Sri Lanka Cricket felicitated Ruchira Palliyaguruge, who is officiating in his 100th ODI as an on-field umpire during today’s game.

Ravin Wickramaratne, Vice President, Sri Lanka Cricket, was present during the felicitation ceremony to mark the occasion.

He, on behalf of the SLC, handed over a special plaque to Palliyaguruge as a tribute for his services and achievements in the cricketing field.

Andy Pycroft, ICC Match Referee; Allahuddien Paleker, ICC Elite Panel Umpire; and Raveendra Wimalasiri and Asif Yaqoob, both ICC International Panel Umpires, were present to mark the occasion.

Palliyaguruge began his journey in international umpiring on August 6, 2011, when he officiated a T20 International between Sri Lanka and Australia at Pallekele. Just a week later, on August 14, 2011, he stood in his first ODI, once again featuring Sri Lanka and Australia.

A highlight of his career was being selected as part of the 20-member umpiring panel for the prestigious ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2015, held in Australia. Another notable achievement came when he officiated the final of the 2016 Asia Cup Championship. (SLC)