Chandradasa felicitated by St. Aloysius College Ratnapura
by Upananda JAYASUNDERA - Kandy Sports Spl Corr.
Athletics: St. Aloysius College, Ratnapura felicitated one of their
foremost athletes of the past - R.A. Chandradasa for the dedication to
the sport for over 60 years.
|
Felicitation ceremony - Former Director of Education,
Ratnapura, W.M. Gunatilleke (back to camera) makes a
presentation to R.A. Chandradasa at the felicitation
ceremony recently held at St. Aloysius Sports Meet at
Seevali Grounds, Ratnapura.
Pic: Upananda Jayasundera – Kandy Sports Special Corr. |
Before joining St. Aloysius College, Ratnapura, Chandradasa was
studying at Ferguson High School, Ratnapura and guided by a very devoted
teacher Mrs. D.M. Herath, Chandradasa made giant strides in athletics.
In 1952 he stated his prowess in athletics and with his dedication, he
made giant strides in the sport.
As a past student of Ferguson High School, his dedication towards the
sport brought Chandradasa the desired results. He won gold, silver and
bronze medals at various levels in international competition in
countries like Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Korea, Thailand and
India.
Chandradasa specialised in long distance events and established many
records. Running from Ratnapura Maha Saman Devalaya to Kataragama
Devalaya he completed the 114-mile stretch and then running between
Ratnapura Dharmashalawa to Sripada Maluwa, he completed the 47-mile
stretch and from that spot he ran to the Bodhi in Kuruwita. These long
distance achievements clearly showed the capabilities of Chandradasa.
With so many achievements under his belt, Chandradasa was able to
establish a museum of sports which would clearly show his dedication to
athletics.
For his dedication towards athletics, he was honoured with the "Vishwakeerthi
Deshabhimani Lankaputhra Award."
The Principal and staff of Ferguson High School wished him long life
and all success in his endeavour to promote athletics. |
