St. Peter’s College had a blockbuster cricket team in 1957 – By: Upali Obeyesekere – Josephian-Peterite NEWS NETWORK
Jayantha Fernando led St. Peter’s in 1957 while Kirthie Caldera captained the Josephian team. Both teams were armed with terrific pair of opening bowlers – Anton Perera/Anton Paulpillai for St. Peter’s and Peter Liyanage/Ranjith Malawana for St. Joseph’s.
SPC – 192 (Premasiri Athukorale, 85, Nihal Wijesena 24) Bowling: Ranjith Malawana 8/57 and 246 all out (Darrel D’ Silva, 59, Jayantha Fernando, 81, Premasiri Athukorale, 52.
David Muthumani and Nihal Wijesena were the regular openers while fiery Darrel D’ Silva coming in at No.3. I still remember how Darrel lifted the opening attacks of many a school right over the scoreboard and into the Wellawatta Canal. Skipper Jayantha Fernando and Brian Seneviratne were Nos.4 & 5 followed by Russel Duckworth, burly Lakshman Serasinghe, Premasiri Athukorale, Christie Marthalingam (wicket-keeper), Anton Paul Pillai and Anton Perera.
Anton was considered the fastest bowler in school cricket in the late 50s. The Peterites had a terrific opening attack with Anton Perera and Anton Paulpillai sharing the new ball. Lakshman Serasinghe too bowled medium pace and was quite effective with the new ball. Josephian opener Ranjit Malawana (SJC) bagged 8 wickets for 57 runs in the Peterite 1st innings. Priya Perera took 4 for 73 in the Peterite 2nd innings. For the Peterites, fresher Anton Perera 3 for 69 and Russel Duckworth 3 for 41 were the pick of the bowlers.
The Joe-Pete Big Match in 1957 was a high-scoring game that ended in a tame draw. This was the year that Kirthie Caldera, Wicket-Keeper skipper of the Joes was unfortunate to get out at 99 runs thus been deprived of a well deserved century.
1957 was the year that saw the baptism of two great Peterite cricketers. One was young Anton Perera who turned out to be one of the fastest schoolboy bowlers at the time. Anton and his wife Marlene (SPC Primary teacher) emigrated to Los Angeles in 1961 and Anton passed away due to complicated medical issues a few years back. Anton is a cousin of Peterite skipper Travice Fernando and his brothers Lyn, Imbre and Mervyn. The second star was Premasiri Athukorale another phenomenon batsman at the time. A naturally talented batsman, Athu had a terrific run at the 1957 and 1958 big matches knocking up 85, 52 and 89 respectively. His late cut was a delight to watch.
Josephian opener Ranjit Malawana (SJC) bagged 8 wickets for 57 runs in the Peterite 1st innings. Priya Perera took 4 for 73 in the Peterite 2nd innings. For the Peterites, fresher Anton Perera 3 for 69 and Russel Duckworth 3 for 41 were the pick of the bowlers.
TEAMS
St. Peter’s College XI – Jayantha Fernando (Captain), Lakshman Serasinghe (Vice Captain), Darrel De Silva, David Muthumani, Nihal Wijesena, Anton Paulpillai, Brian Seneviratne, Anton Perera, Premasiri Athukorale, Christie Marthalingam, Russell Duckworth, Nihal Ranasinghe, Mitchell Rabot, Roy Dissanayake, Saifu Davoodbhoy, Randy Layman, Noel Lutersz.
St. Joseph’s College XI – Kirthie Caldera (Captain), Claude Perera, Priya Perera, Zacky Mohamed, Tissa de Soysa, Carlysle Perera, Emilton Fernando, N. Jayawardena, Malcolm Berman, Peter Liyanage, Ranjith Malawana.
Update of the 1957 team:
Anton Paul Pillai lives in Pennsylvania in the U.S., Randy Layman, Mitchell Rabot are domiciled in Australia. Christie Marthalingam lives in Calgary, Alberta in Canada. Russel Duckworth lives in U.K.
Jayantha Fernando, Lakshman Serasinghe, Darrel D’ Silva, Nihal Wijesena, Brian Seneviratne, Premasiri Athukorale, are no longer with us and their demise is recorded in Sri Lanka and Australia. David Muthumani and Roy Dissanayake passed away in Toronto, Canada. Anton Perera passed away in San Fernando Valley, California.
The Josephian-Peterite Alumni Association of Canada (JPAA Canada) was formed in 1984 in Toronto, Canada. JPAA Canada was the first Sri Lanka Schools’ Alumni Association to be formed in Canada. We pride ourselves of this fact. Others followed in the early 90s and now almost every school in Sri Lanka have formed Old Boys’ Associations in Toronto mainly but in other provinces as well.
Lets try to capture how all this started with JPAA Canada! It all started in 1982 in Don Mills at the home of a loyal Peterite Upali Obeyesekere. Over a drink one summer day – St. Elmo Obeyesekere, an old Josephian was having a drink with his son Upali and his good friend Benito de Silva (Josephian). Elmo had already earned his name as a sports promoter par excellence in his hometown of Kurunegala. In conversation, Elmo suggested to Upali and Benito to launch a Canadian version of the Josephian-Peterite cricket series in Toronto. At the time there may have been around 50-75 Canadians who attended either of the two schools in Colombo – St. Joseph’s College and St. Peter’s College.
