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by Frank Hubert

Archibald Perera fondly known as Archie represented an institution in the field of Sri Lankan rugby. Archie represented St Peter's and then went on to great heights with CR&FC playing in the All-Ceylon team against the Paris Universities.

Archie was one of the first local Ceylonese to play for All-Ceylon which was dominated by the British players.

After retiring from club and international rugby Archie was a teacher at St Peter's and he taught English and Mathematics.

He was given the responsibility to coach the St Peter's College rugby teams and he excelled with the experience he got after many years of being probably the best fly half ever produced by Sri Lanka. Archie managed to achieve a high standard of success due to his simple and efficient coaching technics which were always founded on getting the basics right at all times.

Archie had an uncanny knack of getting the best of the schoolboys due his disciplined manner and humerous wit.

In my opinion his best years was from 1965 till his untimely death in 1982 when he got ill after getting totally soaked during a rugby practice session.

From 1970 till 1980 he produced more Sri Lankan players then any other coach of his generation with many players being selected to captain Sri Lanka. In the Sri Lankan team of 1978 which participated in the Hong Kong Sevens in Hong Kong 5 players were Peterites. He also coached the CH&FC for a short period from 1975 till 1981.

St Peter's College are honouring this great stalwart of Sri Lankan rugby with a tribute on Friday January 3 at the College grounds at 5pm. A team photograph of past and present Peterite rugby players, a match between past and present Peterites and a minute silence will be held in his honour.

Also the unveiling of a photograph of Archie by his wife Mrs Perera followed by speeches by the present Rector of St Peter's and Frank Hubert will be followed by a social.

All those who remember the great man are invited to join in this tribute to Archie, a legend, hero and a friend.

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