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Sports

Bernard Fonseka stood tall in the golfing world
Colourful and irrepressible Bernard Fonseka, President of the Royal Colombo Golf Club passed away peacefully after a tough battle through a brief period. We extend our heartfelt sympathies to his devoted wife, Tahireh, the daughter of Prema and Marie Fernando.

Fonseka stood tall in the golfing world of Sri Lanka. Raised in the Hill Country he was a Planter of considerable repute, extremely popular and much loved by friends and staff. He began his golfing career in Nuwara Eliya and he etched his name on the Boards winning many titles and trophies. He enjoyed fellowship and camaraderie and often adorned the bar at the 19th.

His administrative skills were very quickly identified and he was unanimously elected Captain and following an extremely successful year he was invited to be President, an assignment he handled with distinction, skill and dignity. Coming over to Colombo after he shifted from planting he was a regular at the Royal Colombo where he distinguished himself with a few creditable victories. A man of stature there was much poshness in his conduct, behaviour and disposition so much so that early this year he was invited to be President. Regrettably he did not last the term and may his soul rest in peace. The Royal Colombo Golf Club was closed from lunch time as a mark of respect.

Prelate's demise
On Saturday the Club was closed as a mark of respect for the demise of another tremendous human being. The most Venerable Madihe Pannaseeha Mahanayake Thera at the ripe age of 93 passed away after an illustrious career as an Academic, High Priest of distinction and an absorbing preacher. I rarely missed his sermons on Sunday evenings for its eloquence, lessons to learn and his perfect command and impeccable English. The membership mourns the demise of this gracious man of immense stature and in respect the flag bowed to half mast.

Neville Leefe no more
He was never a golfer but he enjoyed his 4 ball encounters and the pleasures of the 19th hole. He was a classic ruggerite who led the CH&FC to success through several seasons until they were held in check by the glamour boys of the Havelocks Rugger Club in the early fifties led by Ian Labrooy. I knew Neville quite well and regret very much his demise. His father L.C.A. Leefe was a brilliant wicket keeper. He played for the Colombo Cricket Club and I had the pleasure of several encounters against him playing for the Colts.

Buster Flindall and he were excellent company at the CCC Bar after a match especially if they were on the winning side. I recall Neville's grandfather, the silver haired L.O. Leefe who was one of the Wardens of St. Michael’s & All Angels Church, Colpetty in the early Thirties when I was a teenage Chorister and Soloist.

Amcham Charity Golf
It was refreshing to chat with attractive Maria Rajanayagam and giving ear to her plans to dovetail arrangements for the 5th Annual AMCHAN Charity Golf Tournament to be held at the Royal Colombo Golf Club on Friday 26th September. The American Chamber (AMCHAM) is a dynamic forum in Sri Lanka designed to promote investments, trade and business development between Sri Lanka and USA and Maria Rajanayagam is the forceful wind under the wings as Executive Director.

Since 1999 AMCHAM has with the active support of the Royal Colombo Golf Club raised funds annually for selected charities and so far Castle Street Maternity Hospital, the Jaipur Foot Programme and The Young Entrepreneurs have benefited. This year the beneficiary will be Navajeevana, an Institution for mentally and physically handicapped. Nimal Perera, Entrepreneur and Chairman of Premier Pacific International Ltd., luxury property developers will be the main sponsors.

The AMCHAM tournament has been identified as the poshest in the R.C.G.C. Calendar. There is massive participation, lavish prizes and a most enjoyable get-together just after sunset. The queue is large for registration and a tremendous spirit of cameraderie is already building up. Those behind the scene in the organising committee are Primal Wijenayake, Susantha Pinto and of course the indefatigable Maria.

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