The next year in 1983, Elmo sadly passed away of a heart attack at North York Hospital in Toronto. The seed he planted was growing in the mind of Upali and now it became more of a challenge to get the job done in memory of his dear father. In 1984, Upali met with his close friend Benito and did a bit of brainstorming as to how this could be done. Together, they enlisted a core group of ten (10) from among their close knit circle of friends in Toronto who attended both SJC & SPC. The duo agreed on some fundamental protocol such as the group should consist of equal number representing each school. After deliberating, they came up with the following who are the founders of what we know today as the Josephian-Peterite Alumni Association of Canada,
AD-HOC COMMITTEE – Upali and Benito realised that it was futile to launch a structured association with the low numbers and therefore decided to form an Ad-Hoc Committee to get the ball rolling. The following were handpicked to be part of this committee with a mission to organise the inaugural Josephian-Peterite cricket encounter on Canadian soil. Benito de Silva, Sunimal Perera, Roy Alles, Jimmy Raymond, Raymon Lord, from the Josephian camp and Upali Obeyesekere, Hazmee Hameed, Nihal Perera, Anton Perera, Lyall Bakelmun from the Peterite camp. Upali acted as the Co-ordinator while Anton Perera was Treasurer of the group and all meetings from 1984-1990 were held at Upali’s residence at 57 Overton Crescent in Don Mills.
INAUGURAL CRICKET MATCH – Securing a cricket ground in Greater Toronto Area (GTA) was alarmingly difficult in the eighties. Fortunately, Upali was playing cricket for Marigail Cricket Club in Orangeville. He negotiated with the Dubois family who owned the facility and the Inaugural Josephian-Peterite Cricket Encounter was played in 1985 at the picturesque Marigail Cricket Grounds in Orangeville. Benito de Silva captained the Josephian team while Upali Obeyesekere captained the Peterite team.
The image below shows the two captains (Upali Obeyesekere SPC and Benito de Silva SJC) walking out from the Marigail Sports Club pavilion for the toss in 1985 – inaugural Joe-Pete encounter in Canada.
After many phone calls, the two captains successfully got the teams ready for the match. The Josephians had a strong team compared to the Peterites. Led by Upali Obeyesekere, the Peterite team comprised of Ronnie Willenburg, Nihal Jayawardena, Andrew Goonetilleke (visiting from Sri Lanka), Susantha Obeyesekere, Ranjit Wijeyesekere, Lucky Ranchigoda, Nihal Perera, Basil Gurusinghe, Maurice Ranchigoda and Neville de Silva. The Josephian team led by Benito de Silva comprised of Ray Lord, Ian Joseph, Chris Cooke, Sunimal Perera, Rohan Vanigasooriyar, Noel Bartholomeusz, Derrick de Silva (From USA), Melvin Machado, Anslem Lawrence, Shirley Rangalla, and Ken Serpanchy (From USA).
Reserves were Errol de Silva, Peter Karunaratne, Srilal Wijeyesekere, Lalith de Silva, K. Kulendran, Sarath Rajanayagan for the Peterites. The Josephian reserves were Balendra Naguleswaran, George Wanniappa, Kumar Lawrence, Roshan Wanniappa.
The Josephians won the Inaugural Josephian-Peterite (Canadian Series) match easily with a young star-studded team.
For the record, this “big match” in 1985, was the first Sri Lanka Schools’ encounter that took place on Canadian soil. JPAA Canada is proud of this honour. Kudos to the Ad-Hoc Committee for their initiative in organising this memorable match.Rev. Fr. (Dr) Stanley Abeysekara, Rector of St. Joseph’s College was Chief Guest at this inaugural match. Upali Obeyesekere had a personal connection with the rector and negotiated with him to attend the event. Since there were no funds available in the newly formed JPAA coffers to fly him down, took it upon himself to fund Fr. Stanley’s visit to Toronto for the flight and accommodation at his home. It was a great start that was well received by the Sri Lankan-Canadian community at-large.
INAUGURAL DINNER DANCE – JPAA Canada flourished in time and decided next to have their Inaugural Dinner Dance.The same Committee organized a super dinner dance on 27 May 1988, at The Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre in Don Mills. Music was provided by Music Masters (DJ) and attracted around 350 guests. For the record, this was the first dinner dance by a Sri Lanka Schools’ Alumni Association in Canada. The “JPAA Brand” had made an indelible mark on the Sri Lankan-Canadian Community. Guests who attended the dance were mainly from Toronto, but came from Ottawa, Hamilton, Windsor, and other cities within the Ontario Province.
JPAA CANADA BECOMES REGISTERED ASSOCIATION:As the years went by, the numbers increased with the exodus of Sri Lankans immigrating to Canada among whom were past students of SJC & SPC. After much deliberation, it was decided to structure JPAA Canada as a registered association and this was done 1993, with a set of by-laws and Constitution. Upali Obeyesekere was elected the Inaugural President of JPAA Canada. Others who were elected at the meeting were Ian Joseph (Vice President-SJC) and Anton Perera (Vice President-SPC), Benito de Silva (Hony. Secretary), Srilal Perera (Hony. Treasurer), Hazmee Hameed (Social Secretary), Bhanu Wijeyesekere (Membership), Nihal Jayawardena and Chris Cooke (Joint Sports Secretaries). Chris Serpanchy was appointed Hony. Auditor. Group photo of the first Board of Directors is shown here below.
JPAA CANADA – PRESIDENTS (1993-2017)
1993 Upali Obeyesekere – 1994 Jimmy Raymond – 1995 Anton Perera – 1996 Robin Rode – 1997 Hazmee Hameed – 1998 Chris Cooke – 1999 Bhanu Wijeyesekera – 2000 Milan Gunawardena – 2001 Nihal Jayawardene – 2002 Lloyd Wijesinghe – 2003 – Rehan Goonetilleke – 2004 Victor Santhiapillai – 2005 Roderick Diaz – 2006 Jeevan Pragasam – 2007 Ranier de Lambert – 2008 – Valentine Balasingham – 2009 Rishan Navaratnam – 2010 Christy Joseph – 2011 Christy Joseph – 2012 – Upali Obeyesekere – 2013 Upali Obeyesekere – 2014 Upali Obeyesekere – 2015 Upali Obeyesekere – 2016 Christy Joseph – 2017 Christy Joseph
It is with profound sadness we report that Benito de Silva, popular community leader in Toronto who was a beacon of light in the Sri Lankan community for over four decades passed away last Wednesday (9th February) at Michael Garron Hospital in Toronto.
