Terrence Perera passes away at 101

Elmo RODRIGOPULLE

The oldest living St. Benedict's College cricket captain the famous Terrence Perera is no more. He passed away at the age of 101 on March 27.

Perera captained the green, white and green school in 1933. He was steady right batsman and a tantalizing off spinner who could also bowl vicious cutters.

He also played with great success for Bloomfield when the club was on wheels at Campbell Park.

After his playing days were over, he took a keen interest in the cricket activities of his alma mater and was ever willing to proffer advice or coaching tips when asked. He was a stickler for discipline. Fitness was his forte and it was this aspect that kept him going until he reached the dream figure of 100 not out last year. The OBU and the OBSC felicitated him fittingly on the momentous occasion. Perera in addition to his prowess in cricket, the sport he loved best was also an athlete, soccerite and hockey player of no mean repute.

He was one of the brothers of the famous gymnast that the Kotahena school produced in Bertrem Perera who predeceased him.

Perera's other gymnasts who excelled in this sport were Amal Gomes and Trevor Buultjens.

They were the products of the famous George Atkinson, who took gymnastics at the school to great heights.

May the turf that Terrence walked and played with great respect and distinction lie softly on him.