12 Thursday 21st January, 2010 The Island Features

racing the history of hard-hitting batsmen that Sri to be a commentator in the Sri College, Mount Colts grounds. I will never for- in the Lanka produced. I bracket him Lanka-India Test and ODI series Lavinia. Thus, he get, the way, Duleep blasted us Tnames of M. Sathasivam, with great C. I. Gunasekera and in India in 1982. Probably this created another to the tune of 184 runs. F. C. de Saram, Sago . More than telecast will go down in the his- first captaining two represented Jayawickrama, C. I. anything Duleep is a great team tory of electronic Media as the leading schools as a Sri Lanka as the champion Gunasekera, Stanley man. first ever telecast from foreign school cricketer, batsman for 18 years. I will Jayasinghe, Gerry Gooneratne, soil on a sports event. earlier, he cap- never forget heroics at Lords Vernon Prins, Gamini What is team work? Duleep Mendis, hails from tained St. The “Epic centre of World Goonesena, Dr. H. I. K. It is the ability to work Moratuwa, a suburb close to the Sebastians College, Cricket”. He enlivened Lords Fernando, Abu Fuard, Ranjith together, towards a common capital Colombo. He was born Moratuwa. scoring 111 in the first innings Fernando and Test Cricketers vision, the ability to direct indi- in a cricketing environment and In the 1971 and and scoring 94 in the second , Ranjan vidual accomplishment towards in a cricket background. His 1972 Royal- innings. This was another Madugalla, , organizational objectives. It is father, brothers, cousins, the Thomian matches by Premasara Epasinghe power-packed innings of Sanath Jayasuriya, Muttiah the fuel that allows common whole family were interested in he scored cen- Duleep Mendis. Muralidharan Kumar people to attain uncommon cricket. He stated his schooling turies. In the 92nd After retiring from cricket, Sangakkara, Mahela results. at St. Sebastian’s College, Royal-Thomian Sebastians in 1968 passed the he devoted his life to promote Jayawardena and Chaminda In the field, Duleep was a Moratuwa, one of the leading played at the Colombo Oval on 1000 runs for the season. cricket. He coached the Sri Vaas are some of the outstand- fine , who put the coun- schools in Sri Lanka. He played 9th and 10th March 1971. Duleep During that time, I was Lanka team and later became a ing players among many who try before self. He led the team junior and senior cricket at St. scored an unbeaten 103 and in attached to my Alma matter - fine cricket administrator. will always live in the hearts of in front. He achieved success, Sebastians and captained the the 93rd big match played at the Nalanda Vidyalaya, Colombo, I Today, Duleep Mendis is the all Sri Lankans, here and created a record that cannot be college team. After passing the Oval on 10th and 11th 1972, he served as the Master-in-Charge Chief Executive of Sri Lanka abroad. In the Galaxy of these erased, by recording the first GCE (O) Level, he joined S. was at his brilliant best scoring of cricket and Prefect of Games Cricket. I was fortunate to serve cricketing stars, Duleep Mendis ten victories against India. Thomas College, Mount 184 and became the highest from 1967-1970, I was a selector as an interim shines like an “Evening Star”, Then, he created another Lavinia. Duleep Mendis played scorer in the series. In the 101st of the Schools Cricket committee member for nearly and his name will be written by “First” as the Manager of the for S. Thomas for three years. Royal-Thomian, this record for Association. My President was two years and during that time historians in gold in chronicles first-ever Sri Lankan team, who He had the proud distinction of the series was erased by late P. M. Jayatileke, Principal I noticed what a committed and of Cricket, for the services he won the world cup in 1996, at captaining the great education- Royalist Sumithra at Thurstan College, who was dedicated cricket administrator rendered as a player and cricket Lahore, Pakistan. It clearly al institution S. Thomas Warnakulasuriya scoring 197. the founder principal of Duleep Mendis was. He always This match was played at Ibbagamuwa Madhya Maha stood for fair play and justice Saravanamuttu Stadium (Oval) Vidyalaya, Ibbagamuwa at and looked after the welfare of on 6th, 7th and 8th March 1980. Kurunegala. I was one of the all cricketers and staff coming Before he played for S. selectors, who nominated under his purview. It was a real Thomas College, Mount Duleep Mendis’ name for the treat to serve under, the dynam- Lavinia, Duleep, while playing selection of the Sri Lanka ic chairman of the Interim his last school season at St. Schools team to tour India. Committee of Sri Lanka cricket Further, I nominated two of my under that fine gentleman students, cricketers from Jayantha Dharmadasa and Nalanda - opener Bandula Secretary Mr. Mathivanam and Warnapura and that brilliant other interim committee mem- all-rounder Leslie Narangoda. bers. Further, I proposed the name of The bitter experience of G. R. A. De Silva, who later Duleep Mendis - Duleep Mendis was the inci- played for Ananda and repre- dent that took place in the 1975 sented Sri Lanka. Ajith is one of World Cup, when, Jeff the best left arm bowlers who Thompson felled Duleep and dominated the Sri Lankan Cricket scene till the “Infamous Sunil Wettimuny with vicious A man of many “firsts” bowling. Sunil’s foot was South African” Tour in early 1983 led