By: Upali Obeyesekere – Josephian-Peterite Global NEWS NETWORK
BENITO DE SILVA
Benito de Silva was the Josephian arm of the Josephian-Peterite Alumni Association of Canada (JPAA Canada). The two co-founders of JPAA Canada in 1984 were Benito de Silva (SJC) and Upali Obeyesekere (SPC). JPAA Canada prides itself as the first Sri Lankan Schools’ Alumni Association to be formed in Canada. JPAA launched the Canadian Series of the “Battle of the Saints” in 1985, that drew large crowds since its inception. Rev. Fr. (Dr.) Stanley Abeysekara, Rector of St. Joseph’s College Colombo was Chief Guest at the 1985 inaugural match in Toronto.
Educated at St. Joseph’s College Colombo, Benito excelled in athletics, swimming, cricket, and field hockey. On leaving school. he joined the volunteer service of the Ceylon Army, worked in the private sector at Carson Cumberbatch Company and at the state-sponsored Insurance Corporation. Benito represented Insurance Corp., in Cricket and Hockey.
Benito was the consummate gentleman and a proud Josephian. His younger brothers are former Army Commander Gen. Gerry de Silva, Eugene de Silva and well known theatre personality Jerome de Silva.
FAMILY
Benito was the much-loved husband of Annette (nee Chapman) for 58 years, beloved father of Gavin (Erika) and Diane (Roy) and doting grandfather of Nicolas, Marisa, Michael, and Victor. He leaves behind numerous nephews, nieces, cousins, and large coterie of friends who were near and dear to him. The Toronto-based Sri Lankan-Canadian community at-large are heartbroken as their beloved friend Benito – known as a man for all seasons is no more.
Anthony Gene Benito De Silva was born in Colombo on 28th September 1935. He was predeceased by his loving parents, Walter and Etta De Silva and his infant son, Glen. He was the eldest in a close-knit family of six – two sisters Therese (Jay Liyanage), and Clementine (Sumith Liyanage) and three brothers – Gen. Gerard de Silva (Junie), Eugene de Silva (Madonna) and Jerome de Silva who live back home in Colombo, Sri Lanka.
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord. And let perpetual light shine upon him. MAY BENITO REST IN PEACE, AMEN!
Live coverage of the Centenary Celebrations will be by ‘Quadrangle’. Their message is reproduced below.
“St. Peter’s College will be celebrating its Centenary on 18th January with His Eminence Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith Archbishop of Colombo as the Chief Guest. Holy Mass will be celebrated at 8.30 a.m. in the College Quadrangle followed by Assembly.
Join us from 7.30 a.m. onwards to witness live the unfolding of the Centenary Year at St. Peter’s College!”
Schools are the lifeblood of any community! Education is the bedrock of our contentment as a society, as an economy and as a people. It has often been stated that our greatest resource is our people. We have nurtured that resource and enriched its potential by the professionalism, dedication, and generosity of generations of teachers in all levels of our educational system. The British colonial period lasted from 1796 to 1948 and shaped the development of education in Sri Lanka. But it was only after the British took over that formal primary and secondary education was actualized with the establishment of schools by British missionaries.
The Northern Province were the early beneficiaries of the hard work done by foreign missionaries in setting up schools in Ceylon. History tells us that Jaffna Central College(JCC) was the first school established in the island. It was founded in 1816 by Rev. James Lynch, the leader of the Wesleyan Methodist Missionaries who arrived in the country in June 1814 and journeyed to Jaffna two months later in August 1814. His mission in Jaffna was to establish English schools on a directive by the 3rd British Governor, Sir Robert Brownrigg. Union College in Tellippalai was founded in 1816. St. John’s College was established in 1823. Jaffna College in Vaddukoddai was established in 1823. Uduvil Girls’ College was established in 1824. Vembadi Girls’ High School was founded in 1834. Hartley College was founded in 1838. Holy Family Convent, Jaffna was founded in 1845.
A standard system of government schools was established by the British based on the recommendations of the Colebrooke-Cameron Commission in 1833. This is regarded as the beginning of the government’s schooling system in the island. It started with the establishment of the Royal College in Colombo (formerly the Colombo Academy) in 1835. St. Anthony’s College Kandy was founded in 1854, same year as St. Sebastian’s College Moratuwa. Other schools to be established in the 19th Century are St. Benedict’s College Kotahena in 1865, St. Joseph’s College Trincomalee in 1867, St. Anne’s College Kurunegala in 1867, Richmond College Galle in 1876.
Rev. Fr. M.J. Le Goc – Founder of St. Peter’s College Colombo
Given this background, my write-up moves to Colombo – the city where we have on record that St. Joseph’s College Colombo was founded in 1896 by a visionary group of French Missionaries led by Rev. Christophe-Etienne Bonjean. In 1914 Rev. Fr. Maurice James Le Goc, a French Missionary arrived in Sri Lanka. He was appointed to St Joseph’s College and was made the head of the school’s Science Department. In 1919 Fr. Le Goc was appointed the Rector of St. Joseph’s College. St. Joseph’s recently celebrated its Quasquicentennial or 125th Anniversary in 2021.
