Errol Nugawela bids adieu to Batas

by Lal Gunesekera

Errol Nugawela and the Observer-Bata Schoolboy Cricket Awards go back a long, long way. In fact, Errol, well known for his organisational skills, was involved with "The Show" right from the inception in 1979, but really got himself involved in it for the past 24 years. In fact, when any person talks of the Observer-Bata Show, they always talk about Errol Nugawela.

Now, Nugawela, after 36 years at the Bata Shoe Company, which was one of the largest multi-national companies in the "good old days", has retired, but will continue as a Consultant for a further period of three to four months.

However, he has indicated to his boss at Bata-Raphael Motto, that he (Nugawela) would love to continue with the promotional work and continue to assist whoever takes over with the Observer-Bata Schoolboy Cricket Awards in the future.

Thus, although Errol Nugawela is no longer an employee at Bata's, he will yet be associated with the "Show".

Nugawela is the person responsible for bringing in up-and-coming schools from all over the island into the limelight and was also responsible for bringing in the Umpires to make the selections. He said: "There has been criticism of selections, but this is a part and parcel of anyones life. I take it in good faith.

In principle, the Bata companies sponsor Athletics and Soccer, mostly in Europe and the USA. There are about 60 odd Bata companies in the world, but in Asia, they (Bata's) have been "pushing" Cricket since 1979. Nugawela is responsible for bringing the Observer-Bata Show to the present levels and many have complemented him on this fact.

It was Nugawela's idea - the back drop of the stage at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH) and says that "The Show" has brought him immense satisfaction, particularly to see schoolboy cricketers from Kegalle, Kalutara, Matara, Galle etc receiving awards last Wednesday. Errol Nugawela comes from a cricketing background.

Having received his education at St. Anthony's College (Katugastota), Nugawela played cricket at junior level and even received his "colours" at Rugby Football.

Joining Bata Shoe Company 36 years ago, Errol Nugawela, has worked in most of its departments - Production, Cost and Efficiency Manager, Export Manager, Merchandising Manager, Promotion and Advertising Manager and Consultant before his premature retirement. He even deputised for its Managing Director for five years.

The Observer wishes him well.