Mahinda Ratwatte is no more
View(s):The funeral of Lt. Col (Rtd.) Mahinda Ratwatte, a former President of the Sri Lanka Rugby Football Union will take place today. The cortege will leave No 7/D/5, Raddolugama at 2 p.m. for cremation at the General Cemetery, Borella at 5.00pm.
Whilst at Trinity College, Kandy Mahinda captained three college teams in three different years. He captained the Trinity boxing team in 1953 then went on to captain the rugby team in 1955 and thereafter clinched the cricket captaincy in 1956.
Mahinda was a rare all-rounder, with many gifts on display, not merely as a sportsman, but also as a senior planter and SLRFU President in 1979/1980.
Mahinda was a fantastic drop-goal specialist in rugby and a fine spin bowler in cricket. His solid right hand upper cuts in boxing were a peach to watch.
His best performance in bowling was in 1954 when he captured 5 for 17 against St. Joseph’s as well as a whirlwind batting performance of 47 (in 27 minutes clouting nine fours and one six) in the ‘Big Match’ against. St. Anthony’s under his brother Felix Ratwatte’s captaincy.
In rugby Mahinda is well remembered and talked about by his vintage friends and fans for his 60-metre drop-goals for Dimbula against CR&FC in 1963, which saw Dimbula enter the Clifford Cup final that year.
Captaining Trinity, they had a successful season beating St. Peter’s, St. Joseph’s, S. Thomas’, Medical College, CR ‘Bees’ and taking the Bradby Shield from the two games against Royal College.
Mahinda was a rugby selector for Sri Lanka and President of the SLRFU in 1979-80, also representing Sri Lanka at the Asian Congress.
Many invitations took him to Gosforth in UK, Ireland, Scotland, Wales and Russia. One visit he treasured most was when he was invited by the President of Penguins to witness the biggest spectacle in rugby – The World Cup.