Rev. Fr. Maurice J. Le Goc
Fr. Le Goc envisioned an overflow of students and decided to set up a second educational institution in the south of the city (Colombo). This gave way to St. Joseph’s College South that was established in January 1922 on the land side of Galle Road, Bambalapitiya bordering the Wellawatta canal. The inauguration took place on Wednesday 18 January 1922 as 204 students were admitted on that day and by the end of the year the number had risen to 268. Fr. Le Goc overlooked the administration of the school until 1927. This school was re-branded and named St. Peter’s College in 1927. The name change was documented on April 8, 1927, vide Gazette Notification No.7575. Rev. Fr. D.J. Nicholas Perera was appointed the first Rector of the newly established school in 1927, a role he performed with distinction until 1943 for 16 years.
St. Peter’s College Colombo
This writer joined St. Peter’s College thirty-four years later in 1956, in the 6th Standard that was called Prelim A. My first school was St. Anne’s College Kurunegala from Kindergarten to 5th Standard in the Primary School. The transition from my hometown to Colombo was smooth and I was housed at my aunt’s at Bambalapitiya Flats. Rev. Fr. Arthur Fernando was appointed the 3rd Rector of the school having taken over from Rev. Fr. Basil Wiratunga (1943-1956). Mr. Primson Jayasekara, a calm and collected individual was my class master. He had two celebrated musical sons – Perin & Gerrinus who performed as the famous “Jay Brothers”. The duo, quite popular at the time had passed out as doctors from the Colombo Medical College. There were four of us from outstation who joined St. Peter’s College in 1956 – Sunil Liyanage from Negombo, Chandra Fernando (former IGP) from Matara, Ranjit Wijesinghe from Galle and yours truly from Kurunegala. Sixty-five years later, all four of us still remain close friends though many oceans separate us.
St. Peter’s College, Colombo, is one of the largest Catholic schools in the country. This is a banner year for the school as it celebrates its 100 year centenary on January 18, 2022. It will mark an important milestone in the College calendar, as the boys in blue, white, and gold cherish and celebrate the completion of the century of their alma mater. Today the College has proven itself to become one of the largest Catholic schools in the country with almost 4,500 students on roll while seven priests, 215 teachers and 100 clerical and support staff serve the College. Producing a fully-fledged individual has always been the vision and mission of the College, reiterated the current Rector – Fr. Rohitha Rodrigo while stressing, “Every Peterite has to strive to become a versatile person and upon leaving College be able to excel in any field he chooses to pursue.”
The Motto of the school is Virtus Et Veritas (Latin). The sister school is Holy Family Convent Bambalapitiya. St. Peter’s College is centrally located on the landside of Galle Road. Commuting to the school is easy by bus or train. The cross section of students who walk through the hallowed hallways of the school comes from Bambalapitiya, Kollupitiya, Thimbirigasyaya, Nugegoda, Kirillapona, Pamankada, Wellawatta, Dehiwala and Mt. Lavinia. Neighbouring schools’ in Bambalapitiya are St. Paul’s Milagiriya, Holy Family Convent, Visakha Vidyalaya, and Hindu College Colombo. To the south in Wellawatta, there are two girls’ schools – St. Clare’s College and St. Lawrence’s Convent.
The one-hundred-year period of St. Peters’ College, beginning 1922, could conveniently be divided into six distinct eras. Firstly, The beginnings dominated by Very Rev. Fr. Maurice Le Goc; Secondly the era of the First Rector, Very Rev. Fr. D. J. Nicholas Perera (1927 to 1943) who laid a solid foundation, a period which saw St. Peter’s making a big impact on the local educational scene in double quick time; Thirdly, the aftermath of World War II and the Rectorship of Very Rev. Fr. Basil A. Wiratunga O.M.I. from 1943 to 1956; Fourthly, an era spanning 21 years which take in the Rectorships of five Rectors all of whom had to grapple with financial constraints brought about by the daring and bold decision not to be vested with the State, but to function as a ‘Non fee levying private school’ – Rev. Fr. Arthur Nicholas Fernando (1956 to 1963), Rev. Fr. Mervyn Weerakkody (1963 to 1971), Rev. Fr. Theodore E. Peiris O.M.I. (1971 to 1975), Rev. Fr. Claver Perera (1975 to 1976), and Rev. Fr. Francis Madiwela (1976 to 1977); Fifthly, the enlightening and brilliant Rectorship of Rev. Fr. Joe E. Wickramasinghe (1978 to 1994) – an era which could well be called ‘The Renaissance in Peterite History’; this was followed by the eleven year old Rectorship of Rev. Fr. Felician Perera (1994-2005) on whose young shoulders fell the responsibility of guiding St. Peter’s into the early 21st Century, bringing us up to the era of Fr. Travis Gabriel (2005-2014), the 10th Rector of St. Peter’s College. Then came the builder of the century and the 11th Rector, Rev. Fr. Trevor Martin (2014-2019). His tenure in office was marked with infrastructure development projects. This was the beginning of a chain of buildings and innovations to St. Peter’s College. As he started the office renovations, he dreamt of having a suitable hall that could accommodate three hundred people. Fr. Trevor got the architects and engineers for a meeting and changed the whole foundation and came up with a plan for a three-storied building, finding space for a computer section on the first floor.
Rev. Fr. Rohitha Rodrigo – Current Rector, St. Peter’s College Colombo
Rev. Fr. Rohitha Rodrigo, A proud old boy of St. Peter’s College, has been appointed as the 12th Rector of St. Peter’s College. He served earlier as the Principal of the Primary School at St. Peter’s and later as the Rector of St. Jude’s College Negombo. Under his guidance our alma mater will reach new heights.
