Archive | February, 2014

Stag Nite

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SPC-OBU presents “Stag Nite” on March 6th (Thursday) at the Primary Quadrangle

Posted on 28 February 2014 by admin

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Algi Wijewickrema, the hardworking SPC-OBU Editor has informed all Peterites that the St. Peter's College OBU is hosting a "Stag Nite 2014", at the college Primary Quadrangle from 7:00 pm onwards on Thursday, March 6th. Tickets are priced at a modest Rs. 200 per head and Music will be provided by "BLACK" with a DJ. SSB (Spirits, Beer & Bites will be available.

The idea is for Peterites to get-together to network after a hard day's work and in preparation of the 80th Joe-Pete Cricket Match on Friday, March 7th & Saturday, March 8th at the Colombo Oval. March is a time when many Old Peterites who live overseas visit Sri Lanka on holiday for the "Big Match" and other festivities associated with the event.


 

Old Joes Stag Nite on March 6

 

The traditional Stag Nite organised by the Old Josephians Sports Club will take place at the main College grounds, Darley Road on March 6 starting at 7.30 pm.


Stag Nite

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FLASHBACK: Led by Adiel Anghie, Peterites star studded team in 1961

Posted on 28 February 2014 by admin

SPC 1961 TeamThe Peterite XI of 1961 had many stars. The team was led by Adiel Anghie (Retired Pulmonologist USA), who had the enviable honour of captaining both the college cricket team as well as the rugby team. Let's put some names to the players on this picture. Within brackets is where they live, as far we are aware presently. David Heyn went on to play for Ceylon/Sri Lanka from 1966 to 1976 and captained his school in 1964. Others who captained SPC are Richard Heyn (1962), Tyrone Le Mercier (1963) and Travis Fernando (1965). Sadly, we have lost Maurice Deckker, Sam Rajah, Didacus de Almeida and Richard Alles, who have gone beyond.

Standing – L to R: Tissa Jayaweera (Australia), David Heyn (UK), Travis Fernando (SL), Rohan Abeysundera, Sam Rajah (deceased), Adithiya de Silva, Maurice Deckker (deceased) Seated – L to R: Tyrone Le Mercier (Australia), Richard Alles (deceased), Adiel Anghie (USA), Richard Heyn (USA) and Didacus de Almeida (deceased).

1961 Joe-Pete Encounter – was played at St. Peter's College Grounds on March 17th/18th. SPC – 230/9 wkts decl. SJC – 109 and 140/8 wktsMatch Drawn.

Peterite skipper Adiel Anghie won the toss and went into bat against Josephian openers Brian Perumal and L. Rasanayagam. Adiel Anghie (101) wrote himself into record books by scoring a magnificent century to help the Peterite score 230 runs for 9 wkts declared. Richard Alles, 39 – Didacus de Almeida 24 n.o. added to the score. Lalith Rasanayagam – 3/29 and Raja de Silva 3/61 shared the bowling honours.

The Josephians led by Raja de Silva were shot out for 109 runs with Travis Fernando – 3/26 and Tyrone Le Mercier 2/28 bowling best for the Peterites. Put into bat for a second time, the Josephians fared slightly better and managed to stave off a certain defeat by scoring 140 for the loss of 8 wickets at close. Didacus de Almeida with his leg spinners took 4 for 51.

SPC 1ST INNINGS

230 for 9 declared

SJC 1ST INNINGS

109 All Out
 

SJC 2ND INNINGS

140 FOR 8 WKTS

 BOWLING
Richard Alles – 39 Hillary Marcelline – 03 02 For SJC
Sam Rajah – 05 P. Fernandopulle – 01 05 L. Rasanayagam – 3/29
Adiel Anghie (Capt.) – 101 Placidus Liyanage – 13 33 Raja de Silva 3/61
Richard Heyn – 16 Raja de Silva (Capt.) – 34 63 For SPC
David Heyn – 03 L. Rasanayagam – 07 01 Travis Fernando 3/26
Tissa Jayaweera – 10 Rohan Buultjens – 04 03 n.o. Tyrone Le Mercier 2 for 28
Tyrone Le Mercier – 01 Brian Perumal – 15 14 n.o. For SPC 2ND
Maurice Deckker – 17 Victor Wickramasinghe – 05 04 Didacus de Almeida 4/51
Didacus de Almeida – Not Out 24 Wilhelm de Zilva – 11 10  
Travis Fernando – 00 Brian Buultjens – 00 02  
Rohan Abeysundera – Did not bat Percy Mendis – 00    
       

