Sri Lanka Cricket and Netball Tour 2026
26 February 2026
On Friday 13th February, twenty excited pupils and four members of staff gathered at school, ready to begin the Sri Lanka Cricket and Netball Tour 2026. The group landed in Colombo around lunchtime (local time), five and a half hours ahead of GMT, and were welcomed with traditional flower garlands before stopping for lunch and beginning their journey inland.
The first stop was Kandy, a beautiful city surrounded by hills and centred on its famous lake. Kandy is home to the sacred Temple of the Tooth, one of the most important Buddhist sites in the world. The team arrived tired but excited and enjoyed their first Sri Lankan buffet, then went to bed ready for the adventure ahead.
On their first morning of cricket, they played at St Anthony’s College Ground, where legendary spinner, Muttiah Muralitharan, went to school. After warming up on a muddy outfield and experiencing coconut matting pitches for the first time, the team bowled brilliantly to restrict Girls’ High School Kandy to 104. Chasing the total, they stumbled early, but Emelia C and Issy P calmly rebuilt the innings to secure a seven-wicket victory. The afternoon brought more cricket, including pairs matches so that everyone could play, learn and enjoy themselves.
Day three began early, with a visit to the Temple of the Tooth. During an hour-long tour, the girls learned about Buddhism, sacred relics and Sri Lankan culture, walking barefoot through one of the country’s most important religious sites. Next came a visit to a gem factory, followed by a traditional clothing store, where the girls tried on Sri Lankan dresses and bought team shirts for later in the tour.
That afternoon, the Netball team played their first fixtures against Hillcrest College and Gateway College. Held in an indoor sports hall, the matches were fast, skilful and exciting. The team won one game and lost the other but were struck by the agility and speed of Sri Lankan netballers. Presentations followed in the evening, with pennants, caps, Yorkshire Tea, flowers, gifts and post-match ice creams.
On day four, they headed to the tea plantations, where they learned how Ceylon tea is grown, picked and processed, and from there, they travelled to the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage. Bathing elephants in the river and watching them walk through the town was an unforgettable experience for both pupils and staff. The group continued south to the coast, arriving at the historic Mount Lavinia Hotel, before enjoying an evening at the Cricket Club Café, complete with bingo, laughter and games.
The heat was intense in Colombo on day five, touching 30°C. The Cricket team played at Thurstan College and faced a mixed-age team – some playing their very first live cricket match. Gresham’s batted first and reached 105, but the heat took its toll. Afternoon pairs cricket restored smiles, big hits and fun for everyone. That evening, the group were delighted to be offered entry to the closing stages of Namibia vs Pakistan, standing on the embankment and watching the final overs. Sky TV filmed the girls live and some even visited the Emirates lounge for merchandise.
On day six, the girls visited the Foundation of Goodness and saw tsunami water marks above head height and learned how lives were rebuilt after 2004. They played two close netball matches on a freshly painted grass court before torrential rain ended play. Later, at a turtle conservation centre, the girls helped release turtles into the ocean at sunset, just before a dramatic tropical storm soaked everyone. The day ended at the Occidental Eden Beruwala.
At the Army Cricket Ground, the girls were excited to see their names appear on the scoreboard. Playing Gallwua College, the team experienced tough cricket, close finishes, pairs matches, and the rhythm of Sri Lankan cricket days: tea vans, iced coffees, heavy lunches and sudden rain.
The final full day began with a boat ride through mangrove swamps, learning how they protect coastlines and spotting wildlife. They visited a cinnamon operation before travelling to Galle Fort. Tuk-tuks zipped the girls around the city, past churches and ramparts, before they had some time to reflect as they looked out over the Indian Ocean.
After lunch at the Pedlar’s Inn, the girls played their final netball fixtures against Sacred Hearts and Holy Convent. In a roasting indoor arena, the girls won all three matches, with everyone playing and enjoying their final games in Sri Lanka.
The group arrived back late at night on Sunday to relieved and smiling parents. This tour was a once-in-a-lifetime experience, full of sport, friendship, culture and joy.
