M H MOHAMED CHAMPIONS TROPHY AND PARAKRAMA RANASINGHE MEMORIAL TR

HON M H MOHAMED was the joint founder with Hon J R Jayewardene of the United National Party United Kingdom Branch. The UNP UK Branch was formed on October 3rd 1976. Hon Mohamed was the first Muslim Mayor of Colombo from 1960 – 1963. Minister of Labour Employment and Housing under the Prime Minister Hon Dudley Senanayake in 1965. After J R Jayewardene becomes the Prime Minister he was appointed the Minister of Transport in 1977. After J R Jayewardene became the first Executive President in 1978, he added more responsibilities. At one time Hon Mohamed was holding four portfolios while being the first Cabinet Minister in charge of Muslim Religious Cultural affairs. Mr Hon M H Mohamed was elected Speaker of the Sri Lankan Parliament in March 1989. And was appointed the Minister of Parliamentary Affairs in the Cabinet of Mahinda Rajapaske.

Hon M H Mohamed was Member of Parliament from the electorate of Borella in 1965 to 1982 and then returned to Parliament from the Colombo District on three occasions. Hon M H Mohamed retired from politics 2010.

PARAKRAMA RANASINGHE: was known to Mrs Srimavo Bandaranaike as a loyal member of the Sri Lanka Fredom Party. She was very impressed by the Trade union activities. Mr Ranasinghe formed the first Trade Union for teachers and worked actively as its president. Due to his leadership qualities and organisational skills, Mrs Bandaranaike appointed him as the President of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party branch in the UK and Europe. Restructuring the Branch was his main concern this he did to the satisfaction of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party leadership. he contined as president of the SLFP UK Branch until his untimely death. Mr Ranasinghe it must be said helped many Sri Lankans in the UK with legal matters and worked closely with all Sri Lankan communities in the UK. He was a Teacher and an eminent Lawyer.

MATCH REPORT:
Elephant (Aliya) Entertainment organised the first ever cricket match between two rivals political parties in the field of Sri Lankan politics.

The United National Party UK Branch and the Sri lanka Freedom Party United Kingdom branch. This first ever cricket encounter was a limited over (30 overs a side). Was played on Sunday 6 July 2014 at Pinner Cricket Club ground. The UNP was captain by Dilal Tillakaratne and The SLFP was captain by Chula de Silva.

UNP UK won the toss and elected to bat first and did well to score 198 runs in their allocated 30 overs. With Dilshan making a good 55 Runs.

SLFP UK Branch in their innings made 195 for 9 (30 overs). With frank being the main scorer making a fluent 65 runs.

SLFP were at one stage 110 for 3 but with a superb bowling spell from Pathum and Dilshan SLFP soon collapsed.

United National Party UK branch won the game by 3 Runs.

MATCH AWARDS;
Best Batsman: Dilshan
Best Bowler: Frank
Best All rounder: Nazommi

The President of the UNP UK Denish Kapukotuwa and the President of the SLFP UK Branch Methsiri Wijeratne an Manel Ranasinghe. (Widow of Parakama Ranasinghe)) also,present Sisira Perera President Festival of Cricket Thushara Ranasinghe Vice President SLFP UK Branch, Azahim Mohamed Secretary UNP UK Branch, Madagadara Jt Secretary SLFP UK branch and the Treasure Jazal Marzook Treasurer UNP UK Branch. Hashan Perera President UNP Youth league, M Fazal Secretary UNP Youth league.

The organiser of the Elephant (Aliya) Entertainment: Nevil Wijesinghe, Kapila Mallikarachchige, Brixtous Hettiarachchi, Lashan and Sudantha A good attendance and fun loving crowd enjoyed the entertainment, which went on into the night.

KAPILA MALLIKARACHCHIGE
SECRETARY
ELEPHANT (ALIYA) ENTERTAINMENT