Kandy's Wariyapola Sri Sumangala College determined to continue with cricket

By Hafiz Marikar

Kandy Wariyapola Sri Sumangala....Despite having limited facilities and the much needed support, Kandy's Wariyapola Sri Sumangala College earlier known as St. Paul's College, is struggling to keep the game of cricket alive. The school suffers in many ways - no playground, no cricket equipment, no support.

Anyway, their performances have been quite outstanding, when they were known as St. Paul's College, and was housed at the temple square of Sri Dalada Maligawa, behind the famous St. Paul's Church.

The school was established in 1880 and they were one of he first schools to play cricket. They first played in 1890's and after few years gave up the game, but later came back to cricket in 1981. Former Sri Lanka cricketer D.H. de Silva, who as the Municipal Commissioner at that time, too helped and was the school's coach.

There was also Upali Wijesinghe - a well known Sinhala Cricket commentator who did his best to encourage the boys. The commentator Upali Wijayasinghe who encouraged the boys. He is retired now. There was also former Dharmaraja cricketer D.D.T. Alwis, who also helped St.Paul's.

Most schools in Kandy have started their cricket season, but Wariyapola Sri Sumangala (formerly St.Paul's College, has still to start their season.

The present team (that's St.Paul's) lacks the facilities needed for the game. The school is finding difficult to collect money for sports.

The authorities are hoping that the old boys will get-together and help the young up and coming cricketers in whatever way possible. There are many old boys who are doing well overseas, but they are not in favour of giving a hand after the name of the school was changed. The principal N.B.G Muhandiram is trying his best to lend a hand, together with Master-in-charge T.M.S. Ekanayake.

Juniors well trained

The juniors are well trained by another Sylvestrian Rangith Colombage. There is one problem - when the young boys catch up with the game, the boys are snapped up around the under 17 age group by other schools.

This year, the senior side of Wariyapola Sri Sumangala is coached by Tudor Gunaratne, a senior coach who learnt his cricket at St. Sylvester's College. He also played for Kandy Schools, Kandy CC, Kandy Youth SC, BRC, Wattala CC.

Right now coach Gunaratne is a good coach. Earlier he coached his old school for nearly ten years and produced some top class players. In the last couple of years coach Gunaratne has been with Sri Sumangala College, for which school he has done quite a lot. Coach Tudor Gunaratne with the Principal and Master-in-Charge are doing a great job to keep the game alive. If proper facilities are provided, then the young cricketers of Wariyapola Sri Sumangala are bound to hit the top.

If my memory holds good in 1988, Wariyapola Sri Sumangala was the only team from Central hills to play in the Sri Lanka Schools Cricket Association Tournament - quarter finals in the "Portello Trophy", they did well, though they lost to Sri Sumangala College, Panadura, who went on to emerge as champions.

Not eventful season for Sri Sumangala

This season has not been a eventful one for Wariyapola Sri Sumangala as they have only 3 games in the tournament. They are in Division III in group "Q" and the team will play the first game against Ranabima Royal College, followed by the games against Vijaya College Matale and Science College Matale.

Wariyapola, Sri Sumangala are determined to play a few more matches. Their key game was their 'big match' against Sri Rahula, College Katugastota. Unfortunately this game is not in the card this year due to some misunderstanding during a 'Big match'.

The authorities will do well if they forget what happened in the past and revive his match for the sake of the young cricketers.

Leading the side this season for Wariyapola Sri Sumangala is opening bowler of the side Buddhika Siriwardene who is also a dependable batsmen. He had some super knocks last season. Buddhika's deputy is Y.A. Ambagaspitiya - a talented batsman who is also the Wicketkeeper of the side.