The quality of education one receives at. St. Peter’s College is exceptional. For science students the laboratories are well equipped. The school hires first-class teachers’ who impart their knowledge to the students with ease and clarity. Sports has always been its forte going back in time to the early 30s when the cricket, rugby football and athletic teams excelled at inter-school championships. St. Peter’s College cricket team was formed in the same timeframe as the induction of Fr. Nicholas Perera’s appointment as first Rector of St. Peter’s College. According to records available, Norman Paternott was appointed the first cpatain of the Peterite Cricket team in 1928 and served in this capacity with distinction till 1930.
Josephian-Peterite Cricket Encounter a.k.a. “Battle of the Saints”
Battle of the Saints logo
The Josephian-Peterite Cricket Encounter began in 1933 with Robert Fernando (SJC) & George Jayaweera (SPC) honoured as the respective skippers of St. Joseph’s College and St. Peter’s College. St. Peter’s has produced many top notch crickers ever since this auspices start – too many to mention in this write-up. The match was interrupted during the second world war for two encounters – in 1942 & 1943. St. Joseph’s College leads the series tally with 12 wins, their last win coming under the captaincy of Ruwantha Fernandopulle in 2008, while St. Peter’s College were the winners of the 2016 encounter under Vinu Mohotty, bringing their tally to 10 wins, which ensured the Rev. Father Maurice J. Legoc Trophy was kept securely in the trophy cabinet in Bambalapitiya.
Clive Inman – undoubtedly the most decorated Peterite cricketer in the first 100 years
Clive Inman captained SPC in 1955
Clive Inman is perhaps the most decorated cricketer produced by the school. His innings of 204 (retired hurt) at the Josephian-Peterite big match in 1954 remains the highest individual score of the 87-year-old history of the series that began in 1933. St. Peter’s College fielded two sets of brothers in their 1955 team captained by the dynamic Clive Inman; the Duckworth brothers – Kenneth and Russell, and the de Silva brothers – Brian and Maurice. This, I believe, is a record in the Josephian-Peterite big match.
Inman represented All-Ceylon in cricket and emigrated to England where he played for Leicestershire County Cricket Club, one of the first-class clubs in the domestic cricket structure of England and Wales. Rohan Buultjens (St. Peter’s) remains the only cricketer in the series to score two centuries in the big match in 1979.
Other notable cricketers who earned their national caps are Dr. H.I.K. Fernando, P.A.T. Kelly, Tony Opatha, David Heyn, Rohan Buultjens, Roy Dias, Rumesh Ratnayake, Vinothen John, Amal Silva, Russel Arnold, Kaushal Lokuarachci, Malinda Warnapura, and Angelo Perera. Santhush Gunathilake, 2018 Peterite skipper is part of the current squad and is likely to represent Sri Lanka shortly. Gunathilake holds the record for the highest score by a Peterite ever when he scored 252 runs against Ananda College in 2019. Gunathilaka’s awesome score of 252 runs surpassed the previous record held by Angelo Perera – 239-runs in 2009 against Nalanda College. The other double-century scores on record for the Peterites are that of 1963 skipper Tyrone Le Mercier’s unbeaten 235 against St. Anthony’s College Kandy in 1962.
ROY DIAS – CLASSIC BATSMAN FOR ST. PETER’S
Other notable cricketers who earned their national caps are Dr. H.I.K. Fernando, P.A.T. Kelly, Tony Opatha, David Heyn, Rohan Buultjens, Roy Dias, Rumesh Ratnayake, Vinothen John, Amal Silva, Russel Arnold, Kaushal Lokuarachchi, Malinda Warnapura, and Angelo Perera. Santhush Gunathilake, 2018 Peterite skipper is part of the current squad and is likely to represent Sri Lanka shortly. Gunathilake holds the record for the highest score by a Peterite ever when he scored 252 runs against Ananda College in 2019. Gunathilaka’s awesome score of 252 runs surpassed the previous record held by Angelo Perera – 239-runs in 2009 against Nalanda College. The other double-century scores on record for the Peterites are that of 1963 skipper Tyrone Le Mercier’s unbeaten 235 against St. Anthony’s College Kandy in 1962.
St. Peter’s has always been proud of its rugby record
St. Peter’s College took to Rugby Football like a duck would take to water. Peterite Rugby lineage is rich with talent together with the true spirit of the game and it is with no doubt the Blue, White and Gold Brigade have made up their name as consistent performers of the game through-out the history of ninety years.
A decade after the school was established, Lim Billimoria was ushered in as the school’s first rugby captain. In the period 1932-1949, St. Peter’s had outstanding players like Billimorai, Shirley de S. Illesinghe, Fred Kellar, Percy Perera, Archibald Perera, Shelly Blake, Kenneth de Silva, Harold de Silva and others. The following were rugby captains from 1932-1949.
