On March 17th, 1996, Sri Lanka Cricket had the most special day of their history as Sri Lanka clinched their maiden World Cup win under the leadership of Arjuna Ranatunga. The historical win has completed its 25th year and to date, it remains the only 50-over World Cup win by Sri Lanka. As celebrating the 25th anniversary of Sri Lanka's World Cup victory, Sri Lanka Cricket organized a special ceremony to felicitate all the players who were part of the World Cup squad in 1996. The World Cup was hosted by

, Sri Lanka, and

and Sri Lanka became the first hosting nation to win a World Cup. Sri Lankan Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapakse attended the event and honored the World Cup, winning team. While addressing the gathering the Prime Minister cherished the solidarity from South Asian countries when

and

denied to play in Colombo, Upul Chandana voluntarily fielding at the boundary line to protect Aravinda de Silva when stones were being thrown on the ground by the Kolkata crowd and many more memories of the event. Sri Lanka took on Australia in the final of that World Cup. Sri Lanka were asked to chase 242 in 50 overs to claim their maiden World Cup. It was Aravinda de Silva who shouldered the chase for Sri Lanka with an unbeaten 107, accompanied by Arjuna Ranatunga and Asanka Gurusinha. In the end,