Kumar Sangakkara, affectionately known as “Sanga” is considered by many to be one of Sri Lanka’s greatest cricketers and a role model. Sanga was born in Matale in October 1977. He spent his childhood in Kandy, where
he studied at Trinity College. He was a chorister and played the violin and later he served as a Senior Prefect. He completed his A/L examinations in 1996 and was awarded the highest honour, the gold medal for the best all-round student in his year. He excelled at sports such as badminton, tennis, swimming, table tennis and cricket.
He won national colours for badminton and tennis at a young age, but the principal of Trinity College encouraged him to concentrate on cricket. Sanga went on to become an excellent batsman and wicketkeeper.
At the age of 22, Sanga got his chance to keep wicket for Sri Lanka in a test match series against South Africa. He went on to represent his country in all forms of the game: Tests, One Day Internationals, and T20 matches in all parts of the world. Sanga won many cricketing trophies; the record books are proof of that. Sanga’s golden run was from 2006 to 2015, when he retired.
Sanga became captain (after Mahela Jayawardene) and throughout his career he inspired a sense of fair play and love for his country.
He services the community and participates in charity events, and fundraises for awareness programs. In 2019, Sanga became President of the prestigious MCC.
Sanga will be the first to tell you, “Take the chances that are offered to you in life and do your best.”
N.Vinishiah Vegine
Grade 8
High Level International School, Hatton