 

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Memorial Service for ANTON PERERA is on Saturday, March 1st at Woodland Hills, CA

Posted on 27 February 2014 by admin

A Memorial Service for the repose of the soul of ANTON PERERA will be held on Saturday, March 1st at 11 am at St. Bernadine Catholic Church in Woodland Hills.
 
St Bernardine Catholic Church
24410 Calvert Street, Woodland Hills, CA 91367
 

Anton-Perera.jpg

The service is a celebration of the life and times of one of the most talented sports stars of yesteryear who made history at his Alma Mater – St. Peter's College, Bambalapitiya. In life, Anton led a meaningful life – surrounded by his loving family, close friends and relatives.

He was a legend at St. Peter's in the 50s and 60s and his schoolmates still remember the burly, well-built strapper of a cricketer rip through the batting line-up of many a school side. He had match figures of 7 for 11 against the mighty Thomians and had them reeling – 39 for 9, just staving off defeat. He had figures of 8 for 21 against Ananda College at Bambalapitiya. The feats go on. It was a treat for us to see Anton walk into the field to bat – the eager spectators were certain that he would lift any bowler of repute right out of the grounds. And he did. He dicatated with bat and ball.


By: Upali Obeyesekere – President, JPAA Canada


Anton was the cynosure of all eyes as a young schoolboy of 15 years when he had his baptism into the strong St. Peter's College Cricket XI captained by Jayantha Fernando, in 1957. He had a phenomenal year and never looked back. He was rated the fastest schoolboy bowler of his time and would have played for Ceylon, for sure – had it not been for the fact he left his homeland and journeyed across the seas to Southern California in 1962, in search of greener pastures. He was an equally brilliant athlete (Putt Shot, Discuss, 100M, Long Jump and Relays). He also played Rugby and Tennis for his Alma Mater. A true Peterite right to the end!

Anton was a tremendous source of inspiration and strength to the Peterites in California who looked up to him for friendship and advocacy. He was a generous human being, loving family man, loyal friend and above all a good Catholic to his dying day.

Oprah Winfrey once said, ""Lots of friends want to ride with you in the limo, but what you want is someone who who will take the bus with you when the limo breaks down". In translation, I know that someone was Anton. He always stood by his close friends.

 
May his Soul Rest In Peace!
 

OBITUARY: ANTON PERERA – beloved husband of Marlene, son of Ixida and Vincent Perera, brother of Laurel Costa. Father of Sharlene Parkinson, Yohan Perera and Sheryl Mazzella. Grandfather of Cody, Tristan and Ian Parkinson, Nicholas, Emma, Christopher and Victoria Perera and Gianna Mazzella passed away at a Los Angeles Hospital, on February 20, 2014.

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Distinguished old Josephian tells young ones to be sporty forever

Posted on 27 February 2014 by admin

February 27, 2014.

SJC LOGO SITEIn an increasingly competitive world, where victory at any cost is the unwritten code, a distinguished old boy of St Joseph’s College, Maradana T. Don Augustine urged the students of his school to be ‘gentlemen athletes and sportsmen forever’, while stressing the importance of sports in general and athletics in particular for the complete development of the human personality Tanterimudalige Don Augustine a crack athlete of St Joseph’s College, Maradana in the 1940s, who even won the one mile event at the western schools’ group athletic meet in 1948 made the above plea as the Chief Guest at the school’s Inter-House Athletic Meet 2014 held early this month.

"Sport also inculcates in the participants the qualities of sportsmanship, determination, discipline, courage and a ‘never say die’ attitude in facing the many challenges of the future. It also trains you to accept victory and defeat in a spirit of humility and good grace, while at the same time developing a healthy mind in a healthy body," he said.

