"Lunatic" Politicians Can't Stop Cricket-Mad Sri Lanka Grandfather

Cricket-obsessed Percy Abeysekera has been a constant presence at Sri Lanka matches since their first Test against England in 1982 -- and even the country's worst economic crisis cannot keep him away. Forty years ago, the man now fondly known as "Uncle Percy" escorted England batsman Chris Tavare on the pitch at the P. Sara Oval in the capital Colombo while holding a Sri Lankan flag. Now 85, he has been a regular feature since, allowed on to the field by Sri Lanka's cricket authorities to accompany the team off after every game, win or lose, still carrying his flag.

And while an avid supporter of his national side, he is known for the respect with which he treats the opposition -- a far cry from the sledging employed by the fans of some teams, and even their players.

Naturally, he was at Galle earlier this month when hundreds of protesters climbed the walls of the ancient fort overlooking the ground during the second Test against Australia to demand the removal of president Gotabaya Rajapaksa.

The host country is suffering its worst economic crisis since independence, without the foreign exchange to pay for essentials including fuel and medicines, and leading to widespread shortages.

Hours later, a furious crowd in Colombo forced the president to flee his home, and days after that he flew abroad before submitting his resignation.

"Our team's performance is better than the performance of the politicians in Sri Lanka," said Abeysekera.

"Not a single politician can match up to these cricketers," he told AFP. "They are not politicians, they are lunatics."

"I hate politics," he added.

Abeysekera has twice been invited to join the Sri Lankan cricket board but declined the position.

"There are three things I don't like in the