Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) during the past eight-year period has extended its support to Mercantile Cricket Association (MCA) by donating white balls for their three major tournaments – MCA Super Premier, MCA Premier league, and MCA ‘C’ Division.

This was stated by the SLC Secretary Bandula Dissanayake at an event held to hand over the cricket balls sponsorship to MCA at MCA Pavilion, Colombo last week. The balls were handed over to MCA President Mahesh de Alwis.

Dissanayake said that SLC has four associations affiliated to it, namely Defence services, Nationalised services, State services, and the MCA.

He said that with the support of all four associations they have conducted their tournaments, while giving cricket balls from 2017, largely due to the first-class cricketers playing in MCA tournaments.

The SLC Secretary added that during the last 10 to 15 years MCA has witnessed a turnaround in its development.

The ground with a centre turf wicket, an indoor stadium, practice wickets both indoor and outdoor, with a first-class club house will always enable the players to improve their performance levels, he affirmed.

He further added that the mercantile sector always has provided decent support to develop cricket here.

SLC has been a steadfast supporter of MCA over the years, said its President Mahesh de Alwis. 

He added that SLC, headed by its President Shammi Silva had given their continuous support to the MCA and observed it had been a source of strength to them.

“Three years ago, our indoor nets were outdated and needed improvement and SLC gave their generous support and now we have a modern Indoor stadium with all facilities,” de Alwis said.

“Last year, we undertook the ground-renovation project, which has significantly improved playing conditions, especially valued as MCA hosts over 500 matches annually, and with the support of SLC we were able to successfully complete the solar power-installation project,” a grateful MCA President added, commending the SLC.