Mahesh Rodrigo no more

Mahesh Rodrigo, former Sri Lanka double international ended his long unblemished innings at the age of 82 last night.

An old boy of Royal College Colombo he first shot to fame when he captained his College in both Cricket and Rugby. Later he went on to represent his country in both first-class cricket and rugby.

Rodrigo played as Ceylon's wicket-keeper and his 12 first-class appearances consisted of matches against Pakistan, the West Indies, Commonwealth XI and the Marylebone Cricket Club, amongst others. He also took the field for Ceylon in a one day match against Don Bradman's Australians in the 1947/48 season, scoring 26.

Only once in first-class cricket did Rodrigo manage a score of 50 or more and he made the most of his form, making it to 135 before he ran out of partners. It came in a match against the West Indies, who had a bowling attack comprising of John Goddard, Gerry Gomez, Prior Jones and John Trim. He had opened the batting and his innings took no less than 400 minutes.

He was also a highly talented rugby scrum-half who played in the Clifford Cup and captained Ceylon internationally.

He leaves behind daughter Tharini and son Mithra.

Cottege leaves residence at 2 p.m. today (9) from 69/8 A, second Lane, Senannayake Avenue, Nawala for cremation at General Cemetery Kanatte, at 3 p.m.

The Royal College Union requests all old Royalists to be present at 2.15 p.m. at the entrance to Kanatte.

(SOS)