There were health concerns, people trying to get home, economic worries - the list went on.

As the reality of no international travel set in, fans realised overseas players wouldn't grace the Warrnambool and District Cricket Association for what felt like the first time in forever.

There's been an affinity with overseas imports and the value they've added to the competition since Sammy Kandage became the first Sri Lankan to suit up for Dennington almost three decades ago.

While this season, there are no official overseas players, no less than nine Sri Lankan-born talents are plying their trade for Warrnambool and district clubs.

The Standard's NICK ANSELL spoke to some of the competition's best to find out why the south-west has become a second home for those hailing from an island nearly 8348 kilometres to the north east.

JASON Perera says the south-west's community spirit helps Sri Lankan players feel at home.

The former cricketer of the year, who first arrived at Port Fairy in 2016, is entering his fifth season in the Warrnambool and District Cricket Association.

Perera believes the region is kind-hearted and welcoming.

"The people in here are so friendly," Perera says.

"Always they are very hospitable towards us and also no-one judges you by your position or title.

"You are respected for the person you are and not by your job or how much money you have."

Perera's Port Fairy, who are flying high, are equal second on points but third on percentage.

The 27-year-old, a Sri Lankan under 19 international, is confident the Pirates can maintain their form throughout two-day cricket.

"Absolutely I'm so happy," Perera says.

"Currently even though this pandemic situation everyone is doing their best in every single match and I'm wanting to play my best for upcoming matches as well.

"I hope to end this season with another incredible experience and joy."

Shashan Silva, who first landed at Dennington before ending up at Russells Creek, said Sri Lankan cricketers brought different experiences and skills to the competition.

The Sinclair Wilson para planner, who is now married to a Warrnambool native and has one child, hails from Moratuwa, south of Colombo.

"You grow up in sort of sub-continent conditions," he said.

"There are a lot of flat wickets which are good for spin bowling. In Warrnambool, you're playing on more green-top wickets and you've got to be able to adjust to those.

"I've been here for about 10 years so you get used to it. They're pretty good wickets here as a batsman, because you don't want to play on wickets which are spinning lots."

Like Perera, Silva feels right at home.

He paid homage to Creek co-coaches Andrew Thomson and Darren Loft for their ability to oversee all departments of the club's training and planning.

Silva said he was glad to see so many of his countryman plying their trade in the Warrnambool district.

Brierly-Christ Church's Geethal Fernando is finding form while Shaluka Silva has linked up with Perera at Port Fairy.

Shashan Silva has been joined by Shiv Kumara and Rukshan Weerasinghe

"I think it sort of shows how multicultural we are now," he said.

"It's good to see Sri Lankans out in the community. Many of them have played premier cricket back home and they bring that experience here to help out the clubs as best they can."

Jayaweera Bandara, one of the first Sri Lankans to play in the WDCA, said the overseas players, particularly spinners, lifted the standard of the competition across the district.

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