Coach Nelson Mendis pens autobiography – ‘Disciplining Many’
The atmosphere at Nalanda College was filled with pride and nostalgia on February 21 as veteran cricket coach Nelson Mendis launched his autobiography, ‘Disciplining Many’. The event celebrated his extraordinary contribution to Sri Lankan cricket—a lifetime dedicated to nurturing talent and instilling discipline in young cricketers.
The hall was filled with a mix of faces familiar to the coach: former students, colleagues, and well-wishers. As Coach Mendis stepped up to the podium, he took a deep breath to steady himself. Despite having been discharged from the hospital just the day before, this moment, for him, was too important to miss. “I was never ready for such an event,” he said.
“I was never an author. But I used to keep reports from my school days. I still have all those diaries with me. It was these records that made this book possible,” he said.
Coach Mendis expressed gratitude to those who had supported him throughout the process—Athula Jayasekara, Varuna Ratnaweera, and Wasantha Sriwardena among many others.
“Their hard work, including the cartoons that made the book more attractive, made this day a reality,” he said.
Among the audience was Roshan Mahanama, a cherished former student. Turning to him, Coach Mendis said, “You have been one of the best students I have ever taught. You have carried on what I always taught you, to the very letter.”
As he continued to speak, his mind wandered to defining moments in his career. For him, coaching was never just about winning matches; it was about discipline, commitment, and shaping young talent.
“I must tell a small story,” he recalled, smiling.
He reminisced a moment in England when his Under-19 team had won a crucial Test match with a day to spare. Seeing an opportunity, he asked the boys if they wanted to visit Lord’s, the home of cricket. Their response stunned him. “No sir, we would like to practice,” they had said.
Pix by Nilan Maligaspe
That was the kind of mindset he had instilled in them, one that prioritised hard work, and it paid off. That squad returned home undefeated, a moment of immense pride in his career. Coach Mendis’ journey was far from easy. Even after retirement, cricket never left him. For 27 years, he continued coaching, producing 11 national-level cricketers—a list he recited with pride.
“I couldn’t enjoy my retired life, not even for a week. But I have no regrets,” he chuckled.
Remarkably, even in his 80s, he continues to coach, sharing his wisdom and experience with the next generation of players. Looking at the young cricketers present, he said, “I hope all these young students today will have gathered a lot of knowledge and learned what cricket can truly teach—especially discipline”.
‘Disciplining Many’ offers an intimate look into the life of Nelson Mendis, chronicling his journey from passionate sportsman to revered coach. Known for his firm yet nurturing approach, he has shaped the careers of some of Sri Lanka’s most prominent cricketers, emphasising discipline, dedication, and integrity—values that have become the hallmarks of his coaching philosophy.
The event also featured speeches from notable figures. Chief Guest Hemaka Amarasuriya, former Chairman of Singer Sri Lanka and author of the book’s foreword, shared his admiration for Mendis. Former Sri Lanka cricket captain and ICC match referee Roshan Mahanama, former Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) President Thilanga Sumathipala also spoke at the event. SLC President Shammi Silva, and Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka were also among notable guests. Adding to the occasion, former national cricketer Mahela Jayawardene addressed the veteran coach in a heartfelt video message.
“I hope this book will give the readers, young cricketers, coaches, masters, present day managers, and students an inspiration to indulge in their passions and progress gradually,” Coach Mendis writes in his author’s note.