A day that will forever be written in golden letters in Sri Lankan history, 17 March, 1996! It was the day the island nation confronted all odds, roared like true lions, and ruled the cricketing world by winning the ICC Cricket World Cup for the very first time!
Headed by the fearless Arjuna Ranatunga, Sri Lanka stormed into the final at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium to face the mighty Australians. The challenge was enormous, but destiny had already written a script of triumph for the islanders.
Batting first, Australia made 241/7, but Sri Lanka’s bowlers stood strong. The mastermind Aravinda de Silva led the attack, weaving magic with the ball and claiming 3 crucial wickets, sending the Aussies on the back foot.
Then began the chase, a roller coaster ride filled with drama, tension, and eventually, untouched euphoria! Early wickets left Sri Lanka reeling at 23/2, but the nation’s hopes were rested on the shoulders of two warriors, Aravinda de Silva and Asanka Gurusinha. With ice-cool calmness and unflappable determination, they forged a 125-run partnership that brought Sri Lanka back into the game. Gurusinha’s rock-steady 65 was invaluable, but it was Aravinda de Silva who simply stole the show. His majestic, unbeaten 107 was a masterpiece, a knock for the ages! And then, with the captain himself, Arjuna Ranatunga, leading from the other end with an authoritative 47*, Sri Lanka cruised past the finish line in 46.2 overs. The instant the winning run was scored, an entire nation erupted in ecstasy, fireworks lit up the skies, streets turned into oceans of jubilation, and history was made!
Aravinda de Silva’s heroics earned him the Man of the Match award, while Sanath Jayasuriya’s electrifying performances throughout the tournament made him the Man of the Series. Yet in truth, this victory belonged to every Sri Lankan, he players, the fans, the dreamers.
That night in Lahore wasn’t just about winning a trophy; it was about sending a message to the world that Sri Lanka was a cricket force to be totalled with! Even today, nearly 3 decades later, the reverberations of that momentous win continue to inspire, reminding us all that with belief, passion, and courage, nothing is impossible!
Sinhala 
English