'Flying athlete' Upali dies
Upali Goonaratne, who was known as the 'flying athlete' passed away
after a brief illness.
Born on 30th May, 1914, he was one of the most exquisite athletes Sri
Lanka ever produced. He was a top class athlete during his hey day and
was a fine sportsman and later a sports administrator who contributed
very much to athletics and served as the Vice President of a AAA for
several years.
Upali studied at St. John's College, Panadura where he excelled both
in cricket and athletics. He was a fast bowler and took the highest
number of wickets for his college during the season that he played. He
excelled in athletics and his pet events were the 100 yards and 220
yards events.
He established the Ceylon Record for the 100 yards event in 1939 by
clocking 10.1 seconds which stands even today. He was in government
service having joined the Rubber Control Department and later the
Prison's Department where he retired a Senior Superintendent of Prisons.
Later he served as the Private Secretary to the late Mr. Lalith
Athulathmudali.
As S.P. Foeander, the famous sports writer had stated Upali created
what would be reckoned as a world record by winning the 100 yards event
for 14 years in succession at the Government Services Athletic Meet.
He was involved in Athletics Administration for well over 50 years
and went as Manager of the Sri Lanka Athletics Team overseas on many
occasions and was Chef de Mission at the Munich Olympics in 1972.
He passed away at the age of 93 and his remains lie at his residence
at No. 23, Templer's Road, Mount Lavinia and the funeral will take place
on 27th Saturday at the General Cemetery, Borella at 4.30 p.m.
He leaves behind his wife, two sons, daughter, five grandchildren and
two great grandchildren.
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