His life was a saga of dedication and sacrifice

Srian Perera

Srian’s family, friends and associates commemorated his fifth death anniversary on March 16, for it was on this day five years ago that Srian answered his summons of fate just after completing his customary exercises at a gym in England like a true sportsman which he has always been.

His untimely demise plunged all who knew him into a state of shock and misery. Srian with his brothers entered the hallowed portals of that premier Catholic educational institution St. Joseph’s College Colombo and excelled as a brilliant athlete whose splendid sprinting, an epitome of style and grace had to be seen to be believed. In 1961, Srian established two Public School records in his pet events, the sprints, which have remained intact ever since. In fact, he became the first Sri Lankan Schoolboy Athlete Under 16 years of age to cover the furlong under 24 seconds. He capped his colourful athletic career by captaining both junior and senior teams and ushered in, a golden era for St. Joseph’s in athletics.

In memory of a person who was recognized as an outstanding sportsman in his heyday, his family, friends and Old Joes Associations have created the “Srian Perera Memorial Fund for Sports” to encourage future generations at St. Joseph’s College, Colombo. It is indeed heartening to note that this Trust Fund had topped the Rupees one million mark in the year of inauguration itself.

As a working planter too, he established a healthy rapport with his colleagues in planting and became the branch-chairman of the Ceylon Planters’ Society in Nuwara-Eliya and was once the president of a prestigious Planters’ Club in the central hills.

He was also appointed as a Superintendent of Police in the Volunteer Force and became the manager of the Sri Lanka State Plantation Corporation athletic team. However, with the winds of change that swept across the plantations following the nationalization of estates, Srian decided to seek greener pastures with the welfare of his young family foremost in his mind.

Srian was successful in obtaining his degree in Businsss Administration in UK ‘while keeping the home fires burning’ and was a much sought after consultant then.

Srian married Thilaka, a science graduate of the University of Colombo. She was a tower of strength to Srian throughout his life. Srian considered the family as the heart of any civilization.

Srian showed sterling qualities of leadership. His life was indeed a saga of dedication and sacrifice and his achievements amply demonstrate his total commitment to a cause which he undertook with a profound sincerity of purpose. He has left an indelible mark creating a void that can never be filled.

As we commemorate his fifth death anniversary and celebrate his exemplary life, memories of him will linger on.

By Lalith