Michael Roberts
It appears that the Test cricket grounds at Galle has been voted to be the BEST of the Test-featuring grounds in the world. THAT is quite a mark—considering the picturesque setting of some other grounds. Since this was the municipal arena where St. Aloysius College pursued all its sports activities every evening in the 1940s and 50s; and an arena which featured hockey and soccer matches besides cricket …. and even the occasional hackery or elephant race on special occasions, these heights are quite a TRANSFORMATION.
SO, let me spice and flavour this moment with a pictorial history: when it was not a sports arena; …. when its pavilion was as confined as unremarkable; … when Nihal Fernando, cameraman extraordinary snapped a cricket match in the 1980s; … and thence to the tumultuous present day scenarios – with a horrifying pause after the tsunami shattered the grounds and neighbouring bus-stand.
the arena in front of the Fort before the clocktower was built — a rare photo at the National Gallery in Canberra
…. spot the pavilion in the background: pix by Lincoln Perera
A cricket match circa 1980s ……. snapped by Nihal Fernando .
…. and, THUS, to the twenty-first century
…… including its catastrophes
But we have moved on from 2004 ….. 
reminiscences of the Sweet Home
Thank you Michael for this pictorial record from the 19th century 1860s when photography was introduced to our country, through the 20th to the 21st centuries. The double bullock cart delivering the Royal Mail must be a prized photo as is the aerial capture of the shape and extent of the Dutch Fort.
The Bullock cart photo was/is by Lincoln Perera (also spelt Pereira) my uncle on my mother’s side). Ithink the aerial photo is from dominic Sansonie but am not certain.