Joyful memories of those cricketing days in England

It is with great sorrow that I record the death of my good and trusted friend Dr. Janaka Wijetunga. He was ailing for quite some time and depended wholly on the great support and care he had from his family up to the time of his death.

Janaka and I associated with each other from the time we joined the Faculty of Medicine as students in 1962. He was a keen and diligent student. Always immaculate in attire and impeccable in his manners, he conversed in faultless English.

His kind disposition, care and compassion were his greatest assets. Often found to be shy and avoiding the limelight, Janaka displayed a great sense of wit, satire and humour. His characteristic and unmistakable outbursts of laughter were typical of him.

He was a keen tennis player and remained proud of his old school Royal College.

He came over to England for his postgraduate studies in opthalmology and worked mainly in the north of England. He was a very regular visitor to my home and my whole family always looked forward to his visits.

Born to a family with strong Buddhist values, he always upheld the highest standards of family life.

May he have a short journey in samsara and attain the supreme bliss of Nirvana.

Dr. Ranjith Dambawinna

I am penning a few lines on my dear friend Ranil on his 5th death anniversary which fell on February 21. I played cricket with Ranil and closely associated with him in England.

In 1979 I captained a team called Simon C.C in the south Lancashire Cricket League. I was left with the task of filling the Professional for the forthcoming season. The first choice professional S. Jeganathan was unable to fulfil his promise to play for Simon.C.C as he was selected for the Sri Lankan Squad. The club committee was in panic as there was only three weeks for the start of the Season. I managed to contact my friend and team mate from Ananda who had just arrived in the UK to play Cricket. To cut a long story short, Sidath Wettimuny recommended that Ranil Abeynaike would be the ideal candidate to fill the Professional spot for the upcoming season. I can proudly say that I was instrumental in bringing Ranil to League cricket in the Lancashire and Cheshire area.

Ranil arrived in 1979, end April as the winter was just finishing but it was bitterly cold. The first match was played against Lancaster house and he made a 60 in brilliant fashion. He continued to make runs and also took wickets in the league and cup. His contribution helped to win the league and Simon C.C. were semi finalists in the South Lancashire league Cup.

Ranil believed in training every day and second team members used to join him as he was also a qualified coach. He had a tremendous gift of coaching seniors and juniors who admired his skills. Ranil built trust with all the senior players at the club and fitted into the team.

The highlight of the season was when I joined with Ranil,Sidath and a few members in a six a side competition at Poynton, where the club professional for that year was Sidath Wettimuny. The six –a-side squad amassed a total of 106 runs in 6 overs, Ranil and Sidath opened the batting and scored 55 in 3 overs, when Sidath got out caught at long on for 33 off 9 balls. I joined Ranil for the last three overs and scored another 51 runs in 18 balls. Ranil scored a brilliant 50 while I chipped in with 18 in 4 balls. Our team ended winning the Poynton Six-aside which is an annual event.

Ranil was a popular sports personality who was invited by many clubs to participate in various limited over competitions as he was a good all rounder. The 1979 season helped him to secure a contract with the Hertfordshire minor counties side.

In 1980 I parted company and joined Poynton as a support batsman to Duleep Mendis who signed as the club professional for that year. I did not meet Ranil for a few seasons as he spent time in the south of the country.

I must finally say that he was one of the best cricketers whom I had the privilege of playing with. I will always remember him as a hero, who helped me out in cricket during my career at Simon C.C. I think everybody who is a cricket lover misses his presence dearly.

Mahes De Zoysa We remember when you were with us for a lifetime of eighty six years You loved and nurtured four children for all of your manifold years. You taught us love and kindness how to live our earthly lives To raise our very own children, like you raised and cared for us. Your life you lived for others, you taught them how to give They flocked to you with troubles and you gave a patient ear Your widow’s mite, did wonders you went the extra mile The hand you stretched to help was stretched with so much love. Your faith in the God who loved you was steadfast and so strong At times of trials and sickness unwavering and constant you stood. We never expected you’d leave so soon, though we knew one day you would When your race on earth was accomplished, you were needed for higher rewards. Seven years and more since you left us, we’ll always miss you Mum Especially on the 20th, a day we won’t forget The pleasures, the delights, and joys you evoked Are mem’ries of past years framed in gold and silver tears. Happy Birthday, Mum !

Lucky