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The ‘star’ that eclipsed
By Bernie Wijesekera
It was 1984, Sri Lanka was just two years in Test cricket after obtaining full membership in 1982. Young Royalist Sumithra Warnakulasuriya was just out of school with outstanding feats behind him. Now he was to face the mighty Indians who had come here with a galaxy of stars who also had taken a stranglehold on the world of cricket...

When he walked into the crease at the NCC ground, the Sri Lankan supporters expected something off Sumithra’s bat, he did not let them down. At the end of the Sri Lankan innings he remained unbeaten on 174, and a new cricketing ‘star’ was on the horizon.

Ironically things did not transpire as expected, and that was the first and the last big innings that he ever played against an international side. Maybe the circumstances that prevailed contributed to it.

He hails from a cricketing stock. His father, better known as ‘Uncle Charlie’, was a legend in his own rights. Old ‘Charlie’ had played for Bloomfield in the years gone by. He was a member of the first P. ‘Sara’ trophy champion team led by the late Noel Perera in 1964.

But, this saga is about Sumithra who now is in charge of the Sri Lanka under 19 team and their quest to win the Youth World cup.

Q: You did proud for Royal, who coached you besides your father?
A: Late Laddie Outschoorn, and at Royal, Christie Gunasekera (Under-16), late Col. H.T. Gunasekera and Gamini Salgado at First XI.

Q: What was the most unforgettable moment in your career?
A: Batting with my father for Bloomfield in a Division III match against Colts CC. I was just 15. I opened batting and made 34 n.o., my father came in at No. 4. He too made 34. Bloomfield won the match at Reid Avenue. Played for Royal from 1980 and led the team in 1982. The same year broke Duleep Mendis’ highest score in the “Battle of the Blues” (S. Thomas) 184. I made 197.

Q: You were a batsman in the Geoff Boycott mould. Hard to be dislodged, had temperament, application and mental toughness.
A: Yes. One must possess the batting skills, to play a long innings unlike in a one-day game.

Q: You have scored over 150 runs in an innings for Royal on five occasions – from 1980 – ’82.
A: Yes. In 1981 runs flowed from my bat. 168 not out against Richmond, 169 not out against St. Joseph’s, 181 not out against Trinity. In 1982 167 n.o., against Prince of Wales. It’s a rare milestone achieved by a batsman for Royal. Barring the highest made by the present coach Chulaka Amerasinghe 207 n.o., against Wesley at Campbell Park, eclipsing 202 by Carl Van Ceyzel in 1919.

Q: Any noteworthy performance after leaving school and at club level?
A: Made 174 not out against India led by Kapil Dev in 1984 at the NCC grounds in a three-day game. In the same year Sri Lanka led by Duleep Mendis posted their first test win over India.

Then I toured Pakistan with the National team, but was not destined to play despite consistent performances as an opening bat. I made over 1000 runs for CCC in the 1984-85 Premier Trophy season. The CCC won the championship under Roger Wijesuriya.

Q: Who assisted you after leaving school?
A: Roy de Silva, K.M. Nelson and Kumar Boralessa. I am grateful to them in assisting me at the start of my life, my life was never a ‘Bed of Roses’

Q: Cricket has been a way of life for you.
A: Yes, like my father I have stepped on to his shoes, a Level II coach. Coached Royal Juniors for three years (under 13, 15). At present under-19 national coach. Toured England and Bangladesh last year.

Q: What are our chances at the forthcoming under-19 World Cup ODI?
A: In ODI one can’t predict nor judge standards. Fielding has to be excellent. Bowling has to be on target and intelligent in batting.

Q: What have you got to say about the present standard of school cricket?
A: Sad to mention standards have dropped. Lack of temperament and application, plus skill levels. School cricket was the main nursery in the past. It served the national cause.

Q: Who were your cricketing idols?
A: Ranjan Madugalle and Arjuna Ranatunga.

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