Battle of the Golds (Panadura and Moratuwa)

Nestled along the southwestern coast of Sri Lanka, the cities of Panadura and Moratuwa become a battleground not of war, but of willow and leather, every year. This friendly rivalry takes the form of the “Battle of the Golds,” an annual big match between Sri Sumangala College, Panadura, and Moratuwa Maha Vidyalaya, Moratuwa. Steeped in tradition since 1934, the Battle of the Golds is a spectacle that transcends the cricket pitch, uniting generations in a celebration of school spirit and cricketing excellence.

The story goes back to the early 1930s when cricket, already a national obsession, began flourishing in Sri Lankan schools. Sri Sumangala College and Moratuwa Maha Vidyalaya, two prominent institutions just a stone’s throw away from each other, decided to test their mettle against each other. The inaugural match, played in 1934, was a two-day affair, and the tradition has continued uninterrupted ever since. The moniker “Battle of the Golds” comes from the prominent gold color in both schools’ flags: green, gold, and blue for Sri Sumangala, and maroon, gold, and maroon for Moratuwa Maha Vidyalaya.

The Battle of the Golds is more than just a cricket match; it’s a cultural phenomenon. The lead-up to the event is filled with excitement, with both schools organizing pep rallies, parades, and musical performances. Alumni from all walks of life return to their alma maters, their school colors proudly displayed, to cheer on the next generation of cricketers. The camaraderie extends beyond the schools, with local businesses decorating their storefronts and the entire community embracing the festive spirit.

Initially, the Battle of the Golds was a two-day test match, mirroring the format of international cricket. However, with the growing popularity of limited-overs cricket, a one-day match was added in 1993. This gave another dimension to the rivalry, with a faster-paced, more thrilling format attracting a wider audience.

Over the years, the Battle of the Golds has produced some outstanding cricketers who have gone on to represent Sri Lanka at the national level. Sri Sumangala College has produced several talented cricketers who went on to play for other schools. These include Kaushal Silva (later at St. Thomas’s College), Kithuruwan Vithanage (later at Royal College, Colombo), and U13 and U15 captain Oshada Fernando (later at St. Sebastian’s College, Moratuwa). Notably, Vithanage played for the Sri Lankan national team from 2013 to 2016, while Silva and Fernando remain active members of the Sri Lankan team.

It’s important to distinguish between Sri Sumangala College’s alumni and players from Moratu Maha Vidyalaya. While Ajantha Mendis and Nishan Madushka are noteworthy Sri Lankan cricketers

The Battle of the Golds has witnessed many a cricketing battle, with both schools enjoying periods of dominance. Sri Sumangala holds the edge in the test matches, while Moratuwa Maha Vidyalaya has been more successful in the limited-overs format.  However, the result is often secondary. The true spirit lies in the fierce yet respectful competition, the camaraderie between past and present generations, and the sheer joy of witnessing a cricketing tradition that continues to thrive.

As of March 2024, the Battle of the Golds is gearing up for its 72^nd edition of the ‘Battle of the Golds – Panadura Moratuwa’ cricket encounter between Sri Sumangala College, Panadura led by Vidusha Peiris, and Moratu Maha Vidyalaya, Moratuwa led by Mahith Appuhami scheduled to take place on 29 and 30 March at De Soysa International Cricket Stadium, Moratuwa. Following this, the 31st limited-over cricket match will be held on 31 March at the same venue.

The Battle of the Golds is a testament to the enduring power of sport to bring people together. It’s a story of passion, dedication, and the unwavering spirit of Sri Lankan cricket. So, the next time you hear of the Battle of the Golds, remember, that it’s not just a cricket match; it’s a celebration of tradition, community, and the unwavering pursuit of cricketing excellence.

Past Result

Results of the Big Matches

• Matches Played – 71
• Matches Drawn – 56
• Matches Won by Sri Sumangala College – 08
• Matches Won by Moratu Maha Vidyalaya – 07

Records:

Sri Sumangala College:

• Highest Score: 153 by Roshan Wimalasena in 1996
• Best Bowling: 8 wickets by Iresh Pushpakumara in 2007
• Highest Total: 354/7 in 2007
• Lowest Total: 42 in 1979

Sri Sumangala College:

• Highest Score: 153 by Roshan Wimalasena in 1996
• Best Bowling: 8 wickets by Iresh Pushpakumara in 2007
• Highest Total: 354/7 in 2007
• Lowest Total: 42 in 1979

Results of the Limited Over matches

• Matches Played – 30
• Matches Won by Sri Sumangala College – 15
• Matches Won by Moratu Maha Vidyalaya – 12
• Matches with No Decision – 02
• Matches Not Played – 01