by Bandula injured. My good friend Sri Warnapura. Lankan Manager late K. M. T. While at St Thoma’s Perera described it in this man- and an ornament to Cricket College, as a schoolboy in 1972, ner fell blood was oozing from he represented Sri Lanka Sunil’s foot and later Duleep administrator. showed his management skills. against Pakistan. Sri Lanka was Mendis was hit. He have uncon- Unassuming, soft spoken Dave Whatmore and Mendis led by another cricketing leg- scious and taken to hospital. If Duleep Mendis is an ornament were the men behind the scene end, a gentleman cricketer of not for these two injuries we to cricket. I presume he is a in achieving the greatest sports class , a dis- would have some time beaten “Kohinoor”, the most precious achievement that Sri Lanka tinguished Thomian. the mighty Australians. We diamond of cricket in Sri recorded upto date. There are Duleep Mendis’ were 250 for 4, when Duleep Lanka. many other “Firsts” for father and mother are was injured.” The London Duleep Mendis is a Duleep. He was the first Sri Julian Mendis and newspaper reported it was a “Mendis Special”. He was a Lankan cricketer to score Doreen Mendis miracle that saved Duleep. The batsman of high calibre, who “Twin Centuries” 105 + respectively. His head injury could have been pulverised many fearsome 105 against India in brother, Gerald fatal. bowling attacks in the world. In Cheupek Mendis held Married to Dilhara, that cricket, they say, “Form is tem- (Madras) in 1982. the sweet charming epitome of porary, but class is permanent. This was the first record in the womanhood, they are blessed Duleep was undoubtedly a ever Test played Prince of with two sons - Niru and classy batsman. He had all the by Sri Lanka Wales, St. Sanjeeva and a daughter shots; the skill and leadership. against India, Sebestians Menaka. His wife Dilhara is the He is a class by himself. which I had big wind behind his sails. the distinc- encounter. Remember, if you want to What is leadership. tion of com- I had reach, international level in The ability to influence peo- menting the oppor- cricket you must be committed, ple, towards the attainment of from tunity of disciplined, dedicated to the an organization’s goals. In Chennai for playing cause. Unassuming Duleep cricket, the captain has to be an Sri Lanka against Mendis is one of the greatest exemplary leader. Half a dozen Rupavahini Duleep, in the cricketers produced by Sri men all rolled into one. He has Corporation. I late 1970s when Lanka. Duleep Mendis is a role- to have a nerve of a gambler, must mention I opened batting model for our cricketers. He is the poise of a financier, the here with gratitude for Bank of Ceylon. a gentleman of the highest human understanding of a psy- the first ever Chairman He represented order. I consider it a privilege chologist and patience of a of S.L.R.C., late Mr. M. J. Maharajah to have been a close associate saint. Perera, that brilliant civil Organisation at that time. of. I consider him as God’s gift Duleep was one of the most servant, in nominating me The match was played at to Sri Lanka cricket.

HA-HAH! GOOD-LOOKING * From page 8 PEOPLE are not very nice to Yet the most compelling evidence Et tu... know, while ugly ones are total for me came not from scanning psy- The General’s revolt against a donkey. his battle plans, with lads like sweethearts. chology papers, but from talking to the President and the Defence The General’s current lieu- Tissa as his batman and and It’s true: Secretary is the manifestation tenant on his right flank, taunt- Dayasiri as a more reliable Well, okay, maybe it is not quite a gentleman (actually, that’s proba- of a deep seated personality ed him that he has no knowl- cook. as neat as that. But let’s just say bly the wrong word) who spends a flaw. As long he could have his edge of geography: “What’s the that gorgeous people with super- lot of time buying companionship in way, he proved to be a steady big deal about capturing Treachery most foul model faces are inevitably evil, bars in various cities in Asia. He and resolute Army Chief of Thoppigala? It’s a mere jungle!” A head giddy with hubris poisonous hags, while plain folks ugly claims to have surveyed hundreds great military acumen. He rev- Another geographer derided and burning with resentment, are funny, clever, charming people of women over a long, sleazy life- elled in the adulation of the him in Parliament that when cannot control its tongue. The with the saintliness of Mother time. masses. But when his ambitions the government announces a General’s boast at Teresa. This has ABSOLUTELY “Never choose the prettiest girl in were thwarted, latent fissures march on Kilinocchi, the Dhamarashoka Vidyalaya in in his personality surfaced and General sends his army to Ambalangoda on July 10 2009, NOTHING to do with the fact that people the bar,” he told me. “They have the on the “Perfect Ten” scale, the now gape canyon deep and Medawacchi; when the govern- has done irreparable damage to world at their feet and are curt, wide. Why is he seething with ment says the Army will take his Army and the country he present writer scores Minus 20. rushed and unfriendly. The least so much resentment against his Alimankade – Elephant Pass - now wants to save! Was it a This issue is being hotly debat- attractive girls in the bar are a much former Commander-in-Chief the General’s troops stray into mere coincidence