Hockey Star Hulangamuwa died in helicopter crash

HOCKEY: The month of May since 1991 brings to mind the name of C.K. Hulangamuwa who went upto the rank of Squadron Leader in the Sri Lanka Air Force. He sacrificed his life in a helicopter crash in the thick jungle in Sigiriya.

The date: May 5th 1991 and on that day the outstanding player that was C.K. Hulangamuwa left a host of friends behind.

He was a boy from Matale - the cradle of hockey in Sri Lanka and he was from St. Thomas' College, Matale. He captained the school team, Matale Schools, Sri Lanka Schools and the Sri Lanka Youth Team. He was a well disciplined student, both on and off the field and was a shinning example to his parents - 'V.W.P' and Mrs. Seela Kumari Hulangamuwa.

After leaving school, he joined the Sri Lanka Air Force in 1981 and served the Air Force well. He rose to the rank of squadron leader. His hockey really blossomed in the Air Force and occupied the centre half position and guided the team up the ladder of success in hockey. He captained the Air Force and his able leadership enabled the Airmen to become runners-up in the league tournament. He also led the Defence Services at the Junior and Senior Hockey National to victories in Rupavahini, Camillus Trophy and Andriesz Shield Tournaments.

'C.K.' as he was popularly known, represented Sri Lanka and toured India, Pakistan, Singapore, Thailand, Bahrain and Bangladesh (Second Asia Cup). For his outstanding contribution towards hockey, the Air Force honoured him with the award "Most Outstanding Sportsman of the Year' in 1984. He was a much loved person and in 1991 - the year that he died, the Matale Municipal Council renamed the Galewatte Road (where C.K.'s residence is situated) as "C.K. Hulangamuwa Mawatha' in memory of Squadren Leader C.K. Hulangamuwa lived.