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Cricket
Cricket is not just a sport in Sri Lanka, it is an all consuming national passion - of biblical status - driven by an extraordinary love for the game by all Sri Lankans. Sri Lanka Cricket is the official national sports body charged with developing and upholding the proud cricketing heritage of this country.
Cricket was first introduced by the colonial English settlers back in the 18th century, as it was in India. Today Sri Lanka is considered as equal to the Indian/England/Australian teams as one of - if not - the best cricket team in the world.
Sri Lanka were unlucky to lose to India in the 2011 Cricket World Cup final, however the Sri Lankan players received a 'ticker tape' hero's welcome on returning home to Sri Lanka. If you are in Sri Lanka and you love cricket, you MUST catch a game at senior or test level. The Sri Lankan team is in a word - awesome to watch. Sri Lanka Cricket, formerly the Board for Cricket Control in Sri Lanka (BCCSL), is the controlling body for cricket in Sri Lanka. It operates the Sri Lankan cricket team and first-class cricket within Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka Cricket is driven by a single, all encompassing vision: to make Sri Lanka the best cricket playing nation in the world in both forms of the game. Great progress has been made since Sri Lanka's inaugural Test against England in 1982, including a World Cup win in 1996. To help bridge the gap between domestic and international cricket, and to speed up the development of upcoming players, a new intensive program for the A team and Under-19 was initiated a few years ago.
Surfing
Sri Lanka is one of the main surfing spots within the Indian Ocean; high quality waves (average 3ft), peaceful surroundings and uncrowded beaches are some of the assets of the Sri Lankan coast. Surf in the country is mainly localized between the south west and south east side of the Island. The south west and east coast of Sri Lanka has some excellent reef breaks that are well worth investigating. Best time to go is in season Jan-March.
Tennis
Sri Lanka Tennis Association (SLTA) was established in 1919, is the oldest Tennis Club in Asia. With Sri Lanka's traditional hospitality and friendliness the SLTA has become a popular venue for hosting international tournaments. SLTA works towards developing tennis in Sri Lanka as a professional sport, encouraging all citizens to play tennis for better health in life and to also produce world ranking Tennis players from Sri Lanka.
Rugby
Sri Lanka has embarked on a 8 year fast track Rugby Development Program to participate in the 2015 World Cup. Rugby already has a good following in Sri Lanka, and is of international calibre. Rugby has a long history in Sri Lanka no doubt due to its English colonial origin. More information can be found at the Sri Lanka Rugby Football Union website here:
Golf
Sri Lanka has some great golf courses, the best being the following:
(Golf) Colombo
Royal Colombo Golf Club
Address: Model Farm Road, Colombo 8, Sri Lanka
Holes: 18
Metres: 5770
Telephone: 94-1 691 401
This club's history goes back to 1879. It features many water hazards starting with the first hole. At the 6th hole, golfers meet the Kelani Valley train which passes across the fairway.
(Golf) Kandy
Victoria International Golf and Country Resort
Holes: 18
Yardage: 6877
Par: 73
E Mail Address: info@victoriagolfclub.com
Web Site: www.victoriagolfclub.com
Opened in January 1999. Designed by Donald Steel & Company. Set in Sri Lanka's central mountains right on the shores of the Victoria Reservoir.
(Golf) Nuwara Eliya
Nuwara Elliya Golf Club
Address: Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka
Holes: 18
Telephone: 522 835
At the base of Mount Pidurutalagala in the heart of tea country. At 1890' above sea level, it features fir lined fairways, bunkers and scenic surroundings. The 9th is an island green surrounded by bunkers. Water (rivers) come into play on 6 holes.
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