BIPIN DANI
The family of Sri Lankan batting all-rounder Charith Asalanka has a reason to celebrate his 25th birthday (which falls on June 29) one week in advance.
The middle order left-hand batter registered his very first hundred in international cricket on Tuesday.
"We are overjoyed with his maiden hundred", Charith's girl-friend, Kavindika, speaking exclusively over the telephone from Colombo, said on Wednesday morning.
"Interestingly, June 29 is a significant day in his life. Last year he made his international debut on his birthday day (ODI against England at Chester-Le-Street)".
Charith's first international hundred was witnessed by his family at the ground.
"Charith's parents (father : Vijith Priyanth (businessman), mother (Tanuja, housewife) and two siblings (brother and sister) were at the ground. I could not go but watched the match at my home with Charith's one of the other sisters", the girl-friend, who has known Charith for the last ten years added.
"The presence of his family at the R Premadasa Stadium was enough support for my boy-friend to hit the ton"
Charith's parents have been very supportive. Even Charith's younger brother (Hiruk), who is studying now plays good cricket and is a future star. Charith's late grand-father had a dream to see his grand-children to play cricket for the country", Kavindika added.
Charith's first coach at school, Dhanushka Denagama is hoping many more centuries from his ward. "I hope he will be the team leader in the future. His innings on Tuesday reminded me of his childhood day", the coach said.
Incidentally, Charith's father could not resist thanking Dhanushka the day after his son was instrumental in the unbeaten series win. "His father called me and thanked me for making his son a world class player", the coach signed off.
