Sri Lanka’s 1996 World Cup Heroes Praise PM Modi After Colombo Meet: 'Transformative Leadership'

Last Updated:April 05, 2025, 20:42 IST

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday met with the members of Sri Lanka’s 1996 ICC Cricket World Cup-winning team during his two-day visit to Colombo.

PM Modi meets with Sri Lanka's 1996 World Cup-winning team. (Image: X)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday met with the members of Sri Lanka’s 1996 ICC Cricket World Cup-winning team during his two-day visit to Colombo.

In a post shared on X, PM Modi said that he was delighted to interact with the players, adding that the team had captured the imagination of countless sports lovers.

“Cricket connect! Delighted to interact with members of the 1996 Sri Lankan cricket team, which won the World Cup that year. This team captured the imagination of countless sports lovers!" he said on X.

Several key members of the team were present, including Aravinda de Silva and Sanath Jayasuriya. However, the winning team captain Arjuna Ranatunga, was not present in the meeting as he is currently overseas.

Team Members Praise PM Modi

The former Sri Lankan cricketers expressed pleasure and gratitude on meeting the Indian Prime Minister.

Romesh Kaluwitharana acknowledged PM Modi’s leadership since taking office benefiting Sri Lanka. He further expressed gratitude to India for support during crises and financial aid in cricket tours.

Marvan Atapattu said, “It was an extraordinary meeting PM Modi, a leader who has brought India to such heights…it was a dream come true."

Kumara Dharmasena said, ““It’s the first time I have seen a leader like him… it was fantastic … as the leader of a giant neighbour of Sri Lanka he has given lots of support to our country."

Aravind de Silva said, “He is a person well respected around the world and he has done so much for India… being Prime Minister three times running is remarkable."

Chaminda Vaas said, “It’s a great honor to meet PM Modi personally. We talked about sports and how in 1996 we(Sri Lanka) won the world cup. Prime Minister Modi is the most powerful leader in South Asia, his cricket knowledge is very good."

Sanath Jayasuriya said, “It was a great experience meeting PM Modi. He explained nicely how he developed India as a nation."

1996 ICC World Cup

The squad led by Arjuna Ranatunga managed to beat Australia by 7 wickets and 22 balls to spare in the summit-clash held in Lahore on March 17. The Aussies had set a target of 242 with the skipper, Mark Taylor leading the charge with a 74-run knock.

But the Sri Lankans pulled out a performance for the ages as Aravinda de Silva’s unbeaten 107 alongside supporting knocks of 65 in 99 balls by Asanka Gurusinha and Arjuna Ranatunga’s quickfire 47 in 37 balls helped them claim their first and only World Cup title.

Colombo, Sri Lanka

News world Sri Lanka’s 1996 World Cup Heroes Praise PM Modi After Colombo Meet: 'Transformative Leadership'