Hong Kong's top batsmen will face a stern test of character when they meet Sri Lanka's leading fast bowler Chaminda Vaas, who will arrive with the Seylan Bank team on a short tour later this month. Seylan Bank, the champions of Sri Lanka's highly competitive inter-bank competition, will play two limited over games in the territory against the Hong Kong national side and a President's XI. The visitors will include three Sri Lankan Test players in their side - left-arm fast bowler Vaas, batsman Hashan Tillekeratne and wicketkeeper Pubudu Dissanayake. They will also have about four other players who are in the Sri Lankan A squad, among them all-rounders Mahela Jayawardene - who played in the recent Hong Kong Sixes - and Lanka de Silva, who has already been a national pool trialist. 'I know they will be a very competitive side and it will be good match practice for Hong Kong. 'We will be using these matches as our preparation for the ICC Trophy next year,' said David Trist, technical director of the Hong Kong Cricket Association (HKCA). The first game against Seylan Bank will be played on October 21, which is a public holiday. The President's XI game will be on October 22. The HKCA is still uncertain where the games will be held with the venues being either the Kowloon Cricket Club or the Hong Kong Cricket Club, or both grounds. Seylan Bank play in the Mercantile First Division, which is regarded as one of the stronger local tournaments in Colombo. 'We will be capable of providing stiff opposition to Hong Kong and everyone is looking forward to the short visit,' said Pandu Jayamanne, assistant general manager of Seylan Bank and tour manager. Senior HKCA coach Lal Jayasinghe will leave for England on October 21 to attend the National Cricket Association's advanced coaching course examination. Jayasinghe, who has been part of the territory's development programme for the past four years, will become a fully fledged coach once he completes the course. 'I will become a level three coach which is the highest level one can attain. Basically it means that I can handle a Test side once I'm qualified,' said Jayasinghe. The Sri Lankan-born Jayasinghe currently handles the Hong Kong under-19 squad and also works with the national team.
