Ruwan Perera – the cricketer and lest we forget, the gentleman
Seated (from left): Saliya Witharana, Thilan Wijesinghe, Priyal Perera (vice captain), Ruwan Perera (Captain), Sidath Wettamuni, Kushil Gunasekara, Gihan Karunaratne Standing (from left): Saman Kohomange, Dhammika Perera, Anura de Silva, Keerthiraj Perera, Lalith Hewavitharane, Mahendra Samararatne, Prasanna Amarasinghe, Senaka Ekayayake, Hemakantha Ekayayake, Kolitha Nilaweera Absentees: Prasanna Karunathileke, Tilak de Silva
In William Shakespeare’s play Macbeth said “Life’s but a walking shadow, a poor player, that struts and frets his hour upon the stage, and then is heard no more; it is a tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing”. I believe that this statement is spot on. Yet, I wanted to write a few words about Ruwan Perera who peacefully passed away on August 10, 2021.
Ruwan was known to many as the flamboyant cricketer who lived next to Salgado Bakery in Maradana. He captained junior and first XI cricket teams of Ananda College in the 1970s and the first team of the Burger Recreation Club in the 1980s. Some who played with and against him still speak of the gritty centuries he scored against top teams. Others who befriended him later in life think that he had a good entrepreneurial knack.
He identified a niche in the market, based primarily on his instincts and desire to be independent and developed a business he enjoyed leading. He was never shy to seek knowledge or advise from anyone to improve that business.
As skipper of Ananda '76
Socially, he entertained friends with his tales of adventure that amaze some of us to this day. However, behind the macho persona, Ruwan was more than a cricketer, adventurer and businessman. He was a compassionate, respectful, and grateful human being. He never hesitated to pull out his wallet to help someone in need.
In recent years, his hobby was reading the newspapers from front to back. He was well informed on matters ranging from economics to sports and enjoyed discussing any topic, but politics. He had the memory of an elephant. On my last visit to his house in April 2021, I was accompanied by two friends, one of whom Ruwan had not seen for nearly three decades. With a few leading hints, Ruwan recognised this friend and went on to relate details about him that he himself faintly recalled.
Whatever his aspirations were, cricket or otherwise, Ruwan was not one to share even with his closest friends. Neither was he one to brag about his cricketing career nor unjustifiably criticise and blame others. Some paths he followed and choices he made may not have taken him to the places he wished to be in.
But, up to the time of his passing, he had a positive outlook and never looked back. That, I believe, helped him traverse the many peaks and valleys in his life’s journey. Be that as it may, I am sure that most people will consider themselves lucky to have either met Ruwan or had him as a friend.
May he be eternally happy.
Prianka Nalin Seneviratne