Published on - 7/9/2008
THE OVERNIGHT new 'star' in the world of cricket Sergeant Ajantha Mendis has been commissioned in the rank of 2nd Lieutenant in the Army with effect from 8th July on a directive given by His Excellency, the President Mahinda Rajapaksa, as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, just hours after he was promoted to the rank of Sergeant, following his magnificent performance in the Asia Cup tournament in Karachchi.
His Excellency, the President Mahinda Rajapaksa, as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, jubilant over Mendis' achievements in his first-ever foreign encounter against one of the world's most leading cricket teams. On Monday (7) soon after the victory in Karachchi, he was promoted to the rank of Sergeant in recognition of his attainments.
The triumphant Sri Lankan Cricket Team, landed at Colombo International Airport to a rousing Red Carpet welcome Wednesday (9) morning amidst reverberations of Magul Bera (auspicious drums) and traditional Kandyan Ves Dancers was whisked away straight to the Temple Trees to meet President Mahinda Rajapaksa who was eagerly awaiting to receive them warmly. President Rajapaksa himself during Wednesday (9) morning meeting at Temple Trees declared that the sensational spinner, Ajantha Mendis has been promoted to the rank of a Second Lieutenant.
Prime Minister Ratnasiri Wickramanayake, Minister of Sports Gamini Lokuge, Parliamentarian Arjuna Ranatunge, Chairman Sri Lanka Cricket Interim Board, Commander of the Army Lieutenant General Sarath Fonseka, and a host of well-wishers, including cricket veterans were there with President Mahinda Rajapaksa to welcome them at Temple Trees Wednesday forenoon.
Hailing from a family of five members in Moratumulla, Moratuwa, Ajantha Mendis initially attended Kadolana St Anthony's College from 1990. Thereafter in the year 2000 he joined Moratuwa Maha Vidyalaya and continued his studies until 2003, in which period he showed his colours in the field of school cricketing. His school coach has professed, what he was going to be some day, his friends had told.
His father who made his living in carpentry in Moratuwa died in 2004 following a heart ailment. Second Lieutenant Balapuwaduge Ajantha Windslow Mendis has two brothers and two sisters. Mrs Ranjani Priyani Mendis (57), the loving mother takes care of Aruna Rasanga Mendis (26), Aruni Nisansala Mendis (25), Asanka Malan Mendis (19) and Rashika Niroshini Mendis (16) His father who was a carpenter died in 2004 due a heart ailment Ajantha Mendis initially attended Kadolana St Anthony's College from 1990 to1999 and thereafter Moratuwa Maha Vidyalaya from 2000 to 2003 where he excelled in cricket.
Chairman, Sri Lanka Army Cricket, then Brigadier V.R. Silva spotted his talent in cricket during a cricket match when he was playing against the Army in 2004, and offered him to join the Army Regular Force. Incidentally, this was just one week after his father's demise. His grieving mother reluctantly gave the consent for his enlistment after much persuasion.
Ajantha Mendis then joined the Regular Force on 26th July 2004 as a regular member of the Army Cricket Team. Chairman Major General V.R. Silva in an interview with the Army website (www.army.lk) says that he closely monitored and guided Mendis during this period of four years, but further notes that all unbelievable variations in his bowling had been found and developed by himself through his real hard work, commitment and dedication. Certainly, he would be a real inspiration an asset to all other cricketers in the Army. His future in cricket is very bright and there would be many Mendises in time to come from the Army in cricket, Major General Silva added.
