Colombo: Following the island nation's economic crisis, current and former cricketers have voiced their solidarity with the people of their country. From Test captain Dimuth Karunaratne to renowned cricketers Kumara Sangakkara, Lasith Malinga, Mahela Jayawardene, and others, many have spoken out about the situation as Sri Lanka faces acute food, gasoline, and other shortages.

In these exceptional circumstances, internet service providers in Sri Lanka have reportedly been forced to ban access to WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter, and several other social media platforms.

Sangakkara says it’s heartbreaking to see the plight of Lankans
Sri Lankan batting legend Sangakkara, one of the finest batters of his time, is also the Director of Cricket for the Rajasthan Royals (RR) franchise in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

He said “ Sri Lankans are going through one of the toughest times imaginable. It is heartbreaking to see the despair of people and families as they struggle to make it through the day, and each day for them gets harder.
The people are raising their voices and asking for what is needed: a solution. While some are reacting in resentment and anger to that voice, others are trying to take undue advantage of it," the legendary cricketer added.

Karunaratne calls for the preservation of the brand Sri Lanka
Meanwhile, during these 'tough times,' Sri Lanka Test Cricket skipper Dimuth Karunaratne issued an impassioned speech."As a nation of incredible people full of resilience, my wish is that we stay United stay Strong and continue to love our motherland, our fellow Lankan brothers and sisters and more so respect each other whatever their rank and file are during this uncertain turbulence. It's real difficult and in fact disheartening for all and that includes my family / my colleagues in the National Team all of Sri Lanka that include's myself," he stated.

"We go through these uncertainties almost all the time on the Cricket field and that's reality. One thing though against all adversities we try our best to preserve the Sri Lankan Brand and at this point in time I feel almost the same that we fellow Lankans must stand by each other and work towards a peaceful / diligent but ever developing Sri Lanka for the benefit of the future generation in particular," Karunaratne added.

"The 22+ Million Citizens in our Island is our greatest resource, each and every one of us should be respected, well looked after and have the freedom to live our lives peacefully in our beloved motherland the Pearl of the Indian Ocean. One thing I've learnt in life over the years is to be diplomatic. However TRUTH nothing but the TRUTH and PEOPLES POWER is a must and "Not Negotiable" in a Democracy," the Sri Lankan Test skipper added.

"We live in the modern world its 2022 a world that wants answers to questions followed by action and positive results all the time so very much like in Cricket. Ours, is a beautiful Nation Blessed with so much, not just smiling faces and wonderful men and women. Let's Cherish and value the mere fact that we are Sri Lankan after all," Karunaratne concluded.

Legendary bowler Malinga wrote a very short note on his Instagram he wrote “ I stand with my people, people of Sri Lanka,” he concluded it with heart emoji.

Bhanuka Rajapaksa says he feels the anguish of people though he is miles away. On his Instagram account, Bhanuka Rajapaksa who is doing wonders with his batting skill wrote “Even though I am many miles away, I can still feel the anguish of my fellow Sri Lankans, as they struggle to make it through each day.

Now, they have found even their most fundamental rights suppressed, to quell their voices. But when 22 million voices rise as one, it cannot be ignored.

The people of Sri Lanka deserve to be heard. The people of Sri Lanka deserve to live life without the fear that they will not be able to provide for their families. The people of Sri Lanka deserve better.”

Mahela urge the government to fix the things
Cricket legend, Mahela Jayawardene who is the head coach of Mumbai Indians wrote” True leaders own up to mistakes. There is massive urgency here to protect the people of our country, united in their suffering. These problems are man-made and can be fixed by the right, qualified people. Certain people controlling the economy of this country have lost the people's confidence and must stand down. We then need a good team to give the country confidence and belief.”