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WALK DOWN MEMORY LANE
An unforgettable long innings
By Bernie Wijesekera
It was the year 1963, when all Ananda home matches were played at
Campbell Place on the cricket ground which they shared with Nalanda
College. In this era most of the schools had matting wickets. This
game was against St. Anthony’s Katugastota, and wasn’t
it a memorable one on all counts.
It
was the second inning of the match after all the ups and downs and
the thrills and frills of the game of cricket, it boiled down to
Ananda having to score 201 runs for victory. Opening batting for
the Maradana school was small made allrounder A.G. Perera and burly
Lawrence Amerasena. The home team got off to a good start with the
openers putting on a 70 run stand for the first wicket with A.G.
scoring his usual hurricane half century and getting out. Then there
was a middle order slump till Lawrence now holding on paired off
with Dyan Pathiravitana to bring some stability and put on 40 odd
runs. But, Dyan too departed and Lawrence held the inning together
with Patrick Fernando coming in at 180 for 8, thus failing by just
21 runs with Amerasena remaining unbeaten on 78.
Lawrence
Amerasena a versatile sportsman excelled at cricket, football and
hockey. Later he proved his mettle as an administrator and served
the Sri Lanka Police as an senior officer and Sri Lanka Cricket,
as its secretary.
He had his ups and downs on and off the field. He joined as a Sub-Inspector
and eventually retired as a Deputy Inspector General. He was fortunate
to have his Police baptism with the likes of genial (IGP rtd.) Mr.
Rudra Rajasingham.
At
Ananda, as a schoolboy ‘Amere’ went through the dark
tunnel for a better tomorrow – thanks to two legends Principal
G.W. Rajapakse and evergreen cricket coach P. Walter Perera.
Q:
You have been playing cricket for quite a long time on and off the
field (administrator). Without doubt a long walk in the open. Did
it help you to go places?
A: Yes, at times a boiling cauldron raged with controversies. I
served the game for over 45 years, since I first padded up at Ananda
in 1961. I am happy to have indulged in this gentleman’s game.
Apparently today it is not so in some quarters, due to the money
culture.
Q:
Any comments about sports and sport administration?
A: Apparently they are man made problems, due to the power struggle.
This is not going to hold the game or the country in general. Even
the ardent critics, must be harnessed in the interest of the game.
Q:
Under whom did you play?
A: I played under dynamic allrounder, Sarath Wimalaratne who later
played for the country, to my memory, it was in 1962 against Royal
at Reid Avenue. Royal was led by Darrell Lieversz, which team included
Vijay Malalasekera, Chanaka de Silva etc. Vijay made a princely
50. Ananda, had T.D. Rajapakse P. Polonowita, Duminda Siriwardena,
Dyan Pathiravitana, D.H.R. Jayasinghe etc. It was two days of exciting
cricket. Ananda, had to make 72 runs for an outright win. Plenty
of time and overs at hand. But Lieversz and Chanaka had other ideas
– swinging the ball beautifully. I opened batting with D.H.R.
Jayasinghe and plodded for 20 overs for 21 runs. My contribution
was 14 runs. All were running into panic stations – including
the coach. Darrell and Chanaka ran riot. Ananda was bowled out for
65 runs. Ananda players were made to cry. But cricket was the winner.
Q: What have you achieved at club level?
A: I played for the NCC in a Div. III final against Matara SC, at
Uyanwatte Esplanade, in 1963 where I had a record – breaking
opening stand of 265 with Asoka Seneviratne. I contributed 148.
It is still a ground record. Ronnie Reid at No. 3 slot couldn’t
bat.
Q: You had the temperament to play long innings.
A: That was my style. You should have the patience to stay there,
be there and runs will come.
Q: You are a qualified cricket Umpire.
A: Yes, I have made human errors.
In 1984 I made 84 runs for Police SC in a P. ‘Sara’
trophy game against SSC led by Duleep Mendis. They had bowlers of
the calibre of Asantha de Mel, Roger Wijesuriya, U.S.C. Perera etc.
SSC had to win this game outright to become the champions that season.
But Police SC, thwarted their aspirations. My dour back to the wall
knock balked them. Police team had the likes of T.B. Kehelgamuwa,
Franklyn Burke, G.S. Ratnayake, J. Paranathala etc. No pushover
side. The game at that time was very competitive. I enjoyed a 37-year
old partnership with the Police. No regrets.
Q: It was tough going, work and play, with night rounds. In what
way have you served whilst serving in the districts?
A: There were a few hiccups. I was instrumental for Police SC to
play in the Premier league – ‘A’ division. Via
sports. I helped build Police-Public relationship. In turn helped
build understanding. Was President of the State Services, Galle,
Badulla, Ampara and Moneragala districts. Also President of the
Negombo CC.
Q:
Since 1982, you have served Sri Lanka Cricket in various capacities.
You have gone abroad as official, too. Apparently at times raged
by controversies at general meetings due to a power struggle.
A: In the year 1999 AGM was a “Black Sunday”,
at Maitland Place. Mr. Clifford Ratwatte, contested Mr. Thilanga
Sumathipala for the presidency. Despite being a Public Servant (SSP)
I supported Sumathipala, as president of State Services and Negombo
CC. All the representatives from association and clubs were there.
Apparently hell broke out when some armed men in civvie, broke through
the main gate, led by an underworld character, whom I identified.
Being the only Police officer in the vicinity I had to take action
despite being unarmed. They were coming to the main hall to attack
Sumathipala’s supporters. At this stage Prasanna Ranatunga,
was vice-president to Sumathipala. With two body guards, Prasanna
barred them and chased them away. His prompt action saved many a
life and limb. Even todate I commend his brave act. |
