J.R. the all rounder
By Hafiz Marikar
Thirteen years ago on November 1 Sri Lanka lost one of its most versatile sportsmen, sports benefactors, philanthropists and a gentleman — President J. R. Jayewardene.
JR, as he was popularly known, as a schoolboy tasted both victory and defeat. He played for Royal in 1925 and was a member of the Royal College team in the Battle of the Blues. In that encounter although JR was dismissed for a “duck” he held the match winning catch that brought victory for Royal. He also played cricket for Law College and several clubs in Colombo.
As a keen ruggerite and cricketer he often visited Kandy to play against Trinity College from 1914 to 1925. JR’s name was extremely popular among the Royalists not because he participated in numerous sports disciplines, but for his outstanding performance.
He led the Royal rugger team in 1924 and his teammates were L. D. Gunasekara, H. F. S. de Silva, D. W. L. Liversz (snr), N. S. Joseph, P. C. W. Peris, C. G. A. Perera, V.E. Jaysundara, K. S Surendranath, E. F. Don, C.D.R. Bastian, E. D F de Silva, R.F.C. Schrader, W.L. Siebel, V.C.. Barthelomeusz.
In that year Royal had a good side but lost to Trinity led by P.A. Buultjens 3-37 at Bogambara.
In football, JR was the team’s vice captain and played as center half, and was famous for long range kicks. He was also a fine pugilist and boxed for Royal along with his erstwhile friend Dr. Colvin R de Silva, with great honour. For a short time he played tennis and up to his demise was the president of SSC.
JR gave cricket a prominent place and went on to become the president of the Board of Control for Cricket in Sri Lanka. When Sri Lanka gained Test status in 1982, he was the head of the country. He was present at Sri Lanka’s first test victory at P. Sara Stadium and was the chief guest when Sri Lanka beat Pakistan to win the Asia Cup.
It was during his leadership that the work at Asgiriya Stadium was done. He was the chief guest at the ceremonial opening of the stadium and also when the Sugathadasa Indoor and Outdoor Stadiums were renovated and R. Premadasa Stadium was built by late President R. Premadasa.
When the indoor nets were inaugurated in 1983 JR bowled his “leg spin” and “googlies” to open the project and was instrumental in building the Sri Lanka Cricket Head Quarters at SSC grounds.