Augustine reminded the students that St Joseph’s "is not a glorified tutory, churning out lopsided academics. It is a hallowed seat of learning, dedicated to the total development of the human personality, in body, mind and spirit."

He said: "All you participants, must drink deep from this fountain of learning and grow out to be dutiful and law-abiding citizens of our dear country, with respect for law and order and the rights of others."

At a time when youth are increasingly turning against their own teachers and principals, the Octogenarian called upon young Josephians to do nothing to smear and tarnish the image of the hallowed seat of learning or to undermine the dignity, authority and the image of the "Rector of our beloved college and at all times to follow the path of its noble traditions".

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2004 picture worth a million words

Posted on 27 February 2014 by admin

David Heyn Photo

This picture was taken in Colombo, Sri Lanka in 2004, at the 70th Josephian-Peterite match played at the Oval. Four great Peterite cricketers – three of whom live abroad enjoy the day's play reminiscing the grand ole days when they themselves held sway and walked on the same grounds playing for their Alma Mater in what is popularly known as, the "Battle of the Saints".

On extreme left is Richard (Dickie) Alles who played for St. Peter's College in 1959, 1960 and 1961. Behind him is Gary von Bergheim, an old Peterite living now in Australia. To his right is David Heyn, who captained SPC in 1964 and to his right is Travis Fernando, another Peterite captain in 1965. On the extreme right in a red checked shirt is none other than Anton Perera – rated the fastest schoolboy bowler who donned the college blazer from 1957-1960 (both years inclusive).


"We are indebted to the sender of this memorable picture that is worth a million words. However, to put things into perspective, please see brief notes on each of the subjects in the image," says Upali Obeyesekere – President, JPAA Canada.


DAVID HEYN2nd son of General B.R. Heyn (former Army Commander) and wife Edna – captained St. Peter's College in 1964 while his older brother Richard captained SPC in 1962. Peter David Heyn is a former Ceylon/Sri Lankan cricketer who played 18 unofficial tests from 1966 to 1976, and two ODIs in the World Cup 1975. David is widely regarded as one of the best cover point fielders ever to represent Sri Lanka. David began his cricket career at St Peter's College in Colombo, where he represented the school from 1961 to 1964, captaining in 1964. He also represented Colombo Schools against the Indian Schoolboys in that same year.

He represented the Burgher Recreation Club whilst in school, and played there until the 1969/70 season. He then played for the Nondescripts Cricket Club from 1970/71 until 1975/76, captaining in the 1974/75 season.

His first-class debut was in 1964, playing 50 matches in total and compiling four hundreds (the highest being 136 against Indian Universities at Bangalore in December 1975). Note – at the time only Ceylon/Sri Lanka matches against foreign sides were classified as first-class.

As Sri Lanka were unlikely to attain full test status at the time, Heyn emigrated to England in 1976. Here he played for Richmond Cricket Club in the Middlesex County Cricket League until 1983, captaining in 1979 and 1980. In 1979 he set a batting record with 5 hundreds in the league season.

In 1981 he played 4 games for Berkshire in the Minor Counties Championship – unfortunately, further appearances were not possible due to work & family commitments.

In 1984 he retired completely from the game at the age of 39, having played a season for Lensbury Cricket club.

David lives in London, England but visits Sri Lanka on and oft. He plans on visiting his home country next month and will be an interested spectator at the 80th Joe-Pete Cricket Encounter at the Oval.

TRAVIS FERNANDO played for St. Peter's from 1961 – 1965. He captained in 1965, and led the Peterites to a six wicket victory in 1965, after a lapse of 10 years. Lawrence Heyn (David & Richard's cousin who lives "down under") has this to say about 1965. "Cricket, to me, took on a magical quality in 1965. It was the last time the big match was played at Bambalapitiya and skipper Travis Fernando signed off in style. The left-armer mesmerised the Joes with his spin and then opener Darrel Wimalaratne led a dashing chase of a victory target of 94 runs in 50 minutes. The first ball Wimalaratne faced was hooked for six, with the ball landing in the pavilion’s upper level among the feet of the dignitaries." Travis lives in Colombo and heads a large tea exporting company. He contributes much of his spare time to his Alma Mater and keeps in touch with the overseas branches as well.

