My prayer for my alma mater is let there be another JBC era

The 35th death anniversary of J. B. C. Rodrigo (M. A. Oxon) fell on September 3, this year. Born on June 6, 1899, JBC had his education at Royal College, Colombo, and Trinity College, Kandy. After he left school, he trained in languages and joined his alma mater Royal College as English and Latin Master. Amongst his students was J. R. Jayewardene. Later he moved to S. Thomas’ College Mount Lavinia as teacher cum master in charge of cricket. Dudley Senanayake represented STC at cricket during this time.

In the mid 1920s, JBC joined Oxford University and played cricket for Keble College along with the Nawab of Pataudi (Snr) who later played for England and India. After graduating, he joined Lincolns Inn and passed out as a barrister. JBC returned to Ceylon to serve his motherland. After a stint at the Bar, he preferred to pursue a career in teaching. The legal heirs of Prince of Wales’ College, the de Soysas, invited him to take up duties as Principal of PWC, which he willingly accepted. He served for 27 consecutive yearsa record to this date,

The ground at the College is a living testimony to him. The first step taken was to make the ground bigger and suitable for all sporting activities. It is the same, ground we see today, except for the turf wicket. Most of the work was done with the sweat and toil of the students at that time. To raise funds, JBC, his staff and pupils staged Shakespeare’s play, Julius Caesar in which JBC was cast in the main role. A carnival was also held and other projects undertaken. An upsurge in the standard of the cricket was almost immediate. In l935 PWC captained by E. F. de Mel was unbeaten, winning all their matches.

In his time, many great cricketers were produced. In 1944, Cecil Peiris scored four consecutive centuries, within a short span of seven days, inclusive of twin centuries against Kingswood College, Kandy. A cricketer of repute to emerge in late 1940s was H. I. Fernando, a brilliant left hand batsman who represented SSC and All Ceylon. Other outstanding cricketers around the same time, nurtured by JBC were Stanley Fonseka, Nisal Senaratne and Paul Devadasan who all represented SSC and also the Ceylon Cricket Association (CCA).

JBC’s contribution towards the game was immense. His son Lasantha too was an outstanding cricketer in the mid 1950s, playing for the SSC as a schoolboy. Lasantha represented Ceylon and toured India to play an unofficial test series, with the Indian Test Team, captained by the Nawab of Pataudi (Jnr). Ceylon won the third Test. Lasantha played in that match, which was the first victory for Ceylon against India at cricket. A unique feature was that JBC and the Nawab of Pataudi (Snr) played together for Keble College while their sons, Lasantha and the Nawab of Pataudi (Jnr) played against each other, for their respective countries.

JBC was President of the Schools Cricket Association for just under two decades. He was also a member of the Board of Control for Cricket in Ceylon. JBC used his position to promote and develop cricket standards at PWC and to bring it on par with other wellknown cricket playing schools. His knowledge of the game was par excellence. His knowledge in either cricket or in education was passed on to whoever sought it, myself included.

In the summer of 1954, while on a short holiday in the UK, JBC was made an Honorary Member of the MCC – a rare honour for a Ceylonese at that time.

During JBC’s time, discipline was at its peak. In his immaculate dress, Oxford cap and gown he would stride into the main hall to conduct assembly. JBC was famous for reciting poetry from Shakespeare, Wordsworth, Milton and other writers. When he made speeches at school functions or conducted assembly, he would quote from the greats to emphasise a point.

Cricket was in the blood of the Rodrigo family. JBC’s brother Conrad (JCG) was a brilliant cover point fielder and left hand batsman. JBC’s grandson, Heshan de Silva, captained Royal in 1984/1985 and also played for CCC in the P. Sara Tournament.

JBC retired as Principal in 1959. His interest in PWC cricket never wavered. Many a time, when matches were played at the College grounds, he was a keen spectator.

When I captained PWC in 1961/1962, JBC was invited to help the cricketers at practices. Though retired, he willingly obliged. After leaving school, whilst working, I represented Moratuwa S.C. JBC used to be present in the evening at the club. It was initially uncomfortable for my friends and myself, to be seen by him, enjoying a glass of the “froth” and a puff. But JBC used to invite us to join him for a chat and a game of cards. We were reluctant but gradually, became comfortable in the great gentleman’s company. Our association with him was very cordial and fruitful, exchanging ideas and cracking jokes over a drink. His company helped us to enhance our knowledge, even further.

These are some of my memories of JBC, whom to this date, I salute, with honour. My earnest prayer for my alma mater today is, let another JBC era dawn again.

May the dear Lord grant unto him, eternal rest and peace.

Hyasti Aponso