Things brightening up for Wesley’s cricket

Richard Dwight

Amidst a representative gathering of Wesley’s fraternity made up of distinguished old boys, students, cricketers and parents - the launch of the enterprising ‘Ten Dollar / Thousand Rupee Fund’, for the overall development of cricket at Wesley College, took place last Friday evening at the College Hall.

No sooner the traditional oil lamp was lit by those honoured to do so followed by the singing of the National Anthem, the Chairman of the newly formed Wesley College Cricket Development Council (CDC), L.R. Gunatilleke, addressed those present.

A leading left arm pace bowler, Gunatilleke, who represented All ‘Ceylon’ and the NCC said that it would be a folly to hark back to Wesley’s glorious past, nor to be lost in the present but to have a vision of bright future of ‘Wesley Cricket’, and so move on.

Money he stressed, was a prerequisite for the CDC to achieve its objective and goals in the cause of bolstering and enhancing cricket at Wesley, in all its entirety, and so appealed to all those who have Wesley’s cricket at heart to support the ongoing fund financially.

He did have a word of caution for the parents when he said, “Parents sometimes you do not realize that your enthusiasm and actions affect your son. Let your son decide his future and guide him only when required. Your son will only play on his merit and our intention is not so much to win trophies but to develop the child to play at the highest level and mould his character.

The former President of SLC Interim Committee, Rienzie Wijetilleke, the Chairman of HNB and one who has held responsible positions on both the OBU and OWSC, on inaugurating the fund with a donation, struck a note of regret, when he amongst other things said, that it was disappointing to observe, the College has closed the door on an avenue, which has been hitherto assisting the college financially - Rienzie felt thus in his capacity as chief guest at the function.

The gamut of all that entails to ensure for the furtherance of cricket at Wesley, was made through a power point presentation made by a CDC member, P. Gajendran, a tax consultant and chairman of Gajma & Co.

The seasoned campaigner that he is Gajendran was in his element, when he in a subtle, stealthy manner phased his plea for funds which at times was interspersed with humorous anecdotes, one of which for the benefit for the young merits recalling here, he said on playing in a match, he had nicked the ball to the keeper and the umpire hadn’t given him out and he batted on.

The principal who saw it all, asked him why he did not walk away and admonished him to be honest always.

In another match Gajendran felt that he was not out and was given out and he remained put in the crease to bat.

The next day the principal summoned him to his office to question, as to why he did not walk out, Gajendran replied saying you told me to be honest and I knew I was not out and stayed on. The principal after thinking for a while said in future whether you are out or not out walk out.

The father’s advice to his son Gajendran over this, was most profound, when he said “you cannot be the beneficiary of your own honesty”. Also addressing the audience was the Principal of Wesley College M.A.P. Fernando and Wesley Head Cricket Coach Jerry Wourtesz. The vote of thanks was delivered by CDC member Sajika Abeynaiake.