A trophy in memory of E.W.Balasuriya next year

by Hafiz Marikar

Arrangements are being made to present a trophy in memory of E.W. Balasuriya during the next inter club rugby season. The late E.W.Balasuriya was a dynamic person in the field of rugby and it is six years since his demise..

His contribution towards sports is unfathomable, and as a great sports promoter, sportsman, and philanthropist he was a genius.

He illustrated his integrity and honesty in no uncertain terms in public . Educated at Dharmaraja College, Kandy and later Ananda College,Colombo he excelled at cricket as a top class steady and stylish opening batsman and an agile close in fielder. 'E.W' or ''Bala' as he was affectionately known almost by everyone was the live wire in any sporting event in Kandy. Cricket and rugby were his favourite sports.

E.W. Balasuirya was the founder of the Kandy Lake Club in 1962 and later Kandy RFC, which the clubs produced top ruggerites, cricketers, and Iron Sportsmen.

The club produced the best in the field of sports for Kandy. He helped several lesser known sportsmen, by inviting them to play for his club and also provided them with job opportunities.

This Club was one of the finest sports organizations in the country. The first sport which was introduced was cricket, and it had some top players, most of them got the break to play for Central Province and Up-Country against visiting teams.

At one time he was the Secretary of the Central Province Cricket Association who organized the first Test in Kandy, on behalf of Sri Lanka cricket Board that against Australia. EW was also in the Executive Committee of the Cricket Board when the late Gamini Dissanayake was the President.

He introduced rugby in 1963 and took part in the Ceylon Rugby Football Union "B" division tournament.

The others who encouraged him to start rugger were Col. Stanley Ratwatte, Noel Paranagama, Dr. C.D.L.Fernando, Sidney Ratwatte, all deceased. With Sydney Ratwatte and Maurice Perera who started coaching first. EW, converted the team into a champion outfit, in 1966, That year they beat all the "B:" division, teams. The following year Kandy Lake Club qualified to play in the "A" division along with clubs like Kandy SC, CR & FC, CH & FC, Havelock SC, UVA Gymkhana Club, Dimbulla A & CC, Dickoya,MCC and Army .This club after entering the "A" division had a successful run in the rugby field. Today his sons continue the father's good work.

Although EW or Bala as they called him, is no more but his memory will remain forever and will not be forgotten by the sports loving public of Kandy.