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A unique man in cricket
A Walk Down Memory Lane
By Bernie Wijesekera
Leo Wijesinghe, that diehard old Josephian, though not a first class cricketer, has many a first on and off the field. In 1946, as a schoolboy, he got interested in the willow wielding sport when the Indian team under Nawab Pataudi (snr.) toured England.

This tour was after the second World War. The Indian team had a galaxy of stars Vijay Merchand, Mustaq Ali, Vijay Hazare, Abdul Hafeez Karder (who later captained Pakistan), Lala Amaranath, C.S. Naidu etc., England was led by Wally Hammond, Norman Yardley, Denis Compton, Joe Hardstaff, Cyril Washbrook, Len Hutton etc., This tour was followed by England's Ashes Series to Australia. The Aussies were led by Sir Don Bradman which team included Lindsay Hasset, Keith Miller, Ray Lindwall, Ian Johnson, Don Tallon, W. Johnston, Colin McCool. Australia won the series 4-0. Since then, Leo never looked back. "Cricket was a way of life for me. In its wake I made lots of friends at home and away. It built a permanent bridge of understanding and fellowship. It taught me the Dos and Don'ts. Taught me to face setbacks courageously, even my family life, too. It was never a Bed of Roses".

Leo joined Brook Bonds in 1954. Still had the flair for cricket. He played with the likes of Channa Gunasekera, Mike Tissera, Harold Juriansz, etc. He was Sri Lanka's best played in the MCA 'A' Division. The likes of C.I. Gunasekera, Sathi Coomaraswamy, Vernon Prins, Bertie Wijesinghe etc. played for the team.

Q: Did you play for St. Joseph's?
A: No., only inter-house games. It was not easy to find a place in the team, with outstanding players, led by Neil Weerasinghe, in 1946-'47. But still lost to St. Peter's captained by Dion Walles, Darell Weinman, N.N. de Silva, Shelley Wickermasinghe, Bernard Wijetunga (Snr.) Michael Chanmugam, Anton and Maurice Perera. Lost to Petes in two successive years.

Q: You have shown your ability to be a good administrator with professional skills. Any reasons?
A: Was secretary of Brook Bonds and served 20 years, in various capacities. In 1982 ended up as president of the Mercantile cricket Association. Besides served as secretary of the NCC. A member for 36 years. At present its cricket co-ordinator and manager.

Q: In any other way have you served the national body?
A: Yes, in 1982 went as assistant manager to late KMT Perera, when the Lankan team toured Zimbabwe, under Duleep Mendis. Again in 1984, toured Australia assistant to Neil Chanmugam for the 150th anniversary Victoria one-day series. Seven test playing nations took part, led by Duleep, Roy Dias as his deputy.

Then went as an official with a strong MCA team led by Anura Tennekoon for the State Bank invitation tournament -Moin-ud-Gowlah. Lost in the finals to New-Foam led by M.L. Jaisimha, in Hyderabad.

After the formation of the Asian Cricket Council, late Mr. Gamini Dissanayake, as President. Nuski Mohamed, was ACC's secretary/treasurer. The ACC, as part of their promotional drive, Sri Lanka toured Hong Kong. I went as an official on the maiden tour. Was the manager of the Lankan under-23 national team to Pakistan. It was here that Sanath Jayasuriya, came of age. He made two double 'tons'. He had the Pakistan fans bewildered. I am proud to mention that I played a foster father to him. Though the 'Master Blaster' has climbed the ladder he has not forgotten his past. Besides I served as vice -president of the Association of Cricket Umpires Sri Lanka.

Q: You say you have formed close relationship with international cricketers. In what way?
A: At times served as co-ordination officer or otherwise. The likes of Sunil Gavaskar, Ajit Wadekar, Clive Lloyd, Mike Gatting, Rodney Marsh, Stephen Felming, Andrew Flintoff, Andy Flower, and international umpire, Billy Bowden. They are lovable characters, with abundant human qualities on and off the field. I am proud to have met them thanks to cricket.

Q: Who were your cricketing idols here?
A: Malcolm Spittel, Vernon Prins and Mike Tissera. They were a class by themselves and maintained the spirit of the game. Learnt much from them.
One person, that I can't forget from my school days - and at NCC. Late Harold de Andrado. An ardent old Joe and NCC member. He had a storehouse of cricketing knowledge pertaining to St. Joseph's, NCC, Sri Lanka and Australian Cricket.

Harold had close links with late Sir Don Bradman, Keith Miller and Greg Chappell. Another personality - Abu Fuard, my childhood friend for 55 years. Todate I continue my cordial relationship with him. Before he signed off he paid a glowing tribute to the present President of NCC, Ranjit Fernando. "He has been very kind and has been helpful to me at all times. Recently he unveiled my photograph for my services to the NCC and for Sri Lanka cricket."

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