Sports

An outstanding sportsman from St. Joseph’s College, Darley Road, Rohan de Alwis stepped out of the portals of Bonjean Hall, with many firsts to his credit.. A proud product from Ruhuna, he hails from Baddegama. His father Dunstan de Alwis was a race horse owner and trainer. His paternal uncle Neil de Alwis was LSSP M.P. for Baddegama. Rohan is a marketing man with a degree from Aquinas University London.

He started his academic career in 1957 at St. Joseph’s and left school in 1970, winning colours in rugby, athletics, swimming, tennis and basketball.. But it was in rugby that curly haired de Alwis proved his mettle. The youngest Josephian to captain the Ist XV at the age of 16, he played for the Ist. XV under Rohan Jayatilleke in 1966. His brother Nimal, too played rugby.

During this time the Darley Road school remained unbeaten champions. They won the league, the Joe –Pete, and the Lady Jayatilleke trophy annual contest against S. Thomas; Mt. Lavinia and drew with Royal and Trinity. He played with the likes of Holdenbottle, Dr. Gamini Gunatilleke, Tuan Kitchill etc.

Q: Who coached you?
A: Legendary late Ago Paiva. One of the finest products from St. Peter’s. Later did proud for the CR and FC and Sri Lanka. Played for the Ist XV, at the age of 15.

Q: What was your most unforgettable moment in your school career?
A: In my first year in 1966 against Royal. I played in the wing. I had to mark Royal skipper/winger Brian Lieversz, a hard runner. Being a sprinter I was close on his heels. Marked him well for going over the line. Helped the Joes to draw the match and maintain an unbeaten tag. I left school joined CH and FC, in 1970. and played under Maurice Marrinon. At that time the game was dominated by foreigners – expatriates. Mostly from the Plantations (up country) Man to man, we played.

Q: No quarter given none asked for.
A: Yes. Players like Darrell Wimalaratne, the Paternott brothers Bryan Baptist, excelled. Late Anthony Abeysinghe, coach par excellence was the athletic coach.

Q: You were fit as a fiddle
A: Yes, otherwise, I could not have excelled in five disciplines including Aqua sport. I swam in public with Hector Perera (Jnr.) Son of Hector Perera (Snr.).

Q: Any rugby administrator whom you admire?
A: Yes – late William Mollegoda. One of the best who commanded respect allround.

Q: With your wide experience did you serve in any sport?
A: I was the Rugby secretary of the CH and FC in 1972. Treasurer of the Sri Lanka Rugby Union.