Ranil Abeynaike's death - a great loss to Sri Lanka Cricket

CRICKET: The versatile cricketer and cricket commentator Ranil Abeynaike's funeral took place on Friday evening at the Mount Lavinia General Cemetery amongst a large gathering. There was a large gathering at. S. Thomas' College Chapel, too, where the funeral service was held.

Abeynaike who celebrated his 57th birthday earlier this month was a leading player with the Sinhalese Sports Club before Sri Lanka obtained First Class status. Before coming on to club cricket, he was a leading cricketer at S. Thomas' College, Mount Lavinia from 1971 to 1973, captaining the school in 1973. He then played for the SSC and also for the Board of Control before Sri Lanka obtained Test status.

Abeynaike's prowess was not limited to playing cricket only. After playing first-class cricket on leaving school, he was a much loved cricket commentator too.

Cricket occupied a special place in the life of Ranil Abeynaike.

His father Orville Abeynaike, who was at one-time the Sub-Warden of S. Thomas' and also master-in-charge of cricket. Ranil, no dobut, learnt a lot from his father who played for S. Thomas' in 1941.

Ranil who was a leading left-arm spin blower played for the Sinhalese Sports Club and after that he had a fling for Sri Lanka in the Gopalan Trophy matches in 1974-75 against Tamil Nadu. He was the General Manager of the SSC and also served as curator of the SSC for many years.

A.C.deS.