A tribute to the late debut test captain of Sri Lanka
By Saduni Kulatunga
The man of honour. The man with a bat and ball in right. The first test captain and the 11th ODI captain of the nation.The glory of Sri Lanka.The one and only, Sir Bandula Warnapura.
Having born the 1st of March,1953 in Rambukkana,he rose with pride from the grounds of Nalanda College, Colombo as an all-rounder and very soon his efforts took him to captain the team for 1971 and I’ve heard he scorched pitches with blazing colours of maroon and white.
On the 17th of February 1982, Paikiosothy Saravanamuttu hosted the battle between the Sri Lankans and the English which crossed a landmark in Cricket history,making it the very first Test match of Sri Lanka and Warnapura playing the role of an avid captain.With that Sri Lankans set forth as the 8th test playing nation under the honored patronage of Sir Bandula Warnapura.
He swatted and flung for 04 test matches and 12 ODI’s during his pre-eminent cricket career.
His debut ODI was against the indies in 1975,which is also the nation’s debut ODI,captained by the same glorious personality,the one and only Bandula Warnapura.
Giving an end to the play in the field,he took to coach the national cricket team which sprouted with success and played numerous roles as an official,in which he operated as the director of operations of Sri Lanka cricket for 8 long years.
As a legend who never forgot to share what he knew and learnt,he became a source of nourishment to great personalities like Mahela Jayawardene, Russel Arnold and even Chaminda Vaas who conquered fields with resounding glory.
This man,the glorious Sri Lankan skipper,ICC match referee,Umpire,coach and a divine cricket personality who ever lived in Sri Lanka has bid farewell to the nation for the very last time causing the hearts of millions to collapse.
The commendable service rendered by Sir Warnapura to the Sri Lankan Cricket field is unquestionably beyond compare and the many lessons and morals will be forever remembered by generations to come.
Rest in peace Sir!
Be the first to comment