Umesh Karunaratne (All-Island) of Thurstan College , Colombo and Dinesh Perera (Outstation) of Tissa Central College , Kalutara were adjudged the Observer-Mobitel Schoolboy Cricketers of the Year at the annual Mega Awards Show on Friday at the BMICH.
It was a night to remember as the most outstanding cricketers and teams of the 2007/08 inter-school season were presented with 34 glittering trophies and attractive cash awards at the 30th Observer-Mobitel Schoolboy Cricketer of the Year show, sponsored by Sri Lanka Telecom Mobitel and hosted by the Sunday Observer, Sri Lanka ?s flagship English newspaper with the largest circulation.
It was a star-studded night with former Observer Schoolboy Cricketer of the Year award winners ? Ranjan Madugalle, Arjuna Ranatunga, Sanath Jayasuriya and Muttiah Muralitharan adding colour to the much looked forward to event in the schools? sports calendar.
Chief guest Madugalle, who won the Observer Schoolboy Cricketer of the Year award in its inaugural year in 1979 and ICC?s Chief Match Referee, said one could be the most brilliant cricketer in the world but no one is above the game.
Minister of Media and Information Anura Priyadharshana Yapa, Minister of Sports and Public Recreation Gamini Lokuge, Chairman of Sri Lanka Cricket Arjuna Ranatunga, Chairperson of Sri Lanka Telecom/SLT Mobitel, Mrs. Leisha De Silva Chandrasena, ANCL Chairman Bandula Padmakumara and Sri Lanka Telecom Mobitel Chief Executive Officer Suren J. Amarasekera were the guests of honour.