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Prime Minister Narendra Modi is currently on a two-day state visit to Sri Lanka, marking the first visit by a foreign leader since President Anura Kumara Dissanayake assumed office in September 2024. During his official visit to Sri Lanka, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with members of the country's 1996 Cricket World Cup-winning team in Colombo on April 5, 2025. The meeting included notable players such as Aravinda de Silva, Sanath Jayasuriya, Marvan Atapattu, Chaminda Vaas, and others who were instrumental in Sri Lanka's historic victory over Australia in the final match held in Lahore.
Prime Minister Modi expressed his admiration for the team's achievement, stating, "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!" Chaminda Vaas reflected on the interaction, describing it as a great honour. He said, “It’s a great honour to meet him personally..The Prime minister follows cricket, he knows everything!”
A look at the glorious 1996 World Cup win for Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka’s historic victory at the 1996 Cricket World Cup remains one of the most inspiring stories in the sport’s history. Entering the tournament as underdogs, Sri Lanka defied expectations to lift the trophy, becoming the first host nation to win the World Cup. Led by the calm and astute leadership of Arjuna Ranatunga, the team combined fearless batting, sharp bowling, and unity to script a fairy-tale ending.
In the final against Australia at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, Aravinda de Silva delivered one of the greatest all-round performances in World Cup history. He scored a match-winning 107 not out, claimed three crucial wickets, and took two catches, earning the Player of the Match award. Behind the scenes, coach Dav Whatmore played a pivotal role in shaping the team’s fearless mindset, while the players’ camaraderie and belief in their abilities were evident in every match.
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