|
|
 |
 |
 |
| Monday, 9 August 2004 |
 |
|
 |
Sports | |
| News Business Features Editorial Security Politics World Letters Sports Obituaries
|
Sports led him to High Discipline by Premasara Epasinghe The total philosophy of a country's Army is to be in readiness to defend the land and its people at any given time. For this, eternal alertness is essential. Discipline, Highest Dedication to the acceptance of the sacred of life, are some of the qualities that makes a great soldier. The Ceylon Army was raised in 1949 to function as a part of a Commonwealth Force to be employed both locally and overseas in the defence of Sri Lanka (Ceylon). In the early days of the Army, it was maintained mostly as a ceremonial Army to take part in the special occasions, such as Independence Day celebrations, ceremonial receptions of VVIPs, VIP, State Funerals, Military Funeral etc. Things have changed. The main responsibility tasked today on the Sri Lanka Army is to defend the country's sovereignty and territorial integrity, thus paving the way for the future generation to live in peace and harmony in a united Sri Lanka. Presently, the Sri Lanka Army has nearly 150,000 strength, both in the regular and volunteer forces with 20 regiments. The main responsibility tasked on them, is to defend the country's sovereignty and territorial integrity. Today, guiding this noble and prestigious task is in the hands of Lt. Gen. S. H. S. Kottegoda, WWV, RWP, RSP, ndc - Commander of the Sri Lanka Army. He is the 17th Commander. He has become eminently suitable for this Post, because, prior to the battle field, he has shown prowess as an outstanding sportsman in the field of sports as well. When I visited him, I was pleasantly surprised to see that atmosphere in which he works, was a very impressive mixture of dignity and simplicity. He is a great disciplinarian, and a fine human being. Lt. Gen. S. H. S. Kottegoda is an outstanding product of S. Thomas' College, Mount Lavinia. Along with his studies at STC, he took a great interest in sports - especially Cricket - Athletics - Cadeting. Fast Bowler turned spinner "When I was playing junior cricket, I was a left arm fast bowler. One day, my coach, Lassie Abeywardane advised me to concentrate on spin bowling. With my left arm spin bowling, I gained a place in the First XI. I played in 1968 ad 1969, under the captaincy of Dennis Chanmugam and Probodha Kariyawasam respectively. Orville Abeynaike was my master-in-charge of cricket. They are great disciplinarians and fine human beings. All Thomians who learned under their feet are indebted to these great teachers" stated Lt. General Shantha Kottegoda. Spin bowling is both an exciting and a challenging art. Sometimes, it can bring you to brink of frustration. But, if you dedicate yourself to the task set, the rewards are many. Spinning a cricket ball requires hard work. Shantha Kottegoda concentrated a lot and during the 1968/1969 cricket seasons, he was considered as a fine schoolboy left arm spinner in the school circuit. Against St. Joseph's College, Maradana, he returned his best figures - 7 for 28. Pinnacle of Big Matches The greatest achievement for any schoolboy is to play in a Royal-Thomian. Undoubtedly, it can be considered as the "Pinnacle of the Big Matches". It is more than a Big Match. It is a National Event in the Sports Calendar of Sri Lanka. Shantha Kottegoda played in the 89th Royal-Thomian played at Colombo Oval on 12th and 13th March 1968. Thomian Team comprised of A. Jayasekera (wkt keeper), J. H. Reid, W. R. Watson, D. Chanmugam (Capt), N. S. Wijesooriya, P. L. D. Kariyawasam, D. L. de Saram, M. A. Hameed, R. S. Jayawardane, S. H. S. Kottegoda and L. D. Peiris. He did not get the opportunity of batting in both innings. But, as a left arm spinner, his bowling analysis read 21-01-66-1. In the 90th Royal Thomian, played at the Colombo Oval, on 7th and 8th 1969, Shantha Kottegoda scored 06 (run out) in the first innings and did not score in the second innings. Kottegoda bowled 5 overs, gave away 16 runs and captured 1 wicket. The 1969 Thomian Team consisted of A. Jayasekera (wkt keeper), R. Sathasivam, A. D. H. Samaranayake, P. L. D. Kariyawasam (capt.), N. S. Wijesooriya, D. L. de Saram, V. M. Wickremanayake, L. D. Peiris, W. Ravindran, S. H. S. Kottegoda and S. Wijeratne. "Bunny" of Kottegoda Royalist C. A. P. Samarasekera, will never forget Kottegoda - Jayasekera (wkt keeper) combination, because, in 1968 and 1969, he fell a victim to Kottegoda - Jayasekera duo and became the "Bunny" of Kottegoda. In 1968, Samarasekera scored 05 and and missed a well-deserved half a century by 10 runs in 1969. C. A. P. Samarasekera, is presently a Lieutenant Colonel, serving in the Australia Army and he is in Melbourne. Athlete - High Jumper Shantha Kottegoda was a fine Athlete too. He won Athletics colours at STC. He was a High Jumper. He was the Head Prefect of the Buck House too. Cadet The future of the present commander of the Army was moulded at the STC. He took upto Cadeting. His Cadet Master Mr. Mandawela was a great inspiration to him and he is evergrateful to his beloved teacher. Mandawela planned my future. As a schoolboy, I attended eight camps. It is a training in life. This training helped me in the battle field, in the future", stated Lt. General Shantha Kottegoda. Lieutenant General S. H. S. Kottegoda, assumed duties in his present position on 1st July, 2004. He was born at Matara on 06 November, 1949. Upon completion of the Officer Cadet training at the Sri Lanka Military Academy, Diyatalawa, he was commissioned a Second Lieutenant of the Sri Lanka Light Infantry. He was born at Matara on 06th November, 1949. His father - Mr. S. H. P. Kottegoda and mother Mrs. Sheela Kottegoda. He started his schooling at St. Aloysius College, Galle and then joined Grade 3 Class - S. Thomas' College, during Warden Davidson's Era. "One reason to join the Army was that I thought I can continue sports. Taking part in sports, I gained confidence, improved my leadership qualities and I was fit both physically and mentally. It helped me to take decisions quickly and promptly. The training I gained in the playing field taught me to fair play, justice and discipline. Some of the Army officers at that time were outstanding sportsmen and gentlemen. Japana Jayewardane, Saliya Udugama, Abdul Zaheer, Harin Malwatta and Sarath Fonseka are some of them among many", stated Shantha Kottegoda. Lieutenant General S. H. S. Kottegoda is married to Sonia. They are blessed with a son - Asanka and a daughter Avanthi. Leaders are made in the playing fields In prestigious Britain, it is usually said future leaders are made in the playing fields of Eton and Harrow. The same context can be adapted to the Sri Lankan context as well. Personalities of stature of Shantha Kottegoda have unerringly been moulded in the playing fields of such public schools like Royal - S. Thomas'. We must not forget that times have changed not only in England, but, in Sri Lanka also. |
|
News | Business | Features
| Editorial | Security
Produced by Lake House |
