COLOMBO: Sri Lanka’s emerging middle order batsman Chamara Kapugedara became the third national cricketer to launch a website in his name. The official launching of the website took place on Friday at Taj Samudra Hotel with the presence of Sri Lankan skipper Mahela Jayawardena, his deputy Kumar Sangakkara and former ace batsman Aravinda de Silva.

Kapugedara (22), a regular member of the national Test and one-day teams for the past three years said he launched the website targeting his fan-base in Sri Lanka and around the world. “My career and personal details can be seen on the website. Playing statistics will be updated as and when things happen. People also can communicate with me through it. It will be a great advantage for my future career,” Kapugedara said.

De Silva addressing the gathering said that Kapugedara caught his attention in a domestic game four years back. Since then the young batsman had showed his consistency as a powerful batsman for Sri Lanka. “When I saw his approach in building up an innings I thought one day Kapugedara would end up being the captain of the national side.”

Sri Lanka’s cricketing colossus de Silva also shared a word of wisdom with Kapugedara advising him to work hard towards his future goals. “The game is developing very fast. This is a great way to interact with the fans of the game. The world is changing and becoming more technological though I’m not a great fan of it. Unlike the past, current players are getting more opportunities. While you get on with these opportunities, believe in your abilities and serve the country.”

De Silva stood behind the microphone after a short video clip of his batting performance in the 1996 Wills World Cup final was aired. The former batting wizard, de Silva said he is very pleased to see the younger generation of cricketers progressing in the game. “As a person who stood on the pitch in the 1996 World Cup final, I know how emotional it is to look at that video now. We know how hard it was then and the tough times we had to go through before 1996. It’s nice to see seniors like Mahela and Sangakkara present here to support a youngster like Kapugedara,” de Silva said.

“Only those who were in the World Cup wining team could explain how wonderful the winning feeling was at that moment. Any cricketer in the world would like to experience that feeling. I’m sure our cricketers will be able to taste the experience one day. I want to see it happen before I die,” added de Silva.

Jayawardene and Sangakkara congratulated the young batsman on his milestone achievement. Kapugedara’s family and friends were also gathered at the launching. The website comes under the address of www.chamarakapu.com.   

 (Courtesy of SNNI) official media partner Australia