Dilanka Mannakkara, in Daily News, 19 January 2011, under a different title “Unite as one nation to make the World Cup memorable.”
As the countdown to one of the world’s largest sporting events begin, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) embarked on a journey to ignite the spirit of the game in the hearts of every Sri Lankan, through the launch of its Official Multimedia Communications Campaign. The nation wide initiative is expected to gather support for the National Cricket Team in the run up to the Cricket World Cup 2011. SLC aims to enhance the moral of our nation’s cricketing heroes participating in the Cricket World Cup 2011, in the hope of bringing back the 1996 Cricket World Cup glory to Sri Lanka.
SLC ceremoniously launched the “Official National Cheer”, a song titled ‘Enna’ by the award winning popular Sri Lankan pop artist Lahiru Perera, written by Manuranga Wijesekera, and produced by Sri Lanka Telecom Mobitel. Lahiru, the music powerhouse who redefined baila through his unique music strides, won an award at a recently concluded music ceremony for ‘Most Popular Music Video’.The song which echoes the hopes and dreams of every cricket loving Sri Lankan will set the tone to various other activities. Fan interactive activities include a Facebook Fan page where cricket lovers can upload images, videos and engage in forums where views and insights can be shared. “A passion, a religion and a way of life’” is the premise all Sri Lankans thrusts their cricketing beliefs throughout the Island.
SLC together with the Sri Lankan Cricket Team, shares a passion to power the game of cricket throughout the nation. As the country takes strides to support our team at the pulsating World Cup this year, we unite as one nation in hope of making this World Cup a memorable one that has all the essential ingredients to make Sri Lankan cricket an exciting spectacle. Commenting on the occasion D S de Silva, Chairman of SLC stated Together as one nation let us prepare to support our cricket team in a game that has brought pride to many Sri Lankans. As we cheer on our team in the world cup, Sri Lanka Cricket would like to thank Sri Lanka Telecom Mobitel in stepping forward to produce the song and video for the National cheer at the Cricket World Cup.
A perfect example of unity, team spirit and sportsmanship is reflected in our cricket team, as 15 individuals from various cultures, religions, castes and creeds come together to coin talent and determination in bringing true glory, honour and pride to our country.
This song gives a bad impression of Sri Lanka as a cricketing nation.Where is the sportsmanship? This song downplays it. Why did SLC and Mobitel choose this guy?