1949 – Ken Ariyaraja 1948 – Harold de Silva 1942 – 1947 – No rugger due to World War II 1941 – W A Chandrasena 1940 – Kenneth Silva (schools’ rugby champions for the year) 1939 – Vernon Peiris (schools’ rugby champions for the year) 1938 – Percy Perera (invincible rugby champions. Percy Perera also captained the cricket team in 1938) 1937 – Percy Perera (schools’ rugby champions for the year) 1936 – Archibald Perera (invincible rugby champions for the first time and he was one among the few Ceylonese to represent All Ceylon. He was subsequently a legendary coach from 1956 to 1982) 1935 – Fred Kellar (beat Trinity for the 1st time and declared joint champions with Trinity) 1934 – Shirley de S Illesinghe (Peterites record their first ever win. Against Royal – 5-0. Illesinghe was also the cricket captain in 1934 & 1935) 1933 – J E F Pereira 1932 – Lim Bilimoria
The period 1950 – 1975 saw St. Peter’s College produced top rugby players who played first class rugby for clubs and later represented the national team. Shelley Blake, Ago Paiva, Terry Williams, Ephraims brothers – Conrad, Leslie & Desmond, Brian de Silva, Tony Johnson, Maurice de Silva, Lakshman Serasinghe, Jayantha Fernando, Adiel Anghie, Didacus de Almeida, Jeyer Rodriguez, Rohan Abeysundera, Hadji Omar, Paternott brothers – Aubrey, Rodney & Hamish, Ronnie Gunaratne, Hazmee Hameed, Sunil Perera, Jeffrey de Jong, Frank Hubert, Nimal Jayasuriya, C.L. (Lalith) de Silva, Jizwi Nizar, Darrell Wimalaratne, Desmond Harridge, Stephen Alagaratnam, Durand Beekmeyer, to name a few.
These six Peterites were honoured to captain Cricket & Rugby teams at their alma mater
The 86th Battle of the Saints, Big Match encounter between traditional rivals St. Joseph’s College and St. Peter’s College ended in a high scoring draw at the P. Sara Oval, yesterday.
The hero’s on the second day were Petes’ Ruwin Senevirathne and Danal Hemananda who joined the list of half-centurions in the Big Match series.
Ruvin and Danal came together at a vital stage of the innings when their team were in a spot of bother. The duo did what exactly Peterite coach wanted as they put up an unbroken 88 run partnership for the 9th wicket.
A definite asset for future of Sri Lanka’s cricket Ruwin Senevirathne scored an unbeaten 53 while Danal Hemananda also scored a fighting half century to put their Alma Mater on top.
Earlier, Peterite Rishika Santhush also scored a brilliant 68 off 144 deliveries before Ruwin and Danal stood firm and held their nerve to rescue the side from danger with the fighting unfinished partnership.
As a result, St. Peter’s went on to amass a formidable 288 for eight wickets in their second innings while making some amends for their first innings’ batting debacle.
Earlier, St. Joseph’s put themselves in a strong position after Dineth Jayakody and Sadeesh Jayawardene anchored a record breaking 148 run partnership for the fifth wicket to end on top on Day one, but the duo failed to continue their momentum on day two and were eventually bowled out for 259 runs.
The Joes of course were well placed to reach a much bigger total in their first innings but they completely lost their way on the second day due to some accurate bowling from Vinuda Liyanage (4/56) and Trishen Herath (3/57).
St. Joseph’s College: 259 all out (51.3) (Dineth Jayakody 122, Sadeesh Jayawardana 70, V Liyanage 4/56)
St. Peter’s College: 224 all out (60) & 288/8 (87.4) (Rishika Santhush 68, Ruwin Senevirathne 53*, Danal Hemananda 50 *, Dunith Wellalage 4/84) (IR)(Pix by Kelum Chamara)
2022 is a banner year for St. Peter’s College Colombo!The school celebrates its Centenary this year. Due to prevailing Omicron/Covid pandemic conditions celebrations are scaled down for 18th January 2022. However, other activities connected with the centenary have already been published by Algi Wijewickrema, spokesman for the St. Peter’s College Old Boys’ Union.This illustration showcases the Founder and Rectors who have worked diligently to build and raise the standard of this prestigious educational institution. The school has produced many stars and superstars in the one-hundred year span in many spheres. Be it academics, discipline, sports, politics, government, armed forces, music and entertainment, the alumni of St. Peter’s College have carried the blue, white and gold flag flying high and made a huge contribution to the their alma mater and the nation.
Happy 100th Anniversary! May the school go from strength to strength and continue to maintain its gold standard.
Dr. Adiel C. Anghie, MD, 73, of Wheeling, WV, passed away on Sunday, June 14, 2015 at Liza’s Place. Loving husband and father, he was born on July 20, 1941 the son of the late Gerard and Jeannie (Marr) Anghie. Dr. Anghie was a physician at the Bellaire Medical Clinic and Bellaire Hospital for over 25 years. He was a member of St. Joseph Cathedral Parish, Wheeling. Surviving is his loving wife, Christine Anghie, one son, Niall Anghie and his wife Tracy of Cary, NC; three grandchildren, Braden Anghie, Keegan Anghie and Aven Anghie. Friends received 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Wednesday at the Altmeyer Funeral Home, 154 Kruger St., Wheeling, where Vigil services will be held at 3:30 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, June 18, 2015 at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, Wheeling, with Rev. Dennis Schuelkens as celebrant. Entombment in Mount Calvary Cemetery, Wheeling. Memorial contributions can be made to Catholic Neighborhood Center, 125 18th Street, Wheeling, WV, 26003, or St. Vincent de Paul Parish School, 127 Key Ave, Wheeling, WV, 26003. Offer condolences online at www.altmeyerfuneralhomes.com
Upali Obeyesekere, President, JPAA Canada, in a testimonial in 2015, entitled “Adiel Anghie, the Peterite superstar”
Adiel Anghie was a phenomenal product of St. Peter’s College, Bambalapitiya. He was a brilliant all-round student who excelled in studies and sports. He entered the medical faculty of the University of Ceylon from his alma mater after a colourful sports career that saw him lead the St. Peter’s College Rugby Team in addition to the Cricket Team. This is a rare combination for any sportsman at school level. To top it all, Adiel scored a brilliant century (101) in the 1961 JosephianPeterite Encounter that was drawn.
