The Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has decided to rename its top domestic women’s competition to the Gwen Herat Memorial Trophy to pay tribute to the late Gwen Herat. Gwen Herat, the founding president of the Sri Lanka Women’s Cricket Association, played a crucial role in advancing women’s cricket in the country. This change is set to take effect from 2026 onwards.
The renaming of the ‘Major Club Women’s 50-Over Tournament’ to the Gwen Herat Memorial Trophy is aimed at upholding the legacy of Mrs. Herat, who was instrumental in establishing the Sri Lanka Women’s Cricket Association in 1997. Sri Lanka Cricket acknowledges her remarkable contributions to the development of women’s cricket in the nation.
The decision to honor Gwen Herat through this tournament name change reflects the exceptional service she provided in founding the Women’s Cricket Association in Sri Lanka. Bandula Dissanayake, in an official statement, emphasized the significant impact Gwen Herat had in laying the groundwork for women’s cricket in the country. By dedicating a tournament in her memory, Sri Lanka Cricket seeks to ensure her legacy endures for generations to come.
To commemorate this tribute, the Herat family presented a trophy to be awarded to future champions of the tournament. The official presentation of the Gwen Herat Memorial Trophy took place in the presence of SLC secretary Bandula Dissanayake, CEO Ashley de Silva, and distinguished guests Chandra Schaffter and Hemaka Amarasuriya. Additionally, senior SLC officials, including Chinthaka Edirimanne and Upul Nawaratne Bandara, were part of the ceremony held at the SLC headquarters.
