Biography
Early life and Education
Born on May 27, 1977, in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Mahela Jayawardene's trajectory towards cricketing stardom commenced at Nalanda College Colombo. Here, under the mentorship of his father, Senerath Jayawardene, Mahela honed his skills, laying the foundation for his illustrious career as a batsman.
With unwavering dedication and natural talent, the former batsman emerged as a beacon of excellence in the cricketing world, setting new standards of performance and inspiring generations to come.
Personal Life
Beyond cricket, Mahela's personal life has been marked by significant relationships. The former cricketer was initially married to Christina Mallika Sirisena, a travel consultant, and together they welcomed a daughter, Sansa Arya Jayawardene. However, their paths diverged, and they divorced in 2018.
In 2021, Mahela found new love and companionship, tying the knot with Natasha Makalanda. This chapter in Mahela's personal life reflects resilience and the pursuit of happiness.
Cricket Legacy and Legendary Partnerships
Mahela Jayawardene is celebrated not only for his individual brilliance but also for his remarkable partnerships on the cricket field. One of the most legendary collaborations was with Kumar Sangakkara, where they set a world record partnership of 624 runs. Beyond the cricket pitch, their friendship flourished, leading to unique ventures.
Renowned for their historic partnership, the duo extended their camaraderie to the culinary world by co-founding the 'Ministry of Crabs.' This initiative, born out of their shared love for seafood, was realized in 2011 in Colombo. Head chef Dharshan Munidasa, a close friend of both Sangakkara and Jayawardene, played a pivotal role in bringing their gastronomic vision to life.
Ministry of Crabs:
A Culinary Triumph
The 'Ministry of Crabs' founded by Mahela Jayawardena, Kumar Sangakkara and Dharshan Munidasa quickly transcended expectations, becoming a culinary sensation after the opening of its first restaurant. Focused on serving delectable crab dishes, the establishment achieved unprecedented success. The triumph didn't stop there, as the 'Ministry of Crabs' expanded into a global chain, with locations in Mumbai, Shanghai, and Manila.
This culinary venture stands as a testament to Mahela Jayawardene's versatility and success beyond the cricketing arena, showcasing his ability to make an impact both on and off the field.
Post-Retirement
After retiring from international cricket in 2014, Mahela ventured into coaching. He coached the Mumbai Indians to victory in the 2017, 2019, and 2020 Indian Premier League editions. He also worked as a consultant coach for various teams, showcasing his expertise in enhancing players' skills.
Welfare and Social Impact
Mahela Jayawardene, renowned as an exceptional batsman and a driving force for social change, extends his influence well beyond the realm of cricket. His commitment to philanthropy shines through in his pivotal role in initiatives like the HOPE cancer project. Drawing from personal experiences, Mahela spearheads the HOPE campaign, with the goal of transforming cancer care through the establishment of a cutting-edge 750-bed unit at Maharagama, Sri Lanka's primary cancer treatment center.
His altruistic pursuits exemplify a holistic approach to societal upliftment, transcending sporting boundaries to make a lasting impact on those in need. Through his tireless efforts, Mahela Jayawardene continues to inspire positive change and leave an indelible mark on communities worldwide.
ALS Ice Bucket Challenge
Cricketing duo Mahela Jayawardene and Kumar Sangakkara accepted the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge from Otara in 2014