| The
Royal-Thomian connection
A little more than thirty ago the name Kariyawasam was synonymous
in both tents of the Battle of the Blues. It all began with the
eldest Pramodya turning out for S. Thomas’ followed by Prasanna
and Pradeep playing for Royal.
However
my story is not about the Kariyawasams but one I bumped into accidentally
one afternoon. It all happened at Galle Face last Sunday (April
23) at the launching of the Golden Oldies’ 12th World Cup
Festival 2006 in Sri Lanka. Among ten participants was Royal skipper
of 1975 Prasanna Kariyawasam, who is still a picture of fitness.
It did not take him long to spot me and promptly he was beside me.
“Khomada Bernie – Apinan duken jeewath wenawa”
( How are you Bernie we of course are managing to exist). Then we
decided to sit again for a small chat.
Q:
What was your most unforgettable moment in your school career?
A: There are many. The first was to captain Royal in the
inaugural big match against S. Thomas’ at the SSC grounds.
The Thomians were led by burly Mohan de Silva. However Royal won
the inaugural Mustang trophy limited overs match.
Q:
Do you agree it was the brainchild of A.V.M. Harry Gunatilleke,
late Lanka Silva and Tissa Gunaratne ?
A: Yes. They were right royal old Royalists.
Q:
Any unforgettable moments in your school cricket career.
A: I opened batting. Made 155 not out against Ananda, at
Campbell Place. Played for Royal from 1972 – 1975. My first
year was under Asitha Jayaweera a shrewd tactician. In 1972 I played
under the captaincy of Ajitha Pasqual and Samuel Lawton, eventually
signed off in 1975 as captain. Elder brother Promodhya captained
the Thomians from 1969-70 while Pradeep played in the Centenary
match in 1979.
Q:
Any impressions you noticed here on and off the field?
A: After 32 years I played at the P ‘Sara’
Stadium. In 1974 it was called the Oval. This is a first class venue.
Well maintained with all facilities. Fit for an international game.
Q:
Are you aware the first neutral test between Pakistan and Australia
was staged here?
A: Then they have done proud for Sri Lanka cricket.
Q:
Did you play any club cricket?
A: Yes, for the SSC whilst a schoolboy with the likes of
Ian Pieris. Anura Tennekoon, Duleep Mendis, Jayantha Kudahetty etc.
Q:
Has cricket helped you?
A: Yes, helped me to be a team player, to achieve goals/targets
in my professional life.
Q:
What’s your contribution for Sri Lanka cricket in NSW Sydney?
A: I am its secretary. Palitha Wijesena is the President.
We sponsor a junior cricket carnival among Lankans domiciled in
Sydney where Under-16 youngsters take part. One of them was picked
to play for the Australian Under-19 team -- Alian Beadle, Besides
a number of kids have been selected to play NSW junior age group
teams.
Q:
Any comments about our junior cricket here?
A: Quite high. Some of the Australian junior teams who
played here have been outplayed. But there must be continuity. Apparently
some of the parents want their children to pursue academic careers.
I gather its happening even in Australia among Sri Lankan parents,
too. They want their children to pursue a professional career.
Q:
Any comments about Sri Lanka cricket?
A: A key point. Every country undergoes a period of transition
when the senior players call it a day. For example, Australia’s
Dennis Lillee, Rod Marsh, Ian and Greg Chappell, when they gave
up there was a period of transition. Even West Indies, too suffered
the same fate after their stupendous efforts in the 1970s and early
80s. At present we are faced with the same situation.
Q:
“One swallow does not make a summer”
A: Yes, No reasons to run into panic stations. To overcome
there should be a well planned structure for the future. All cricket
brains must work together.
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