Pathum Nissanka: Son Of A Flower Seller Who Smashed Record Double Ton For Sri Lanka; Know All About Him - In Pics

Pathum Nissanka broke 24-year-old record of Sanath Jayasuriya and now holds the highest individual score by a Sri Lankan in ODI history.

Pathum Nissanka has scripted history, breaking Sanath Jayasuriya's record of the highest individual score in ODIs for Sri Lanka. He smashed 210 against Afghanistan.

Nissanka's mother use to sell flowers to devotees at the famous temple of Kalutara bodiya in the region and father was a groundsman of Kalutara Esplanade (a cricket ground).

As per Indian Express, a guy named Nilantha, an employee at Jayaratne Florists successfully persuaded his employers to provide a monthly allowance. Delighted by Nissanka's achievements, particularly his inclusion in a tour of the West Indies, the company demonstrated their support by reportedly granting him a monthly allowance of 250,000 rupees. Nissanka's Test debut during this tour was marked by an outstanding century.

Coming from a poor family, Nissanka did not have it easy becoming an international cricketer. For example, they moved to Colombo for his cricket career but the living expenses were too much for them.

Nissanka is renowned for his tireless work ethic and unwavering commitment to cricket. Beyond the pitch, he is also recognized as a philanthropist, having generously donated a substantial sum to charitable causes. In acknowledgment of his philanthropic endeavors and outstanding contributions to society, Nissanka was honored with the prestigious "Order of Merit" by the President of Sri Lanka.