After a lengthy lie in, the team woke up to a fairly cloudy day. A farewell meeting had been organised in the morning with the Vice-Chancellor and the members of staff who we had sustained contact with during our stay.We were able to talk frankly about the project and suggest areas for improvements in the future from both parties, whilst also acknowledging the wholly positive aspects- of which there were many. It was emotional to say goodbye to all the members of staff who had helped us so much and who clearly appreciated the work we have done at the university. Indeed I think I lost count of the number of “thank you’s” we received! Towards the end it almost felt surreal- time had truthfully flown by since we first arrived. We presented gifts and cards of thanks to them and we each received a memorabilia pack consisting of an engraved glass plate, Sabaragamuwa University T-shirts and caps and some beautiful pens. It cannot be overestimated how grateful we all are for these personalised gifts which will stay with us forever.

Following this meeting we had a brief moment to relax. At 12.30 we were invited to lunch by the Dean of Agriculture- whose son we had played cricket with on many occasions in the street. Not for the first time on this project we were treated to a delicious spread of food- ranging from egg-fried rice with chicken to home-made pizza. Fresh fruit followed to ensure we were well and truly stuffed. Although we felt about 5 stone heavier, Sam, Andy and I were happily roped into one last game of street cricket. The batting surface was as good as it has always been (road), the ball was still in good condition in spite of the number of overs bowled (swing ball), the bat had a slight angle on the toe (due to the number of times it had been tapped against the road) and the weather conditions were suited for the English (progressively harder rain). In somewhat unorthodox fashion play continued despite thunderous calls from the mountain clouds above us. All overs and innings were bowled, and towels were called for at the end of play!

We had a couple of hours to get dry before our evening farewell party with the Sport Degree students, which was due to take place at 5.00pm. More cake, nibbles and drinks were consumed and many photos taken- just in case we didn’t have enough already!