Remembering E.W Balasuriya

Hafiz Marikar

Last year in April, Kandy lost one of its most versatile sportsmen, sports benefactor, and philanthropist and above all a gentleman, of the highest calibre E.W. Balasuriya.

Many seem to have forgotten the past glorious moments of Kandy rugby. But there are still a few who remember the part played by late E.W Balasuriya. His invaluable services for sports in Kandy is remembered by all even at times when changes are inevitable with sports taking a different turn with professionalism playing a vital role in all sports.

E.W. as he was popularly known was a great lover of cricket and represented his school. He first played for Dharmaraja College, Kandy and later for Ananda College Colombo as an opening batsman.

He founded the Kandy Lake Club rugby team which was later changed to Kandy Rugby Football Club (KRFC) in view of the rugby's top administrators stopping Kandy Lake Club from playing professionals in the team, Kandy RFC, went places in the ruby arena big time. EW's Kandy Lake Club was one of the finest sports organizations outside Colombo in the early days, adding rugger to there numerous other sports activities. At that time they played cricket, hockey, and also had iron sports.

Kandy Lake Club was founded in 1962, and this club reached great heights in sports. In 1963 they took up rugby and played in the 'B' division. Some of the sports enthusiasts who backed and supported the club at rugby were Col. Stanley Ratwatte, Dr. C.D.L Fernando, Dr. Dago Gunawardene, Dr. J.C. Blok some of the names which came to mind. And the first rugby coaches were Col. Sydney Ratwatte and Maurice Perera, National Iron Sportsman Niyas Majeed led the first rugby side, the team was formed with products from St. Anthony's, Trinity, St. Sylvester's, Vidyartha and St. Pauls. Except the Trinitans rest of them had never played rugby at that time.

In 1966 they became the 'B' division champions. Vidyartha's T.B. Wijesinghe led the side in a few games and was later taken by CR & FC, Farook Dole took over the leadership and led the side to become the champions. In 1967, KRFC played for the first time in the 'A' division, playing the very first game in the 'A' division against the defending champions Havelocks SC.

They held them to a 3 all draw at Havelock's Park. The second game was against CH & FC and played at Maitland Crescent and that too ended in a 3-all draw.