Though it was frail frame, anyone would know Bernie was on his way to the desk. Generally he walked with an announcement – whatever it is and everybody in the precinct has to be aware of his arrival and what he was talking about. Yet, that was Bernie and people on and off the field [...]

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The Sundaytimes Sri Lanka

Bernie you will be missed

By the Sunday Times Sports Desk
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Though it was frail frame, anyone would know Bernie was on his way to the desk. Generally he walked with an announcement – whatever it is and everybody in the precinct has to be aware of his arrival and what he was talking about. Yet, that was Bernie and people on and off the field knew him in that manner.

Bernie was a great admirer of former South African President the late Nelson Mandela, the anti apartheid revolutionary philanthropist who served as President of South Africa from 1994 to 1999.

When Bernie (left) was recognised for his contribution to sports journalism by the Editors’ Guild last year

When the South African rugby team led by Francois Pienaar beat the All Blacks in 1995 to win the Rugby World Cup in Pretoria, Pienaar received the World Cup from Nelson Mandela.

Bernie who was in South Africa at that time made it a point to meet Mandela. He was full of praise for the South African President.
Bernie was on a cricket assignment at that time but he was keen to watch the rugby final. He used to say that moment was made possible by former Trinity, CR and Sri Lanka No 8. Ajit Abeyratne.

Bernie counts more than 50 years in the field of sports journalism. He once recalled the first World Cup cricket tournament he covered in 1975. He was sponsored by a group of friends headed by former S. Thomas’ College and Sri Lanka pace bowler Mevan Pieris.

He used to admire former CR and Sri Lankan rugby skipper Indrajit Coomaraswamy under whose captaincy Sri Lanka emerged runners-up to Japan in the 1974 competition held in Colombo, which feat is the best produced by a Sri Lankan XV-a-side team to date. He made it a point to visit Indrajit, a former Harrow rugby skipper, whenever he visited England. After his stint in Sri Lanka, Indrajit went back to England. Bernie did an interview to the Sunday Times from England, which was well received.

Bernie was also a Justice of the Peace and he used to say that he owed that position to former Sri Lanka, Havelocks and Army scrum half Brig. Jupana Jayawardena.

Bernie always had a soft corner for his colleagues who were sick or needed medical attention. He went out of his way to help former Sports Editor, the late Annesley Ferreira when he was hospitalised by speaking to hospital authorities at Nawalaoka to cut down hospital expenses. There are numerous other stories where he has helped colleagues at the Sri Jayewardenepura Hospital and other institutions, which are too numerous to pen.

He had a nose for news, especially features and he had a style of his own which was unique to say the least.

May he attain Nibbana.

They paid their tribute to Bernie

Arjuna Ranatunga (1996 World Cup winning Sri Lanka team captain)
Bernie Wijesekera was a well respected senior sports journalist, a great contributor who devoted his entire life to sports journalism with great commitment. He was a regular figure that stood outside the boundary rope since I played junior cricket for Ananda College, and his presence was visible even when I played First XI, club cricket and even when I represented the country.
I got to associate with Bernie very closely during some foreign tours with the Sri Lanka cricket team and he was among the journalists who traveled in the official bus during tours overseas. We used to have a good time whenever he was around and especially the boys loved to bully him during such road trips.
I generally addressed him as ‘Uncle Bernie’ and it remained the same way until I met him some months ago before his demise. He was a gentleman par excellence and a good companion. He stood for his word all the time. He will be greatly missed.
Michael Tissera (Former Sri Lanka cricketer)
Bernie used to play cricket and he was a versatile off-spinner during his playing days. He was a keen cricketer, a keen follower of the game and he knew about cricket be it playing or writing. Above all Bernie was a good fellow, a great companion whenever he was around. Hearing of his demise was shocking and it is very sad to miss a good friend.
Nimal Lewke (Former Sri Lanka boxer and rugby player)
I have known Bernie for over 40 years or so. I joined Sri Lanka Police in 1972 and was a national boxer during that time. He used to visit me very often, we shared a good time. He was an unassuming sports journalist with great commitment for work. He was highly committed for the sports he covered.
I would rate Bernie as an unsung hero of sports in Sri Lanka. I think sportsmen of all levels should be grateful to writers like Bernie for lifting them up in their respective sporting careers. He is one of the rare breed of writers, who went beyond the limits to get a good story. I feel very sorry and sad to hear the loss of a good writer, a good contributor to sports and a good companion.
Malik Samarawickrama
(Former rugby player and SLRFU President)
Bernie was not afraid to come out with facts and talk the truth. His practice in journalism was based on the best interest of the sport, be it cricket, rugby or any other. He was a decent chap and never had private agendas in his career as a journalist. Bernie was a true friend and a very good lover of sports. His loss will be greatly felt. We will dearly miss him.

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