Real tribute to Raba

The good die young! Raba Gunasekera and outstanding sportsman of Royal College who excellent in sports – Captained the Royal Rugby Team in 1979, winning the prestigious Bradby Shied, hails from a legendary sporting stock. The Gunasekera clan the likes of D.B., C.I., H.T. V.J.H., C.H. (Channa). His father Valentine (VK) Captained the Royal College cricket team in 1950. The team had the likes of V.T. Vairavanathan, Lalith Hewawitharane, etc.

Raba, enjoyed a trail-blazing career at Royal. Winning Colours at Rugby, Athletics and Rowing. A Sportsman par excellence. Always maintained the spirit of the game. He belonged to the 1978, ’79 and ’80 Groups where Royal Rugby reigned supreme. In 1978 Royal was led by that hard running centre Rohantha Peiris and Raba played as scrumhalf under Rohantha. The team had Iqbal Hassen, Sukumar, Raheel Rahim, etc. Under Dusky Peiris it was the Golden Era for Royal Rugby (1978, 1979 and 1980) knocked the daylights of the strong Dulwich College., London. The London school boys earlier defeated Isipathana, St. Thomas’, Trinity before going down to Royal. Rohantha led the combined schools XV against yet another star – studded team from London – Loughvorough School. They met their waterloo.

Rohantha speaking with emotion said that late Raba was one of the members of the combined schools team. Had the likes of Shane Pinder, M.F. Sallay, Iqbal Hassen, Raheel Seyed, Sukumar, Dil, Vipula, etc. Late Gunasekera without doubt was a gem in a scrapheap. Always ready to help others in their hour of need. Though domiciled in the States (USA) imagine coming all the way from the States to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the 1978, ’79 and ’80 Group in 2003 at Longden Place. As usual beaming with smiles this scribe was there. Was it a premonition? Its debatable Karma or faith. Two days later he passed away. Received a right Royal farewell given by his friends and close associates, i.e., in this motherland. His colleagues and the Royal College OBA has not forgotten Raba. Has laid an everlasting foundation in his memory to help the needy and to those talented sportsman, who has done proud for the school. According to Rohantha Peiris, President of the Raba Gunasekera Foundation was formed for the right reasons. It has received global support from old Royalists and well wishers. It’s the most prestigious award given by the College to those who deserve to be honoured.

Royal College Colours Nite was held on Friday 9th February at 5.30 p.m. (Nawarangahala) to a packed audience with Chief Guest being Lionel Almeida of rugby fame. The award winners incidentally Rugby, Water polo and Swimming Bilal Hassen was the recipient for the prestigious Raba Gunasekera Trophy for the Most Outstanding Rugby Player 2006. His father Iqbal Hassen played with Raba. A rare coincidence indeed!

Second award Most Outstanding Athlete 2006 Sahan Hettiarachchi (seniors) Throwing events excelled at the Public School’s and at National School Games.

Youngest Athlete Coloursman 2006 Sachitha Bandara (sprints) Outstanding junior sprinter. Excelled at Public School’s Game. Represented Sri Lanka junior Athletic team to Maldives year 2006.

Youngest Rugby Coloursman 2006 was award to the dynamic up and coming Isuru Jayatilake.

Incidentally, Raba’s grandfather D.B. Gunasekera played for Royal in 1901 whilst the first Prime Minister D.S. Senanayake played for S Thomas’ College.