The Sunday Times Sports - Ian, the first SLC president to resign

I made a trek to Barnes Place to meet yet another cricketing legend from S. Thomas’ College Mt. Lavinia Ian Peiris.

P.I. Has many first to his credit on and off the field. Knowing him, he has had an unblemish record and maintained the dignity of this great game for others to emulate.

He started his career at the SSC as a juvenile. Dr. C.H. Gunasekera the former All Ceylon and Royal allrounder Dr. C.H. was the first Lankan to play county cricket for Middlesex. He was just 13 years when he came under him. Ian says if he made an impact in cricket later at home and in Old Blightey thanks to him. Before playing for the Mt. Lavinia school he played for the SSC Division I. Daily News Trophy under Sargo Jayawickrema in 1947. He learnt much of the game under giants like Chippy Gunasekera, F.C. de Saram.

He says S. Thomas’ had a tradition and a cherished history. At STC, I learnt the essence of cricket. Not only as a game. But a way of life on and off the field.

SSC taught me to play hard. At school I was not only taught to play hard. But fair.

Cricket has taught me to mix with high and mighty, rich and poor, intellectual and moderates. Today he is leading a quiet life at his residence with his affable wife Gun Peiris. She has done much for the less affluent caddies to uplift their image at the RCGC with others from the Ladies Section.

He started playing for STC from 1950 under Chandra Schaffter. ’51 under Roger Inman. The team had Conrad Barrow, T. Jayalingam etc.

Ian, captained the “Thoras” in 1953. Defeated the traditional rivals Royal led by Ubhaya de Silva by innings.

Ian made a classic 123. Besides had a match bag of 6 wickets involved in a record fifth-wicket stand of 187 with Geoff Wijesinghe 64. Dan Piachaud who made his debut captured 7 for 50. (It was a great allround team effort, played at the Oval – P. Sara).

A: Lost to Royal in 1951, when we were in control, with plenty of time. Chasing 190 for victory 150/3. Rank bad batting. All out for 177. Royal was led by T. Vairavanathan.

A: In 1953, as a schoolboy under F.C. de Saram against Australia led by Lindsay Hassett. They had Keith Miller, Ritchie Benaud, Ray Lindwall, Neil Harvey. Opener Channa Gunasekera made a gallant 63 n.o.

A: In 1967 against the mighty Windies led by Gary Sobers.

Ceylon led by Mike Tissera batting first we made 400. David Heyn made 70. A last ditch stand (10th wicket) with Neil Chanmugama (72) Ian 46. Against an attack which included Wes Hall, Sobers Lance Gibbs, etc.

Windies went to town Sobers. Basil Butcher, Clive Lloyd scoring 100s. A Caribbean batting fiesta.

A: 1956 – ’58. In 1957 under Gamini Goonasena. The old Royalist. He did proud for Ceylon. He made a highest ever against Oxford 211. He led the team with distinction winning by an innings. I picked a couple of scalps. In 1958, I played under Ted Dexter.

A: Jim Laker – all time test record. Match bag of 19 wickets against Australia in 1956 (at Old Trafford). Bruce Dooland and Tom Graveney.

The trio – competent coaches. They were prepared to pass their knowledge without reservations.

A: First Lankan to take a hat-trick in a first class game in England . Playing for Cambridge against a strong D.R. Jardines’s XI.

A: Yes. For 3 years. Won the “P. Sara” twice. Players of the calibre of Bertie Wijesinghe, Channa Gunasekera , Lareef Indroos, Nihal Amaradasa, etc. Played a decisive role.

A: We could have held our own against the best at international level. But not fortunate to have got the opportunity unlike at present.