The relaxed expression on their faces fails to convey the strain their bodies have suffered to be on top of the fort. “We got up early in the morning at around 4. And because of that, we reached here after lunch and since we have more work to do, we will leave after tea,” he says.

The pleasant face never quite loses its smile, though, there happens to be mild shake of head when he talks about his Tsumani experience. “Our place was flooded and it rendered our TV set useless. That meant no cricket action for us. Eventually, we got a new television,” he says, as he speaks about watching IPL and asks an uncomfortable question: “What happened to India during the Asia Cup final?” One hems and haws before meekly uttering “Mendis” to a roar of laughter.

It’s tea time and the monks leave towards the bus station right adjacent to the stadium. But there are many more on the ramparts, enjoying the excitement of an engrossing Test. No seat numbers, no uncomfortable bucket seats or uncalled for obstructions, sprawling on the Galle Fort walls, watching cricket was never such a pleasure.