'Lord Sid' was an example

CRICKET: Sri Lanka Insurance, the largest insurance provider in Sri Lanka has joined Sri Lanka Cricketers Association and has taken strike to provide a pension scheme and look after its 500 members and also a health welfare scheme.

Former and present national players will be seen in action at the Sinhalese Sports Club ground on September 26 in a cricket carnival organised by the SLCA.

Former opening batsman Sidat Wettimuny is the President of the SLCA.

A stylish and elegant right hander, he is the more famous of the four Wettimuny brothers - Sunil, Mithra and Nimal.

Sidat was in the mould of Michael Tissera, Anura Tennekoon and Roy Dias. He offered the ball the straightest of bats and was a treat to watch when he began to cut loose.

he cut and drive were his signature shots and they were a connoisseurs delights. He had a water tight defence and opposing bowlers did not find it easy to breach his defence.

Sidat was also one who would not sacrifice his wicket, like most batsmen are won't to do in present day cricket.

As a fielder he was as safe as the Bank of England. Not many catches slipped out of his safe and sure hands.

From the time he took strike for his school Ananda College, he showed more than ordinary potential and his coaches and the knowledgeable who saw him predicted a bright future for him.

Sporting the colours of the Sinhalese Sports Club he began to strike it rich in premier cricket and it was not long when the Sri Lanka cap became his own.

A few months after Sri Lanka were admitted a full member of the International Cricket Council and when Sri Lanka made its maiden Test tour to Pakistan, the honour of scoring the first Test century for Sri Lanka went to Sidat.

I was the first journalist to tour with a Sri Lanka team and was there describing that scintillating three figure mark and series for the 'Times of Ceylon' and the 'Daily mirror'.

Some of the Pakistani greats were simply amazed with his allround strokeplay and told me that he would certainly go a long way in the game.

Then in 184 when Sri Lanka made a tour to England for a Test match, it was he who notched up the first century for Sri Lanka with a lovely elegant 190 at the Mecca of cricket Lord's.

Expert cricket writers in England were surprised to see a batsman of Sidat's calibre and his footwork, straight bat and wonderful timing that after his three figure mark they named him - 'Lord Sid'.

Sidat has been in the swim of things in Sri Lanka's cricket administration and is now a member of the interim Committee of Sri Lanka Cricket.

Wettimuny's crowning moment was when he was chosen Wisden's cricketer of the year in 1985.

He played in 23 Tests, 35 one day internationals, 55 first class games and played 46 matches for the Sri Lanka 'A' team.

Wettimuny made his Test debut vs England at the Oval in 1982 February and played his final Test against India in Cattack in 1987.

He made his ODI debut against India in Mumbai in 1987. Wettimuny was also a match referee.

He is one whom the power of office cannot spoil.

Elmo Rodrigopulle