ANTON PERERA passed away just last week on February 20, 2014, in Los Angeles from complications arising of a medical condition. He was 72 at the time of his death. Please see other posts on this website for tributes to Anton and details of his memorial service that is scheduled to take place on Saturday, March 1, 2014, in Southern California.

RICHARD ALLES – Richard (Dickie) Alles passed away in November 2008, in Australia. Richard was a straight bat and played for his school in 1959, 1960 and 1961. His opening partner in 1959 was Mark de Silva and the pair gave the Peterites a good start making 61 for the 1st wicket. Richard scored 38. In 1960, he scored 31 going in at No.3 and in 1961 he opened with Sam Rajah and made 39.

Richard Alles passes away

Elmo Rodrigopulle – former Benedictine cricketer has this to say in a Daily News article of November 28, 2008.

Richard (Dickie) Alles, the former Peterite cricketer passed away peacefully in Victoria, Australia on Wednesday.

"Dickie" as he was popularly known, played in the sixties for his school and shone as a steady opening batsman. He was also a competent wicket keeper.

He was not a flashy opener in the Gordon Greenidge or Cammie Smith mould, but was very correct always offering a straight bat and many were the good scores he made for his team. He was a stubborn batsman and would not throw away his wicket.

During his school career he played in the company of Desmond Dharmaraja, Anton Perera, Adiel Anghie, Brian Seneviratne, Randolph Layman, Tyronne Le Mercier, Richard Heyn, Didacus de Almedia, Aditha de Silva and Sam Rajah whose names come to mind.

On leaving school he sported Colts CC colours and played in many a match winning team. He had many good score during his tenure with the club.

Brian de Silva an excellent opening bat and stumper from the Bambalapitiya school in the fifties and who was a team mate of Dickie at the Colts described him thus: 'He was a steady opening batsman, more of a back foot player and more than forcing the ball, he would caress it to the open spots on the field to gather his runs.

'Above all he was an excellent team man and was a fine raconteur and he would have his team mates laughing their sides out with his rib-tickling stories, said Brian who himself was a scream at the Colts and of whom Nomis the curator of that time when de Silva was behind the stumps for SPC would relate stories that defies print. We were opponents, Dickie for SPC me for SBC and the friendship we formed while playing for our respective schools continued at the Colts and the Mercantile CA until he bid adieu and left for Australia seeking pastures new.

I met him on one of my tours to Australia while covering the Sri Lanka cricket team's tour and did we not recall those old times and reminisce.

May the turf that Richard walked so honourably lie softly on him. (E.R.)

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Josephian-Peterite Alumni Association – Canada celebrates its 30th Anniversary

Posted on 27 February 2014 by admin

The Josephian-Peterite Alumni Association – Canada was formed in 1984, and will be celebrating its 30th anniversary. We pride ourselves as the first ever Sri Lankan Schools' Alumni to be formed in Canada. This is an honour that we accept with much humility.

It took a combined Royal/Thomian/Trinity group to form the next schools alumni five or six years later. The numbers were not enough to form individual associations in the early years. So it made perfect sense to double up and act jointly. The visionaries who started JPAA Canada should be congratulated in their thought process at the time.

Today, the scene has changed in Canada. All but the Josephians and Peterites have formed individual associations but JPAA CANADA goes on as a vibrant joint association of the Joes and Peterites in Canada. Working together in harmony to keep the flags flying.

The association celebrates its 30th anniversary this year.

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St. Peter’s College Prize Giving

Posted on 23 February 2014 by admin

Courtesy: Algi Wijewickrema – Editor, SPC-OBU.

St. Peter's College held its Prize Giving on Friday, February 21, 2014, and if I am to describe it in 2 words, I would say it was a colorful and competently run event. From the time the Chief Guest, Rt. Rev. Dr. Maxwell Silva, Auxiliary Bishop of Colombo was received by the Rector and the Priest Community till the National Anthem was sung to close the ceremony, it flowed smoothly and efficiently making the Peterites young and old, present at the function, proud.

