In the quiet coastal village of Seenigama, a field has become more than just a cricket ground – it has become a symbol of hope. After the devastation of the 2004 tsunami, communities were left to rebuild not just homes, but lives. Out of this challenge, the Wimalabuddhi Surrey Oval was born, a vision brought to life through the partnership of Surrey County Cricket Club, the Oval Cricket Relief Trust, and the Foundation of Goodness. What began as a single effort to provide children with a space to play has grown into a thriving hub where dreams and talent find room to flourish.
Walking onto the Foundation of Goodness’ Sports Academy today, it’s easy to feel the energy of possibility. The Wimalabuddhi Surrey Ocal grounds are now complemented by the Sports Academy’s outdoor practice nets, a gym, and a bat repair unit, which welcome young athletes from rural communities to a space where trained coaches and international volunteers give tehm teh opportunity to not just hone their cricketing talents but also to learn skills beyond the game. The grounds have hosted cricketing legends, international school tours, and coaching masterclasses, giving children experiences that inspire confidence, teamwork, and discipline.
The Wimalabuddhi Surrey Oval has also nurtured remarkable talent. Pulina Tharanga, orphaned at the age of 11, went on to represent Sri Lanka internationally. Ramesh Mendis, a former MCC Cricket Scholar, now plays for the national team. Gimadu Malkam, a differently-abled cricketer, captained Sri Lanka’s Deaf Cricket Team to victory in the ICC Deaf T20 World Cup. Kaveesha Dilhari debuted for the national women’s team at just 17, while several women cricketers trained here recently helped Sri Lanka win the T20 Women’s Asia Cup — a historic achievement.
Over time, the grounds have continued to improve. Refurbishments and careful maintenance of the field, pavilion and other facilities have ensured a safe and high-quality space for training.
Looking ahead, the goal is to continue enhancing the Oval, providing even more young people with access to opportunities that foster confidence, skills, and resilience. This vision has been strengthened once more by Surrey CCC’s grant in 2025 to further develop the grounds, which have achieved remarkable outcomes in the past decade. Upgrades made to the grounds, maintenance and its programmes with the grant include the following:
Ride-on grass cutter: A ride on grass cutter was purchased to maintain the grounds in pristine condition.
Surrey Signage: As the Surrey CCC Signage at the Seenigama Sports Academy was outdated, the signage was updated accordingly.
New Astro turf Installation: Replaced the worn practice surface with new astroturf to improve safety, durability, and training quality.
Renovation of Sight Screens: Refurbished sight screens to improve visibility and maintain professional ground standards.
Renovation of Pavilion: Upgraded the entire pavilion, including the washroom and changing roomfacilities, to enhance hygiene, comfort, and accessibility for players and visitors.
Women’s Cricket Tournament
This groundbreaking initiative was successfully conducted despite challenging weather conditions, demonstrating the resilience and commitment of all involved. The tournament was designed to inspire greater participation in women’s sports among rural girls and women and aligned closely with the Foundation’s mission to bridge the urban–rural divide. Hosted at the Sri Wimalabuddhi Surrey Oval Grounds in Seenigama, the tournament was complemented by expert coaching masterclasses that enhanced both skill development and confidence.
About the league: Four teams participated in the tournament held at the Seenigama Surrey Oval.
Teams: Seenigama Ladies Team, North Ladies Team, Upcountry Ladies Team
Format: T20 (20 overs a side)
Duration: 3 Days
Dates: November 27 2025
Development and Maintenance: Funds were also earmarked for the future development and maintenance of the grounds to ensure its high standards are maintained into the future.
The Foundation of Goodness extends its sincere gratitude to the Surrey County Cricket Club for its generous support and continued partnership in the development of the Seenigama Surrey Oval. Surrey CCC’s commitment has played a vital role in strengthening sports infrastructure, expanding access to quality training facilities, and advancing women’s cricket at the Academy. This collaboration has not only elevated playing standards but has also created meaningful, long-term opportunities for young athletes and the wider community. We deeply value Surrey CCC’s trust and belief in our mission, and we look forward to building on this partnership in the years ahead.
From its beginnings after a devastating disaster, the Wimalabuddhi Surrey Oval has grown into a place where talent is nurtured, dreams are encouraged, and futures are quietly shaped.