In Rugby, Adiel played in the stand-off position with Didacus de Almeida playing inside threequarter and was picked to Captain St. Peter’s College Rugby XV in 1959. He is a 1st cousin of the three famous Anghie brothers of Royal College – Tony, Trevor and Maurice Anghie. In 1959, when Adiel captained his school, his cousin Maurice Anghie captained Royal College. When the two teams (Royal V. St. Peter’s) met that year it ended in a thrilling six all draw at Bambalapitiya.
Adiel Anghie played Cricket for St. Peter’s College from 1958 – 1961, captaining the last year. In the four years, he played alongside Brian Seneviratne (1959 Captain), , Russel Duckworth (1958 Captain), Premasiri Athukorale (1960 Captain), Darrel D’Silva, Christie Marthalingam, Anton Perera, Desmond Dharmarajah, Elmo Gunasekara, Christie Marthalingam, Richard Alles, Mark de Silva, Richard Heyn, Tyrone Le Mercier, Randy Layman, Maurice Deckker, David Heyn, Didacus de Almeida, Sam Rajah, Tissa Jayaweera, Travice Fernando and Rohan Abeysundera.
Adiel had two significant contributions in the Josephian-Peterite encounter. In 1960, Adiel scored 64 runs in the 1st innings of a drawn “Big Match”. In 1961, as Captain of the Peterite side he scored a magnificent century (101) in another drawn game.
Adiel successfully entered the Medical Faculty of the University of Ceylon and was a valued member of the 1962/63 University team that won the Saravanamuttu Trophy that year. The achievement of that team led by Carlyle Perera has not been equalled or surpassed since. That team had the cream of schoolboy cricketers of that era who in addition to their excellence in cricket also excelled in studies. Carlyle Perera who led this champion university team played for St. Joseph’s College, captaining the team in 1958. Others in the winning team were – Mano Ponniah, Nihal Gurusinghe, Lareef Idroos, U.R.P. Goonetilleke, Buddy Reid (STCML), N.J.S.de Mel, Nanda Senenayake, Harsha Samarajeewa (Royal), Kingsley Fernando, (St. Sebastian’s Moratuwa), Adiel Anghie, Merril Gunaratne (St. Peter’s), Cyril Ernest (SBC).
THE FINAL CHAPTER
Dr. Adiel Anghie lived in the U.S.A. for over 30 years with his wife and family. His classmate and close friend Daya Chandraratne invited Adiel to Toronto i n2009, for the 25th Anniversary of the Josephian-Peterite Alumni Association of Canada. Adiel accepted the invitation and came for the event with Cecil Perera who worked at the World Bank in Washington DC. Sadly, Cecil passed away about three years back.
Just last year, JPAA President Upali Obeyesekere invited Dr. Adiel Anghie and David Heyn to attend the 30th Encounter of the Canadian version of the “Josephian-Peterite” Cricket match. Both Adiel and David accepted and were honoured at a fellowship reception held in June of last year. The two sports stars were Guests of Honour at the Cricket Encounter played in Toronto. Less than 1-year from this great event we learn of the passing of Adiel on Sunday, June 14, 2015, 36-days shy of his 74th birthday. Our sincere condolences go out to his wife Christine and family.
Adiel Anghie was a model student who excelled with distinction in sports and studies at St. Peter’s College under the watchful eye of the Rector, Rev. Fr. Arthur Fernando. In a rare feat, he captained his alma mater in both Cricket and Rugby and had the honour of scoring a century at the “Big Match”. His achievements speak for itself and will live on in our memories.
It is with profound sadness we learn of Lyn Wiratunga’s demise in London, England on December 24, 2021. He was a Pre-70s Peterite who excelled in sports – Rugby, Basketball, Hockey & Tennis. Lyn’s late father was the brother of our second Rector, Rev. Fr. Basil Wiratunga. Lyn lived on Davidson Road, Bambalapitiya close to college. He had a few first cousins at college too – Nihal Wiratunga, Lalith Wiratunga, Asoka Wiratunga and Lal Wiratunga. Lyn’s sister Shirani is married to another Peterite sportsman Daya Chandraratne of Davidson Road – both residents on Toronto, Canada.
Lyn passed out as an Engineer but changed course whilst in the U.K. and became a Professional Accountant.
May Lyn Rest in Peace!
Photo: L to R: Upali Obeyesekere, Lyn Wiratunga & Lalith Wiratunga taken in Toronto when Lyn was visiting his sister.
We go back in time over 50 years to remember the feats of an outstanding athlete who dominated track events in national and school athletics. Ranjit Wijeyesekere of St.Peter’s College, Bambalapitiya, by outclassing formidable rivals in the most glamorous events in the sport, 400 metres, 200 metres and 100 metres, developed an aura of invincibility in the 1950’s and 60’s. Unfortunately, he left Sri Lanka for greener pastures at a relatively young age. He was thus lost to athletics prematurely. He is presently domiciled in Ontario, Canada.
They were times when honour and respect for high standards characterized the conduct of those excelling in sports. They competed partly to earn personal milestones, but mainly to bring credit and glory to their schools and the country. Ranjit was one of such ilk. There were countless others in numerous games. They had to sacrifice time spent on studies in order to labour at sports practices; and the only reward they earned for their efforts was recognition. This contrasts sharply with the culture today where sport is a profession, with lucre and lucrative offers baiting performance. Not that today’s stars are to be faulted, but they were fortunate when compared with those of Ranjit’s day who competed only for recognition. But where money mixes with sports, disagreeable influences could also follow, giving rise to a different culture to what it was in those halcyon days. In this context, Ranjit and others in the 50’s and 60’s epitomized pristine values.