The welcome ceremony itself had a few events connected to it. After garlanding the chief guest, he and the priest community were led to a special dais erected opposite the Nicholas Perera Hall, by oriental dancers in procession through a line of Cub Scouts saluting smartly. The welcome ceremony continued with the chief guest receiving a ceremonial salute by the Air Wing Cadets of St. Peter's which was followed by the hoisting of the National and College flags by the chief guest and the Rector, respectively, after which the Peterite Western Band played the National Anthem. This led to the teaching staff and the Old Boys being introduced before the guests entered the hall.

Fr. Vincent Ashley, Vice-Rector recited the opening prayer and Fr. Trevor Martin, the newly appointed Rector then read the Annual Prize Report for the year 2013. In presenting the annual report he spoke of the importance and role of leadership in modern society and thanked the chief guest and Fr. Ranjith Madurawala – the General Manager of the Catholic Private Schools for gracing the occasion. He also thanked Fr. Travis Gabriel – the former Rector for his valuable contribution in the relevant year and also thanked the priest community and staff for their ready assistance. The Rector did not forget to congratulate staff members who had reached the milestone of 25 years of service and having thanked those who left the services of the College, he welcomed those who joined the staff of St. Peter's. He concluded his address by thanking the organisers of the Prize Giving, congratulating the winners and praised and glorified God quoting from the Magnificat.

SPC Prize Giving – 2014

Click above link for collage of photographs taken at event

The Chief Guest, Bishop Maxwell Silva in his address remarked at the outset the he too had attended St. Peter's and was happy to be back. He noted that not every school is in a position to organise a Prize Giving due to costs and said that Peterites should be happy that they are in a position to do so. Having congratulated the prize winners he said that those who failed to win also must not be forgotten as they had also striven though failing in their quest. His also spoke of the role of a teacher in the modern society, which he saw as one not only of teaching but of mentoring as well. In an era when even appreciation of students' achievements is questioned, he thanked the Rector and those involved in organising the event and added that St. Peter's is fortunate to have a Priest of the caliber of Fr. Trevor Martin as Rector who is an eminent educationist and disciplinarian who is qualified and experienced to meet the needs of the College.

Ms. Imojen Mel, Mr. Bernard Jesudasan and a student took turns at reading the prize list, while Bishop Maxwell Silva, Fr. Ranjith Madurawala, Fr. Rector and Fr. Travis Gabriel distributed the Prizes. The ceremony included prizes awarded to students of the Gampaha branch of the College, students who had qualified to receive special scholarships made available by Old Boys and well wishers and awards to teachers who had achieved 100% attendance.

The proceedings were interspersed with lively performances by the oriental and western choirs of the College and concluded with the vote of thanks delivered by the Head Prefect, Mas. Shahen Yatagama followed by the singing of the College and National Anthems.

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St. Peter’s V. St. Anthony’s

Posted on 23 February 2014 by admin

PETES MISS A DESERVED WIN

SPC LOGO NEWAn outright win eluded St. Peter’s in their drawn match against St. Anthony’s at Katugastota. Enjoying a lead of 66 on the first innings, the Peterites played a positively and kept looking for runs despite the fall of wickets.

Scores:

St. Peter’s – 241 all out and 175 for 8 in 42.1 overs (Dineth Thimodaya 42, Janith Liyanage 32, Heshan Wanasekara 35, Sachin Dalpadadu 17, Sahan Nanayakkara 16, Nimesha Gunasinghe 5 for 68)

St. Anthony’s – 175 all out in 54 overs (Vinod Dhananjaya 23, Dilan Bandara 13, Nimesha Gunasinghe 38, Sahan Nanayakkara 3 for 24, Thaneesha Weerakoon 3 for 26, Navin Dharshana 2 for 55) and 99 for 6

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Burly Anton Perera no more – a legend at St. Peter’s College

Posted on 21 February 2014 by admin

News has just reached us of the passing of ANTON PERERA – a legend of the late fifties and early sixties. Anton was in a coma for the last 2-3 weeks in a Los Angeles Hospital, arising from a complicated medical condition. Sadly, he passed away this morning (Feb.20th) in hospital surrounded by his beloved wife Marlene, only son Yohan (Joey) and daughters Sharlene and Sheryl . Anton has lived in Southern California since 1962, one of the early settlers to the U.S. from Sri Lanka.

