Special event – the history of cricket in Sri Lanka

Published on 19 January 2026

The Lion Roars: A Glimpse of Sri Lanka’s Cricket History, 1832 to 1996

Saturday 7 February, 3-4pm

Clayton Community Centre Theatre

9-15 Cooke Street, Clayton

Join cricket historian Nimal Chandrasena and our Monash Libraries team for a journey through time unveiling the rich and often overlooked legacy of Sri Lankan cricket.

From the sport’s colonial beginnings in 1832, to Sri Lanka’s rise to test nation status in 1981, and the unforgettable 1996 World Cup victory, this presentation traces a powerful narrative of passion, perseverance and national pride.

Nimal will also explore how Malays, Burghers, Tamils and Sinhalese communities together helped shape and champion cricket in Ceylon.

Arrive early to view a special exhibition of Sri Lankan sports art, open from 10am–2.30pm

Free event, but bookings are essential.

This event is our Victor Melder Lecture for 2026.

About the speaker

Nimal Chandrasena is a weed scientist by profession and previously served as the first Associate Professor of Botany at the University of Colombo, Sri Lanka.

A self‑confessed cricket tragic, he has authored several books, including Looking for Doug, which chronicles the career of legendary Australian cricketer Doug Walters. His third book, The Lion Roars, is scheduled for release in 2026.