Premasara Epasinghe, a veteran journalist and renowned radio commentator was honoured by the Old Nalandian Past Cricketers Association yesterday at the Nalanda College Malalasekara Hall. The event also marked the launch of the biography “Golden Voice of Cricket in Sri Lanka,” written by veteran journalist Athula Ranjith Wedamesthrige. Education Minister Susil Premajayantha was the chief guest at this occasion organised by the Past Cricketers’ Association of Nalanda College.
Lasantha Amarasinghe Chairman of Chance Sports presented a cash award of Rs.100,000 to Premasara Epasinghe. Veteran compiler and Chairman of Sri Lanka Foundation Institute, Saman Athaudahetti, delivered a keynote address, pointing out Epasinghe’s diverse roles as a cricketer, teacher, banking officer, coach, administrator and cricket commentator.
Athaudahetti highlighted Epasinghe’s exceptional efforts to promote cricket, describing him as a multifaceted individual. Former Olympian boxer and retired DIG Sumith Liyanage, who played as the opening bowler for Nalanda, shared memories of his school cricketing career alongside Epasinghe.
Education Minister Susil Premajayantha commended Premasara Epasinghe’s contribution to bringing cricket to villages, especially in the absence of television during earlier days.
“He was my media secretary and consultant, providing significant support during my ministry work. His ability to work in both Sinhala and English was crucial for me at that time,” acknowledged Education Minister Susil Premajayantha.
Premasara Epasinghe traced his journey from Visakha Vidyalaya, spending the initial three years there before crossing over to Nalanda and then the university. He continued his cricket career and took on roles as a teacher, coach, cricket administrator, and commentator. Reflecting on his journalism days at Lake House, he shared fond memories, stating, “I started as a sports journalist and regularly wrote sports stories.”
Nihal Pathirage, President of the Nalanda Past Cricketers’ Association, expressed, “As a former Nalanda cricketer, we are eager to felicitate Premasara Epasinghe, and this is a very meaningful event and a great honour to Epasinghe. Aravinda de Silva, the World Cup hero of the final, was present yesterday. Aravinda de Silva, the World Cup hero of the final, was present yesterday. Premasara Epasinghe was fortunate to provide live commentary at the 1996 World Cup final, an occasion once again telecast by a documentary film directed by former Nalandian Ajith Galappaththi.”
Athula Ranjith Wedamesthrige, former Lake House freelance journalist and author of the biography, remarked, “As a former Nalandian, he is very lucky to write this book and present it to Premasara Epasinghe.”
Thilanga Sumathipala, former SLC chairman; Gihan Weerasinghe, Secretary of Past Cricketers Association; former Nalanda Principals Hemantha Premathilake and Thilak Watthuhewa; Present Nalanda Principal Iran Champika Silva, along with distinguished old boys and current students from Nalanda, graced the occasion.
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