Anton Perera was a celebrated Peterite sports icon.

Anton-Perera.jpgAnthony V. Perera, fondly known as "Anton" was a legend at St. Peter's College. He was one of the most celebrated sports icons who left an indelible mark on the Peterite landscape. . He was a prolific athlete, exceptional cricketer and also played rugby until his coach Jackie Van Twest advised him not to play as it would hurt his athletics. Anton was also a good Tennis player and I am not quite sure if he played for college, at the Public Schools Championships. His father was a Tennis player of national repute.

ANTON PERERA

In athletics, Anton was a Publics School champion in the Discuss, Javelin and Putt Shot. He did the 100M, Long Jump and the sprint relays as well. This was a time the Peterites had a crack athletics team. He captained the Junior Athletics Team in 1957 which went on to win the Junior Tarbat at the Public Schools Championships in 1957. Other athletes in this team were Desmond Moraes, Rontjen Perera and Linus Jayawardane (since departed). Some other names of prominent Peterite athletes during his time that come to mind are Ranjit Wijeyesekere, Ranjit Weerasena, Felix Shockman, David Van Dort, Errol de Silva, brothers Andrew & Godfrey Goonetilleke, Rontjen Perera, E.L. Fernando, N.B. Wilson, Didacus de Almeida, Roger Wright, Kevin Ruberu, Vinitha Rakajaruna, Neville Salvador, Elmo Perera, Carlyle Rudolph, Ranjith Alwis, brothers Winston & Stafford Tambimuttu, and a host of others of repute who later went on to join Ace Athletic Club or CT & FC.

Anton dabbled with Rugby and played for college as a wing three-quarter – much to the displeasure of Jackie Van Twest (Athletics Coach).

But it was Cricket that Anton was best known. His baptism into the First XI was in 1957, at the age of 15 – under the captaincy of Jayantha Fernando. In the big match, Anton clean bowled opener Claude Perera and then took out two prolific Josephian batsmen Priya Perera and Tissa de Soysa. He had match figures of 3 for 69 in his first big match that was drawn. Anton played from 1957 to 1960, both years included. St. Peter`s were captained by Russel Duckworth in 1958, Brian Seneviratne in 1959, and Premasiri Athukorale in 1960. I cannot remember which year, but Anton caused a sensation at the SPC V. Ananda game one year. He took 8 wickets for 21 and at least six Ananda players were injured. At this time, he was rated the fastest Schoolboy bowler in Ceylon with Ananda`s Sonny Yatawara a close second.

Anton's opening partners were Maurice Deckker (1960), Desmond Dharmaraja (1958 & 1959) and Anton Paulpillai (1957). Anton best partnered with Maurice Deckker when the Peterites had the most fiery opening bowling attack at the time in school cricket.

Cricket at St. Peter`s enjoyed a great period in the 50s and 60s – there was a galaxy of stars who played for college. Anton`s team mates who played alongside him in the four years are shown below:

  • 1957David Muthumani, Nihal Wijesena, Darrel De Silva, Jayantha Fernando (Capt.), Brian Seneviratne, Russel Duckworth, Lakshman Serasinghe, Premasiri Athukorale, Christy Marthalingam, and Anton Paulpillai.
  • 1958 – Nihal Wijesena, Randy Layman, Russel Duckworth (Capt.), Brian Seneviratne, Premasiri Athukorala, Darrel De Silva, Adiel Anghie, Christy Marthalingam, Desmond Dharmaraja, and Elmo Gunasekara.
  • 1959Richard Alles, Mark de Silva, Randy Layman, Brian Seneviratne (Capt.), Premasiri Athukorala, Adiel Anghie, Richard Heyn, Desmond Dharmaraja, Elmo Gunasekara, Tyrone Le Mercier.
  • 1960 – Mark de Silva, Randy Layman, Richard Alles, Premasiri Athukorala (Capt.), Adiel Anghie, Richard Heyn, Maurice Deckker, Didacus de Almeida, Elmo Gunasekara, Tyrone Le Mercier.

