Sri Lanka’s first official women’s cricket captain Vanessa Bowen was felicitated and honoured to mark the 150th Anniversary of her Colts Cricket Club in Colombo last week and received a special memento from President Ranil Wickremasinghe at the celebration.
Vanessa played as a right hand batter and in her first Test that was against Pakistan on her home ground she smashed 78 and 63 which marked her only Test in 1998.
She also went on to represent Sri Lanka in 13 One Day Internationals making her debut against the Netherlands in 1997 at the Sinhalese Sports Club ground in Colombo where she made an unbeaten 51.
Interestingly Vanessa also played her last match against the same opposition at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo where she made her final appearance with a knock of 45.
She is also an international women’s match referee.
Along with Vanessa several cricketers who played for Colts and went on to wear the Sri Lanka cap were also felicitated that included Angelo Mathews.
Colts president Nishantha Ranatunga in his welcome address acknowledged the pivotal role of past presidents and executive committees in contributing to the club’s success.
He emphasized achievements in cricket and other sports, expressing gratitude for government support and underscoring the importance of investing in cricket infrastructure to fall in line with the global stage.
President Wickremasinghe who was conferred with Life membership of the club presented tokens of appreciation to key players and members of Colts that included Chaminda Mendis, Chaminda Vaas, Mathews, Hemantha Devapriya while past presidents of the club K Mathivanan and Gamini Goonesena were acknowledged.
Also in attendance were the club’s secretary Shiran Abesekera and treasurer M Rathnaharan.
Esteemed long-term life members, including Patron Trevor Rajaratnam, Lester Fernando, Carlton Bernardus, Jagath Savanadasa, Richie Fernandopulle, Susilo De S Wijeratne, the Late Michael Changmugam, the Late Ranjith Samarasekera and Tissa Abeywickrema, were also recognized.
Former women’s team fast bowler Rasanjali de Alwis and Dinesha Perera a former Colts and Sri Lanka women’s hockey captain were also felicitated.
