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From
the other wing
By Bernie Wijesekera
On a quiet sunny morning at Talawatugoda whilst watching the inaugural
Indoor rugby tournament organized by Austasia The Sunday Times had
the opportunity of meeting that versatile sportsman
Old
Rajan Hemantha Yatawara. One time Policeman. Kandy ‘Clubs’
manager –cum coach. The club won the men’s final beating
Police SC.
While at school Hemantha was awarded the prestigious ‘Dagoba’
in three disciplines – the highest awarded to a sportsman.
They were in hockey, athletics and rugby.
Captained
the school which emerged champions and also led the Sri Lanka schools
hockey team in 1980. He was Public schools champion in the javelin
and represented Sri Lanka schools in the Indo-Sri Lanka meet staged
in Agra.
Q: What made you get interested in hockey?
A: From my childhood I used to dribble the ball with a
stick put aside as a hockey stick.
Q:
Who coached you?
A: It was Mr. Kiridena. I played for the school from 1978
– 1980. The team had brothers Gamini and Tissa Jayasinghe
and Chandana Ekanayake.
Q:
You captained in hockey, athletics and rugby.
A: Yes.
Q:
Despite your preference for hockey, you made a name in rugby –
who coached you?
A: No one. Learnt the skills on my own. Late Kavan Rambukwella
assisted me.
Q:
Any members of the family who played rugby?
A: Yes, besides me two others, brothers Saman and Udaya
played together for Dharmaraja. There were five boys in my family
and all were involved in sports.
Q:
Your parents must have had a time, looking into the needs of a growing
family?
A: Yes. It was hard time. But ungrudgingly they gave their
best. If we are something in life it is thanks to them. My mother
is still in our midst.
Q:
What was your first job?
A: In 1982 joined the Police. We had to work and play not
just rugby alone. Work and play including night rounds.
Q:
Any highlights whilst playing for the blue shirts?
A: For six consecutive years won the John Player leagues.
IGP (rtd.) Earnest Perera and Sumith Silva gave the team all support
and encouragement via rugby was able to build Police – Public
relations.
Q:
What attributes for this success?
A: The players were totally committed disciplined and worked
hard on their own. We had to go match by match.
Q:
Did you play for Sri Lanka - in what position?
A: From 1985-1994 as fullback and centre three quarter.
Q:
What was your most unforgettable moment in your career?
A: In 1988 the team was led by Hafeel Marso, Police won
the ‘triple’ crown in a gruelling final against CR and
FC. Then at the the Presidsent Premadasa Trophy final Police won
12-9. I received a serious gash to my eyebrow and got immediate
medical attention. I remember Dr. Fred Perera he rushed to the bench
and attended to my injury with 5 sutures. I was able to play the
entire second half. Police won the match thanks to his humanitarian
act. Dr. Fred’s stitch in time saved the game for the Police.
But CR and FC won the accolades all round.
Q:
Did you captain the Police team?
A: in 1991, the last year the blue shirts won the league,
the Clifford Cup K.O. but lost the President’s Trophy to the
CH and FC.
Todate I owe a debt of gratitude to the Police. It taught me many
things in latter life. Even today I am able to handle human problems
thanks to what I learnt whilst being a law enforcing officer.
Q:
Play hard on the field, but play clean.
A: Yes, It has helped me in my present job immensely. It
was an honour to don the blue and the national jersey.
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