RANJIT’S STYLE OF RUNNING
Sports aficionadoBob Harvie, commentating at a national meet, described Ranjit’s style of blazing the track as the best he had seen. This was not an exaggeration. Accumulation of places and records in any game has to be admired, but what leaves indelible impressions in the observer is the elegance that accompanies performance. Taking cricket to prov
e the point, David Gower’s poise and silken grace had a telling impact on crowds. We had our own wristy stylists: Stanley Jayasinghe, Michael Tissera, Aravinda de Silva, Madugalle, Tennakoon and Roy Dias. There were many others in diverse games.
The style of Ranjit Wijeyesekere in the most glamorous events of athletics, the 400,200 and 100 metres, was unique and incomparable. Ranjit stood tall, 6 ft. 2 inches and lanky, but was well developed in the shoulders and legs. He had exceptionally long legs. To have seen those long strides with shoulders and legs generating rhythm and speed, was an awesome sight. There was a feline grace about him. He dazzled crowds. His run was a melody in motion. He was the glamour ‘boy’ of athletics in the 1950’s. Ranjit was a synonym for grace and rhythm, a gazelle in full throttle, and a connoisseur’s delight. I could stand testimony, having seen many of his triumphs. These are impressions frozen in time. It was a pity that modern technology was not available at the time to capture his elegance for posterity.
The Public Schools Meet of 1957 at the Colombo Oval and Ranjit’s feats are yet etched in my mind. At that time, at virtually every meet they competed together, JC Fernando of Royal College and Ranjit Wijeyesekere of St Peter’s College had to be at their best to attempt outdo the other. It was amidst such fierce competition that Ranjit Wijeyesekere won the 440 yds and 220 yds events. It was possibly because of the formidable challenge of JC Fernando that Ranjit ran the race of his life to win and break the Public Schools record in the 440 yds event. He was the acme of elegance as well as a superlative achiever. This unique combination made him the darling of crowds. It was therefore not a matter for surprise that Bob Harvie was inspired to pay him the highest accolades. As a person, Ranjit was unspoilt by achievement and reputation, modest, unassuming, friendly, softspoken, honourable, and disciplined. He was a gentle giant. St. Peter’s College had ample reason to have been proud of their superstar.
SOME OF HIS ACHIEVEMENTS
The triumphs of Wijeyesekere in the 50’s and 60’s were legion. I succeeded in obtaining a few of his achievements from various sources, despite the passage of over 50 years from the time he blazed the track. The following table captures some of his outstanding performances:
Ranjit Wijeyesekere joined Air Ceylon from school and thereafter migrated overseas. Constant travel and irregular working hours would have restricted attention to the sport he so adored. We can only infer how he would have adorned the national stage if he had remained longer in Sri Lanka and pursued a career which did not hinder opportunities to train and compete. Besides, the kind of patronage and material support now enjoyed by sport stars were not benefits at that time. The quest for employment and a secure future were far more wise and pragmatic options then, than achieving mere recognition. Overall, Ranjit’s loss was also the nation’s loss.
It may be apt to name the galaxy of outstanding runners of the 50’s: J.C. Fernando, O.K Hemachandra, Denzil Fernando, C.S. Fernando, Yohan and D.W. Rajaratnam, W.W. Tambimuttu, Ivan Boteju, R.A.F. Perera, Nimal Fernando, Lakshman De Alwis, Senaka Wijenaike, Lorenz Pereira, R.J Reid and Darrel Lieversz. I must surely have overlooked many others, my memory after so long being hazy. St Peter’s College which was captained by Ranjith Wijeyesekere in 1957 alone boasted many stars: W.W. Tambimuttu, Nissanka Dharmatillake, Anton Perera, Errol de Silva, Vandort, Ranjith Weerasena Roger Wright, Neville Salvador, Chesley Jayasinghe and Ranjith Perera. They emerged champions at the Public Schools Meet in 1957.
FELICITATION OF FORMER HEROES
It is an axiom of life that achievements and reputations in any field or sphere are extremely ephemeral. We remember and admire sportsmen so long as they entertain. We may speak of them with nostalgia for sometime after their retirement, but it is not in our nature to admire them with the same enthusiasm after lapses of time. There is an inconstant or fickle nature in humans. But should we push superstars like Ranjit into total oblivion? Have we not consigned them to the distant limbo of history? They in their prime had, making many sacrifices, toiled to bring fame to the country and their schools. It is arguable that they should later be felicitated, recognized and appreciated for their unique feats and fame, a reminder that we will remember them with gratitude.
It may be appropriate to consider the arrangement of elaborate felicitation ceremonies for at least former national champions as a demonstration of gratitude. The focal point for such arrangement may be the school, for they can manage limited numbers unlike national sports bodies which may have to cater to much larger numbers. But if schools are to evolve a system to plan and hold such functions to felicitate their former national stars on a systematic and regular basis, they should establish archives to store data so that some deserving will not be overlooked. Archives may be necessary for any organization or organized activity. They provide flesh to history and heritage which in turn become fundamental props or prerequisites to enable those in the present to emulate the past and inspire the future. Any organization could exploit it’s heritage as an impetus to improve standards. Archives therefore link the past to the present and the future.
In a mail sent to me last month, Ranjit, referring to his participation at a meet in India, had stated that he represented “BELOVED Sri Lanka”. His intense patriotism yet for a country he left 50 years ago is amply evident in this expression. One can only imagine the patriotic feelings that would have gone through his mind when, 50 to 60 years ago, he constantly mounted the rostrum to receive trophies for his triumphs. I think a conscious effort to show these former national stars in the sunset of their lives that we owe them a deep debt of gratitude through felicitation ceremonies is the least that could be done to demonstrate that we have not forgetten them.
