Bens to felicitate oldest living captain

The Old Bens Sports Club headed by its President Srilal de Silva will felicitate their oldest living cricket captain Elangage Joseph Percival Terrence Perera on Saturday.

A mass will be said at the Old Bens Sports Club premises at 6 p.m. followed by fellowship.

All Old Bens are welcome to participate and further details could be had from Srilal de Silva on 0777362105 or Darrel Ludowyke on 07777414567.

Perera was born in 1910 in Kotahena and after representing the college at junior level had the distinction of captaining the green,white and green school from 1930 to 1933. He also played in the college football team that emerged champions in 1931.

He was selected to play for the Combined College in 1925 against the Maharajah of Vizianagram’s team. He was also an outstanding athlete. He joined Bloomfield C and AC in 1931 and sported their colours and played for the club in all major tournaments. He is still a member.

In 1933 he joined the Ceylon Garrison Artillery and in 1939 was called up for military service and served until 1946 together with his four brothers Leslie, Wilton, Bertrem and Erwin. It is said that in serving in the same unit the Perera brothers had created a world record.

Incidentally Bertrem was an excellent gymnast and along with Amal Gomez performed and thrilled spectators where ever they performed. The duo were in great demand during Independence Day celebrations.

Perera served Lake House and played cricket, football and hockey until his retirement in 1971.At one time he was President of the Mercantile Hockey Association. Perera celebrated his 90th birthday in the holy land in Israel.

He also played in the soccer team of CR and FC and helped them to win the ‘Times Cup’.

Terrence’s wife Rita predeceased him in 1976.

He has five children Ranjit, Christine, Delrine and twins Adrian and Rosita.

Here’s wishing him good health and long life. (ER)