'Thusha' Weerasooriya - Trinity's Triple Lion

Sporting Personalities with Ken de Joodt :

SPORTING PERSONALITIES: This is unique and true! His record run in life from his splendid school-days, speaks volumes of an illuminating Sporting Personality, who has the ability to be absolutely focused and routing unified energy in one direction, with a single-minded vision to succeed!

On the sports fields too, he has distinguished himself in brilliant ways, with 'showers of Blessings' - and adopting an attitude of gratitude for all the good things he has received in life! Here is an example of a modest matured man, yet exhibiting the exuberance of youth and versatility in its fullness, which can be attributed to an outstanding and unique Sporting Personality - 'Thusha' 'TP' Weerasooriya!

'Thusha' as he likes to be called, may well be the only Triple "Lion" who has also won the Ryde Gold Medal (an award made to the most outstanding student), in the long glittering history of Trinity - a truly unique achievement and an unmatchable record! In 1985 he 'captured' his first "Lion" when he set-up records in Athletics.

Then two "Lions" came his way in 1986, one for Cricket, as he led an unbeaten Trinity team and also received the awards of the "Best Captain of Sri Lanka Schools Cricket" as well as "Most Popular Schoolboy Cricketer".

While the other "Lion" was for Rugby Football, when he was picked, as yet a Schoolboy, to play for the Sri Lanka National team, in the ASIAD in Bangkok, Thailand. Apart from all these, for two years, 1985 and 1986, he was awarded the "Best All-Round Sportsman" at Trinity.

'Thusha' was born in 1967, in the salubrious climes of Kandy and had his entire education at Trinity College from 1972 to 1986. He is the son of Jayanthi (nee Makalanda) and Major W. M. Weerasooriya, the first student of Dharmarajah College, Kandy, to gain entry into the Sandhurst Military Academy, in England and to pass out as an Army Officer.

His pretty wife Champika (nee Fernando) who holds a Honours Degree in Accountancy from Australia, returned to Sri Lanka with their two 'cute' Sons, Traveen (5 years) and Direin (3 yrs) after 12 years of living abroad in Melbourne, Australia.

As a disciplined young boy, 'Thusha' was attracted to partake in sports as a 'duck takes to the water' and he 'rode on waves' of success, beyond measure. His 'Midas touch' was evident in everything he put himself to, whether it be his hands, legs, head or body - it seemingly 'turned to Gold'! His 'hidden' talents of self=taught music on the 'Hi-tec' Musical Keyboard and a natural 'golden' voice that brings out beautiful renditions, from old English 'favourites' to the modern Sinhala songs, are 'super-duper' to listen to! When asked, how do you have the time for all this, he replied that he believes in the "3 D's" - Desire, Dedication and Determination, at all times, as the main ingredients that make any individual successful, be it in the walk of life or on the field of sports!

On leaving College, 'Thusha' migrated to Australia for higher studies and to develop his professional career. He was successful in obtaining a Bachelor's Degree with Honours in Electronic Engineering from the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology in Australia and a Master's Degree in Telecommunications from the Victoria University in Melbourne Australia.

He also is a Chartered Engineer of the Institute of Electrical Engineers (United Kingdom). He has since then worked in the World's leading Telecommunication companies namely, Philips Telecom Systems Australia, Motorola - Australia/Asia pacific and Cisco Systems - USA, one of the leading Corporates in the World and well 'Preferred Employer of Choice'.

CRICKET "LION" - His 'Star-studded' school sporting career began at the early age of 13, when he was appointed Captain of the College Under-13 Rugby and Cricket teams. In 1983, 'Thusha' was selected to tour England with the Trinity Under-16 Cricket team and was awarded the "Best All Rounder" Prize. As Cricket Captain of the Under-17 team, Trinity entered the 'A' Division semi finals. In 1985, playing for the 1st XI Cricket team, he won Colours for good all-round play.

In 1986 'Thusha' was appointed Captain of the unbeaten Trinity Cricket team which won the big match against St. Anthony's College, Kandy, after 35 years. He was awarded the "Man of the Match" for all-round performance and great leadership. In 1986, he was awarded the "Best Captain's Prize of Sri Lanka's School Cricket in 1986" and the "Most Popular Schoolboy Cricketer" awards, which were presented to Thusha, by Mr. Bata himself.

He also captained the Outstation's Sri Lanka School's Cricket team in 1986, as well as the Central Province Under-19 Cricket team. For these great performances he was awarded the Cricket "Lion".

RUGBY "LION" - In 1984 he was a member of the unbeaten Champion Under - 17 Rugby team. In the All-Island "Seven-a-side" Tournament, 'Thusha' played for the Under-17 team that entered the Tournament as Trinity 'B' team which got into the semi finals but lost to Royal, who went on to clinch the "Seven-a-side" championship.

In 1985, he received Rugby Colours for good performances and having played for the 1st XV Rugby team that won the 'Bradby Shield' from Royal College.

It was his great delight while as a school boy, to be selected to play in the Sri Lanka national side, that participated in the ASIAD in Bangkok, Thailand. This team was Captained by Rohan Gunaratne (Police) in 1986, with Hisham Abdeen of the Havelocks as Vice-Captain. For this achievement and outstanding play in Trinity Rugby, 'Thusha' was awarded a Rugby Football "Lion".

ATHLETICS "LION" - In 1983, he became the All-Island Schools Sprint Champion in the Under-16 100 and 200 metres events. 'Thusha' 'missed-out' on the first place and obtained second place, in the 100 Metres at the All Island Athletics Championship in 1984.

However in 1985, he enjoyed greater success in Athletics by winning the Central Province 100 metres and 200 metres and later being a member of the Trinity record-breaking All-Island Athletics Champion team. In 1985 the Trinity Under - 19 Relay teams, which comprised Nizwi Nizar, Nilantha Ratnayake, Abeysekera and Thusha smashed the existing records in the 4 X 100 and 4 X 200 metres relays. For his splendid performances in Athletics he was awarded a Trinity "Lion".

Stepping away from all his unique achievements his mind goes back to the glorious memorable schooldays at his Alma Mater. As he believes, Trinity has given him the confidence to integrate with people of all walks and strata of life, having compassion and love.... and to do good! There are no shortcuts in life to achievements and success!

'Thusha' has gathered a wealth of experience and knowledge and with his expertise in IT (Information Technology) and his diversified exposure. With the capability of good team leadership, he feels he could contribute significantly to enhance and develop the IT Industry in Sri Lanka.

He also firmly believes that the IT Industry could greatly help to 'bridge the gap' between the 'haves' and the 'have-nots' in Sri Lanka. As he philosophically and modestly said, "My achievements are history - and it is part of my memory! My potential - is my imagination!" but he also lives by the principle in life "the best preparation for the future, is the present well seen to and the last duty done."