Successful Suffolk Sri Lankan cricket tournament held

The Society of Suffolk Sri Lankans hosted a six-a-side cricket tournament on Sunday at Martlesham's Village Green. 

Each inning was five overs long and six teams in total took part. 

They played through the morning and afternoon for a cash prize of £200 for the winners, with runner-ups getting £100. 

The winners got a prize of £200. (Image: Society of Suffolk Sri Lankans)

Chandima Perera, one of the organisers, said: "This is a great way to really bring the community together during this dark time.

"We have taken this opportunity to show our culture and how we are a part of the English society, so that we can bring people together."

He went on to say that the cricket tournament brought people irrespective of race, religion or culture to Martlesham and helped them interact with each other. 

"We are all an important part of society, and we are working hard to make the UK a better place," Mr Perera added. 

He said that many people from the South Asian community, like his wife, work as doctors or nurses at the NHS, which are there to help the larger Suffolk population. 

The event was held in an attempt to bring the community together. (Image: Society of Suffolk Sri Lankans)

At the event, they served Indian and Sri Lankan food and gave attendees egg hoppers to help cook their own food.

The society also installed several viewing tents at the Martlesham Pavillion, where musicians took the stage to play classic instruments. 

A bouncy castle at the venue was placed for the children to play around with.

Two tournaments were held, one for men and one for women. (Image: Society of Suffolk Sri Lankans)

The Mayor of Ipswich Elango Elavalakan came down to the event to be the chief guest and give trophies and medals to the winners. 

Mr Perera said: "This is the first of such events that we have done, and it has been very much a success."

They plan to continue organising events throughout Suffolk.