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Sri Lanka Cricket Renames Women’s Tournament to Honour Gwen Herat

Sri Lanka Cricket has dedicated its Major Club Women's 50-Over Tournament to the late Gwen Herat, renaming it the Gwen Herat Memorial Trophy from 2026. Herat was the founding president of the Sri Lanka Women's Cricket Association, established in 1997. The decision honours her foundational role in developing women's cricket in the country. The Herat family presented a trophy at a ceremony attended by SLC officials.

Key Points: SLC Dedicates Women's 50-Over Tournament to Gwen Herat

  • SLC renames top women's tournament to Gwen Herat Memorial Trophy
  • Gwen Herat was founding president of Sri Lanka Women's Cricket Association
  • Tournament name change starts in 2026
  • Herat family presented trophy at SLC ceremony
2 min read

SLC dedicates Major Club Women's 50-over Tournament to late Gwen Herat

Sri Lanka Cricket renames Major Club Women's 50-Over Tournament to Gwen Herat Memorial Trophy, honouring the founding president of women's cricket.

"The significant role played by the late Mrs. Gwen Herat in laying the foundation for women's cricket is well remembered. - Bandula Dissanayake"

New Delhi, April 27

The Sri Lanka Cricket on Monday announced that its top domestic women's competition will be renamed to honour the late Gwen Herat. This change recognises her important role in the growth of women's cricket in the country.

"Sri Lanka Cricket decided to dedicate the 'Major Club Women's 50-Over Tournament' in memory of the late Gwen Herat, the founding president of the Sri Lanka Women's Cricket Association," SLC said in a statement.

Starting in 2026, the 'Major Club Women's 50-Over Tournament' will now be called the Gwen Herat Memorial Trophy. This decision aims to preserve the legacy of the founding president of the Sri Lanka Women's Cricket Association.

According to SLC, this change acknowledges the "outstanding service rendered by Mrs. Herat towards the founding of the Women's Cricket Association in the country." She led the establishment of the Sri Lanka Women's Cricket Association in 1997, marking a major milestone in the development of the women's game.

In an official statement, SLC highlighted, "The significant role played by the late Mrs. Gwen Herat in laying the foundation for women's cricket is well remembered by the cricketing community. By naming a tournament in her honour, Sri Lanka Cricket aims to preserve her legacy for future generations," said Bandula Dissanayake.

To celebrate this initiative, the Herat family presented a trophy to be awarded to future tournament champions. The handover ceremony included her daughters, Shamarra Herat and Parveen Herat, and her son, Avancka Herat.

The Gwen Herat Memorial Trophy was officially presented to Dissanayake, secretary of SLC, in front of CEO Ashley de Silva and honoured guests Chandra Schaffter and Hemaka Amarasuriya.

Senior SLC officials, including Head of National Cricket Operations Chinthaka Edirimanne and Head of Marketing Upul Nawaratne Bandara, were also at the ceremony held at SLC headquarters last week.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Ravi K
Nice gesture by SLC. But I hope they also start putting more money into grassroots women's cricket, not just renaming tournaments. Our neighbours like India and Bangladesh have gone far ahead. Sri Lanka needs real investment in infrastructure and coaching for women's cricket to grow.
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Sneha F
Fantastic recognition for a lady who built the foundation in 1997! 🌸 Her daughters must be so proud. I hope this inspires more young Sri Lankan girls to take up the sport. Respect from across the Palk Strait! 🇱🇰❤️🇮🇳
A
Arun Y
Naming the tournament after her is good, but what about actual support? The Sri Lankan women's team has talent but lacks consistent tournaments and sponsorships. Hopefully, this isn't just symbolism without substance. Hope Bandula saab walks the talk on women's cricket development.
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Nisha Z
Lovely to see a woman's contribution being immortalised in cricket! 💖 The trophy handover by her children is so touching. With proper backing, Sri Lankan women can challenge the best. This is a step in the right direction.

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