The FoC is regarded as one of the biggest annual gatherings of Sri Lankans in UK

Festival of Cricket (FoC) the annual cultural event organised in UK is held in London with the participation of 26 old boys associations (OBAs).

OBAs representing all communities take part in the event.

Aruna Tiskumara, the president of the FoC told BBC Sandeshaya that the event that celebrates cricket as well as the diverse Sri Lankan culture also aims to support cancer research and school development.

Cricket and cultural events

“This year we are sending equipments to cancer hospital in Karapitiya, Galle,” he said, “We also regularly contribute to Cancer Research in UK.”

The main attraction of the day is a knock-out cricket competition between the participating school OBAs, culminating in a final match late afternoon.

Other activities including music, children's fun fare, a Sri Lankan Bazaar, hot food stalls, beer tent and trade stalls are held around the grounds to “keep the visitors entertained and occupied.”

Some Tamil schools still boycott the event after a rift related to the armed conflict in Sri Lanka.

Organisers say the event is open to all OBAs irrespective of race or religion but some schools in the north are still reluctant to take part.

They expressed hope that all OBAs - Sinhala, Tamil and Muslim schools - will soon support the independent event.