Bipin Dani
Sri Lankan women's team captain Chamari Athapaththu, who was practising with the other team members at the stadium got a very special gift from one of her fans.
She was presented with a special art work picture in a photo frame. It was prepared by an artist Hasanka Fernando.
Speaking exclusively over the telephone from Colombo, the 26-year-old artist, who is also a banker by profession said, "As my hobbies I like to draw, create various artworks, sing songs and play cricket".
"I also play cricket for my bank team".
"This is the art of woodwork. I made this computer artwork of Chamari holding the bat in her two hands. I spent more than an hour for the initial drawing but then giving a final touch and framing needed to be made in a presentable form".
In return, Chamari gave her 58 number limited over game jersey to the artist.
"I have also done similar art work for our men's team all-rounder Wanindu Hasarange".
"Chamari and Wanindu are my favourite players and when I met one of my idols at the R. Pramada Stadium, she was pleasantly surprised. I wished her good luck as the team is preparing for the Commonwealth Games to be played in England later this month", the artist, who went in as a Sri Lankan player jersey further added.