that he was ed after the ejection of 5,000 peo- are better choice. They are inevitably who extended his term of office Pamankade - a Colombo suburb. asked to tender his resign a few ple last week from a web-based nice young women who appreciate four times and overlooked his Another utterer of gibberish, days after that? The dating club called Beautiful vain posturings? He threw a now the General’s campaign Ambalangoda bravado was duly a bit of attention and are worth People. (Screen shot above.) The tantrum and stamped his foot manager, said he is not fit even noted by the US State spending time with.” club refused to renew the mem- like a spoilt child, because he to lead the Salvation Army. Department in its 2009 Report In the comedy business, it’s well- berships of anyone who had put nicer was not given what he demand- In his hunger for revenge on Sri Lanka. It was tabled in known that attractive people can’t ed. His personality flaw is being and power, the General has the US Congress making it a on a few pounds over the recent exploited by opportunists for been willing to sell his soul and legal document incriminating holidays. tell jokes. Stand-up comedian Jim Norton told an interviewer last their cunning ends. His sign Faustian pacts with any- this country’s political leaders To join this international club, rankling rancour and revolt is one. But, he may not trivialize and his senior army officers for week that if you’re cute, you’re you post your photo on making the nation vulnerable those vilifications and dismiss perpetuity. Not all Fonseka’s www.beautifulpeople.com and probably not funny. “You don’t to the machinations of external them saying he answered his equivocations can cancel half a members vote you on or off in 48 have to develop the other side of powers. revilers at that time and he line of it. For this betrayal hours. Most are instantly voted your personality,” he said. “Carol Who would have thought that does not bear them any wairaya alone he is not qualified to be off. Some Asian countries have a Burnett is a comic genius, but she even before a year past after the – vengeful resentment - because Head of State. In T.S. Eliot’s scourge of terrorism was eradi- he is a forgiving man! Is this a Murder in the Cathedral, high rejection rate: 90 per cent of has a horse head.” (Right: Carol Burnett) cated the man who played the ‘credible change’ of heart? Archbishop Thomas Beckett applicants get the thumbs down in major role in a glorious victory Hardly. What drives the tells his last tempter, “The last Japan and 85 per cent in China. The most interesting reaction would join the President ‘s General’s juggernaut is burn- sin is the worst treason/to do “It’s so shallow,” one reader came from a tech-headed reader political foes to drive the latter ing wairaya against the the right thing for the wrong wrote to me. “Surveys prove that because they go through life receiv- named Sandy. “Dating websites from power? Poda Mahinda! - President and the Defence reason”. In this instance, the ugly people are more beautiful ing better treatment than the rest of like beautifulpeople claim to have as Wickremesinghe contemptu- Secretary. He can, but may not ultimate sin and worst treach- inside, surely?” us. And studies show children hundreds of thousands of gorgeous ously shouted. The General forget, that those jibes were cal- ery is doing the wrong thing for joined the very people who culated to demoralise his offi- the wrong reason - make a I hoped he was right, but decided always connect beauty with good- men and women as members. I attempted to sabotage his war cers and soldiers and to debili- General seeking revenge win to look for evidence. I plundered the suspect many of the hunky guys are ness, having been brainwashed with effort! tate their will to fight. The the war he has declared on the psychology reports in the university thousands of fairy tales in which actually short, fat, bald men with a One jabbering fool called the General’s revilers were aware President. Fortunately, this libraries. pretty blond princesses triumph over talent for Photoshop. But you know General a donkey: English that if the war was won the time, General will not win his To my horror, I found that psy- black-haired, hook-nosed witches. the really scary thing? I suspect equivalent of gona (‘bull) ’- President would be politically ‘Second Campaign’. The rural chologists have for years believed in But more recent studies suggest many of the beautiful women are saying, “Any donkey can fight a invincible. Now Fonseka has poor, whose sons and daughters a connection between beauty and the opposite is true. Ugly people also short, fat, bald men with a tal- war if given the weapons.” He put aside the General’s thoppiya sacrificed their lives and limbs goodness. The theory is that attrac- work harder at relationships and at ent for Photoshop.” indirectly gave credit to the – cap – to assail a political and fought valiantly till the vil- President who provided the Thoppigala. He is turning to lains were vanquished, will not tive people could end up with sun- life in general, and thus develop Well, in that case, I hope they will weaponry and ammunition, but Somawanse, Wickremesinghe, be misled by an embittered and nier, more positive personalities, more character. all be very happy together. faulted him for handing them to Kiriella and Karunanayeke for vengeful man.