All-rounder sportsman from Matara no more
View(s):Tennyson D. Jayasekara, a versatile allrounder sportsman from Matara, who became a stalwart of the Ministry of Sports, passed away last week. Tennyson devoted a lot of his life for sports. He was born in Matara, in 1935, to a well educated and respectful Jayasekara family.
His parents were teachers who served eminently for years. Tennyson’s brothers and sisters too were teachers who served their profession with dignity. Interestingly all of his siblings, as Tennyson, were involved in sports, during their school days and beyond.
Tennyson played first XI cricket for St. Thomas’ College Matara in the 1950s as an all-rounder. He was also an active member of the scout troop and was a prominent member of the school football team. After leaving school Tennyson joined Matara Sports Club, where he played cricket for many years, in the then famous ‘Daily News’ Trophy. Tennyson led Matara SC to the final round of the then premier cricket tournament at many occasions.
After his school career Tennyson left to India to graduate himself in Physical Education in the early 1960s. Upon his return from India Tennyson joined the Department of Education as a Physical Education Teacher and served at leading schools in the country, including his former school, St. Thomas’ College Matara. His commitment as an instructor helped many schools in producing sportspersons at different levels and disciplines.
Tennyson left the Department of Education in the mid 1970s to join the newly formed Ministry of Sports. He was appointed as a Sports Officer and served in many parts of the country. While serving in the Western Province Tennyson was appointed as the coach of the volleyball team. Under his guidance the Western Province volleyball team won the Inter-Provincial Games thus producing many players to the national stream.
- Upali de Silva (Played first XI cricket together with Tennyson for many years before becoming working colleagues at the Ministry of Sports until retirement from Government service.)
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