112-Years of RichmondMahinda Cricket

G.M. Sumanatileka de Silva (Formerly 1st Citizen of Ambalangoda) has taken it upon himself to produce this 560-page, 1½ ins-thick book at his personal cost. He himself represented Mahinda College in two Big Matches, scoring two 40s and 50 runs in the 1940's.

This book dates from 1894. In 1907, former Principals Rev. W.J.T. Small and F.L. Woodward umpired the match. C.W.W. Kannangara (Father of Free Education) captained Richmond in 1904.

The book has about 500 photographs in B&W and Colour, including some very old pictures of the teams. A photo of a horse race (1907) shows the Galle Esplanade as a Race Track.

P.H.K.H. Ranasingha (M) 162 runs; Prasad Kariyawasam (R)

As a great lover of the game of cricket, I am of the considered opinion that the great game of cricket has come of age in Bangladesh.

Why do I say this? The recently concluded series in 156 n.o.; Sirisena Hettige (M) 155 runs and Somasiri Ambawatte 104 n.o. and 10 for 44 in 1953 (a world record) are featured, and also, the rare record of 9 Amendra Brothers who played for Mahinda. A colour photo of a rare match ticket of the Golden Jubilee game in 1955 for the Mahinda Tent (from Kalyana's Collection) is featured. The feats of Caxton Njuki for Richmond (an African Prince from Uganda), Sheeton Weerasinghe (later Principal of Richmond and Wesley College), and W.B. Benette's (M) wicketkeeping record is mentioned.

No Mahindian or Richmond cricketer should miss this great book. Thank you Sumanatileka for your wonderful gesture. Three of the oldest Mahindians who played are Tiddy Wijeratna (96 years – in Australia), Basil Gunasekera (former Navy Commander), Vimal de Silva and Kalyana de Silva brothers now in their late 80's. Kalyana de Silva (87 years not out) Dehiwala Caution: This book cannot be read in bed as it is too heavy! Contact: 0777 508 506 for details