.

June 9–13