Anton played Club Cricket for SSC whilst in school. He left for the USA in 1962, at age 20, and lived in Southern California with his wife Marlene (Primary School Teacher at college) and their three children. He was involved in developing and promoting cricket in Southern California in the sixties and played locally with Dr. Tony Don Michael (another Peterite), M.L. Idroos (STC), Dr. C. Balakrishnan (Jaffna Hindu), and a host of other players who made California their home in the post-sixties.

Nihal Perera, a Peterite of my vintage who now lives in the U.S. has sent in this comment. “Very sad to hear he is no more. Still remember him almost skittling out St. Thomas' in their 2nd innings ending at 39/9 (St.Peter's almost snatched victory from the jaws of defeat as they say) and he ended up with 7 for 11. Fr. Arthur Fernando called him on to the stage on the Monday after & presented him with a pair of boot laces (since he had constant issues with the laces coming undone during his Herculean effort). Man with a big heart.“

A Peterite colleague of Anton's – Kevin Ruberu (domiciled in Australia) says, "Anton was one of the best sportsman that we ever had. He was on top of his cricket and athletics. In athletics, he was a superb all-rounder (shot putt, javelin, long jump, 100 m sprint – he excelled at); I think he also played some tennis and rugby (not encouraged by Jackie Van Twest of course).“

Anton visited Sri Lanka often and had many friends all over the world. He was one of the most popular sportsman to emerge from St. Peter`s College. One distinct character trait that stood by Anton throughout his life is that he had a mind of his own. Most times, he was right in his convictions. He would call a spade, a spade and there was no “beating round the bush“ with him. With Anton, it was a case of `what you see is what you get`. He was a good family man, a good human being, loyal to his multitude of friends and a very good Catholic to his dying days.

Marlene was the love of his life, and they were married for just over 50 years. He worked at 3-M for most of his life in Los Angeles and stayed in the Canoga Park area of Southern California. He leaves behind his beloved wife Marlene, and three children Yohan (Joey), Charlene and Cheryl.

May his Soul Rest in Peace!

By Upali Obeyesekere – President, JPAA Canada with assistance from Rontjen Perera (California) – a close friend of Anton's.

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Feb.23rd at CR & FC Grounds – Old Peterite Legends V. SPC 1st XV

Posted on 20 February 2014 by admin

Dear Peterites,

Get ready for an epic encounter where the Old Peterite Legends will take on the Current 1st XV side to kick start the 82nd Rugby season for St.Peter's College. Sunday 23rd February 2014 at CR & FC grounds.

SPC RUGBY UKYes !!! Peteirte Rugby is 82 years this year. So its high time for all of you to stretch your muscles or pump, look for you old Rugby boots / jogging shoes and start running up & down in your gardens or bedrooms. Some have already started borrowing them from their sons, grandsons, nephews and even the neighbors because there is a big challenge to face on Sunday 23rd February 2014 at CR & FC grounds. The game is played in memory of late Ibrahim Hussain Didi and a shield was donated by his brother – HE. Ali Didi who was his former team mate and brother – also was the the former High Commissioner of Maldives in Sri Lanka.

On sunday you can witness 100% PETERITE RUGBY TALENT ! Which means the players and even referees who will blow the game will be professional OLD PETERITE rugby referees. They need a team of all our experience and skills, to compete in rucks, mauls, scrums, line outs and to work that ball down against the fit and fast 1st XV boys.

If you are an Old PETERITEE and would like to register yourself now for this grueling encounter (oh yeah…) please do by calling Trinesh on 0777333306 to reserve the special jersey. You must purchase this exclusively designed rugby top to enter the field.

We believe we have abundance of skills & knowledge (I doubt about stamina & power though) and it’s Men’s Vs Boys. No worries hopefully all can play as it’ll be in four quarters. Bring your old girl friends (If they are still around) to cheer them like how they did while they were in college to cheer you!!! Others, who prefer to stay in the sidelines and enjoy the drama, please do keep the date free. PETERITE RUGBY – Our game… our passion .. our life

Sent by Hamza Hidayathullah to the PEN

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