FFSL honours late Edward Wickramasuriya

by Bernard Perera

The Football Federation of Sri Lanka held a simple ceremony yesterday at the Football House to appreciate the yeoman services rendered by late Edward Wickramasuriya for the sport. This was an idea of Mr. and Mrs. Manilal Fernando which saw its fruits yesterday.

Mrs Leela Wickramasuriya and her two sons Asiri and Hashan along with late Edward’s brother Oliver were present on the occasion.

Thilak Pieris, the president of the Masters Football Association speaking on the occasion said late Edward was a man who served soccer with all his knowledge as a player and coach.

His untimely death was an irreparable loss for the sport. He thanked Mr and Mrs. Manilal Fernando and all officials of FFSL for their unstinted co-operation for this worthy cause to see late Wickramasuriya’s family prosper in everyway.

Major General Ananda Weerasuriya, a former National Player and a secretary of Master’s Football Association said late Edward was a soccerite who played the game at its best traditions.

He was a man highly critical of all wrong doings but was never a trouble maker. He knew how to present his views in a disciplined manner which was always accepted by everyone.

Oliver Wickramasuriya, the brother of late Edward thanked Manilal and his officials for this great gesture. He said in mid fifties Edward commenced his soccer at Badulla. His talents were of very high standard though the facilities were not available.

His interest for soccer and courageous acts saw him get a place in the junior national team for the Asian championships in 1959. From there onwards none could stop him and continued his achievement and had the opportunity of leading the national team.

Soon after hanging his boots from the field took coaching and went on to coach the national team too. Even at the time of his death he was highly engaged with the Master’s Football Association.

Manilal Fernando, Vice President, Asian Football Confederation and chairman management committee could not speak long. Tears were pouring down from his eyes but managed to speak few words and said I did not want this to be a publicity matter but I was compelled to do so as there were many misunderstandings spread soon after Edward Wickramasuriya’s death.

I wanted to clear this misunderstanding, said Fernando. Late Edward’s second son Hashan Wickramasuriya student of St. Peter’s College was handed a scholarship package to continue his studies. This was handed over to Mrs. Wickramasuriya by Mrs. Mano Fernando, wife of Manilal Fernando.

According to Manilal Fernando Hashan will receive a monthly scholarship allowance of Rs. 15,000 every month for him to continue his studies.

Thilina Panditharatne President FFSL welcomed Wickramasuriya family to the occasion.