Reminiscence of the despicable Sri Lankan rebel tour of South Africa

Premasara Epasinghe

History cannot be forgotten or written off. The biggest black mark that can never be erased or removed from Sri Lanka's cricket history, took place in December 1982, not even one year after playing our First Test, when a Rebel Cricket Tour led by the First Test Captain Bandula Warnapura, toured South Africa, a country which had been removed from the Membership of the Commonwealth of Nations due to the vicious, cruel, inhuman Apartheid policy, adopted by the minority white rule of South Africa.

Some leading European countries, as well as Asian countries, India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan Governments isolated South Africa, due to SA's "Racial Policy" not giving equal opportunities to the majority Blacks.

In fact, President of Pakistan Zia-Ul-Haq, once made a bold statement "If any one of our cricketers undertake a Tour to SA, they will be publicly punished".

None of the Indian and Pakistan cricketers went against their Government policies.

But, unfortunately, some disgruntled Sri Lanka cricketers were mislead, by the architects of this tour, went to South Africa against all norms of decency in search of "Rands" to collect "Blood Money of the suffering Blacks". The White Minority was enjoying their life at the expense of the Blacks. They were treated like "dirt" or slaves.

The Sri Lankan organizers of the tour, never cared for the Government Policy or human decency, acted in a high handed manner going against a Democratic Government.

Niel Perera's comments

A highly respected cricket administrator Niel Perera who was a tower of inspiration who played an important role in promoting SL cricket with "Yuga Purusha", Man of the Era Gamini Dissanayake, writing in his own superb inimitable style to a Daily English Paper, wrote about the Rebel Cricket Tour of South Africa in 1982.

Quote

"The most sordid episode in the history of Sri Lanka cricket took place in 1982, when a rebel cricket team led by the newly appointed captain of Sri Lanka Bandula Warnapura left in the stealth of the night, with never a word to the Board of Control (BCCSL) or to their employers, on a cricket tour of ostracized South Africa.

Closed employment doors for talented cricketers

Not only this Tour tarnished the good name or image of Sri Lanka, but also, deprived a number of talented cricketers the future golden opportunity of joining leading Mercantile Firms like Maharaja Organization, Ceylon Tobacco, Lever Brothers, Browns Group etc. It's a grave crime!

Mr Rajamahendran's role

It is with the highest respect and regard and with gratitude I mentioned here, the role played by R Raja Mahendran, in helping Gamini Dissanayake in his venture of Gaining Test status to Sri Lanka.

As the public do not know Raja Mahendran's contribution, I thought of recording it in black and white. Raja Mahendran, a fine gentleman was one individual who played a prominent role behind the scene in our gaining Test status.

What is apartheid?

Apartheid was the policy of racial segregation practised by the South African Government from 1948 to 1990. Racial inequality and restricted rights for non-whites were institutionalised when the Afrikanar dominated National Party came to power in 1948.

Officially a framework for "Separate Development" of races, in practice Apartheid, enforced white minority rule. It was based on segregation in all aspects of life, including residence, land ownership and education.

Non Whites 80% of the population were also given separate political structures and quasi autonomous homelands or Bantustans.

The system was under-pinned by extensive repressions and measures such as passing laws which severely restricted the movements of the non-Whites.

In 1990, the South African Government, increasingly isolated internationally and beset by economic difficulties and domestic unrest, pledged to dismantle the system. The Election in 1994 completed the transition to non racial Democracy.

Went in search of Blood Money of the Blacks, who slaved for Whites

The Test players who played only in one or two Test Matches who went on this despicable tour were Bandula Warnapura, Lalith Kaluperuma, late Anura Ranasinghe.

These three were my students when I was a Graduate Teacher, Prefect of Games, Master-in-Charge in 1967 to 1969. In fact, as a selector of the Sri Lanka School Cricket Association, I nominated Warnapura and Leslie Narangoda to Sri Lanka schools team, when they toured India in 1968/69. Some of the other names I remember who went to South Africa were Tony Opatha, Ajit De Silva, Mahes Gunatileke, Susantha Karunaratne, Hemantha Devapriya, Bernard Perera etc.

Those who put the country before self

Highly talented Ranjan Madugalle, Duleep Mendis, Roy Dias, Sidat Wettimuny, Ashantha De Mel, D S De Silva, Arjuna Ranatunge, did not take part on the Despicable Tour. They put the country before self. Some individuals thought with this South Africa Rebel tour, Sri Lanka Cricket will be doomed. Fortunately, thanks to some great cricketers and disciplined administrators of the BCCSL, our cricket prospored; blossomed.

Scooted off secretly

Some of these rebel cricketers while playing in an important Tournament for their Firms, left to South Africa silently, without turning up for the match on the 2nd day. They let down their Firms.

I still remember, an immediate Executive Committee Meeting of the BCCSL, was summond and they imposed a "Life Ban" on these Rebels. Gamini Dissanayake, changed the life ban to 25 years. Further, these players who disobeyed a Government rule was debarred from holding any office relating to cricket administration.

Poor victim Anura Ranasinghe

When Lalith-Gamini Group formed DUNF, the then UNP Government, to gain cheap popularity, "Pardoned the Rebels". Some others started their own business ventures.

Of course, players like Mahes Gunatilake, Hemantha Devapriya, the Best Wicket Keepers that SL produced, the best left arm spinner Ajith De Silva pace bowler, Susantha Karunaratne were lost to Sri Lanka cricket.

The biggest unfortunate victim was my student at Nalanda, the Best Attacking Natural Batting star of Sri Lanka young Anura Ranasinghe.

He was heart-broken, frustrated died at a very young age. Anura was a lovable cricketer who always respected teachers. He loved me and he was my pet student. Probably, they would have planned this SA tour early, very secretly. Anura never divulged me this top secrets. I was like his God-father.

If he told me, sometimes, I would have advised him strongly not to join the Rebel party. This, we lost a future Sri Lanka captain. At under 19 level, Anura Ranasinghe led Sri Lanka to win Ali Bhutto Trophy, where Ranjan Madugalle excelled as a bowler, if my memory serves right. Sad exit to a bright cricketer.

Reading maketh a complete man

I advise all the rebel cricketers and the public of Sri Lanka to read three important books - Long Walk to Freedom. One of the most extraordinary political tales written by the greatest man of the 20th century, Nelson Mandela. The other book I recommend is Invicius - Nelson Mandela and the Game that made a Nation, an outstanding book is not so much about the Rugby World Cup Final 1995, was the last get of the most improbable, exercise in mass seduction ever seen. Nelson Mandela's conquest of the heart of White South Africa written by John Carlin.

The third book that you must read to understand of the real suffering of the Blacks, is Goodbye Bafana - Nelson Mandela, my prisoner, my friend the intimate and moving portrait of an Extraordinary friendship" written by the warden of the Prison who looked after Nelson Mandela - James Gregory. All these three books were Birthday presents to me, presented my daughter Mrs Apsara Goonesekera and her husband Dr Harinda Goonesekera, an Anesthetist serving in Scotland. I treasure these three books. After reading these books, I was prompted, motivated to write this essay.

Man of the 20th century

Fortunately, in 1994, sports lover Nelson Mendela, born on 18 July 1918 came into power. Once he became the President, it became a "Rainbow country" - one country - one nation. He was in Prison at Robben Island, Cape Town for 27 years in his struggle to free South Africa from the white minority.

Men should understand the value of humanity, loving kindness, compassion and justice. Every one is born free. They must set equal opportunities to live happily.