Sylvestriens Cricketer Chanaka Wijesinghe

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One Sunday Observer article about him published before 12 years ago...

SLCFV to plan Chanaka's cricket future Down Under

By Bernie Wijesekera

Chanaka Wijesinghe, the 16-year-old lad from St. Sylvester's College, Kandy, a young future prospect, who has already received a 4 year sponsorship package from two Sri Lankans now domiciled in Victoria, Australia - namely David Crus and Bertie Ekanayake, is in further luck's way.
This sponsorship package was made possible, when the lad met Crus and Ekanayake at Asgiriya during the Sri Lanka-Zimbabwe Test match..
They were impressed with the performances of Wijesinghe, which resulted in a Rs. 50,000/- per year for him to learn and play. The initial cheque was handed over by Eddie Gray to Roy de Silva on behalf of the sponsors earlier at a simple ceremony.
On Tuesday (July 7), the lad along with his Prefect-of-Games Chandra Mahawattege, met Sri Lanka's cricket representative in Australia Dr. Quintus de Zilwa and Bertie Ekanayake to hand over his progress chart and for a further discussion, at Hotel Taj Samudra.
Incidentally, the Sri Lanka Cricket Foundation in Victoria where the duo are key officials doing much for the development of sport in Sri Lanka.
Many talented players have benefitted from it in the past. Cricketers of the calibre of Aravinda de Silva and Roshan Mahanama are a few who are key members today in the national team. They have impressed at home and abroad, after a stint in Victoria and improved their skills - thanks to the SLCFV.
Ruwan Kalpage and left-arm spinner Gamini Perera, too were afforded an opportunity to play cricket in Victoria according to Ekanayake.
Plans are afoot for young Wijesinghe, to be given a similar opportunity of playing in Victoria once he completes his school academic career. This was revealed to The Sunday Times by Dr. Quintus de Zilwa. He further stated that the lad will be given the chance of playing for a leading club in Victoria. Ekanayake, will be in overall charge and play a role of a foster-father.
It won't stop there. He will undergo training in a leading coaching academy in Victoria and probably be sent to the A.I.S. Commonwealth Bank Academy, where Rod Marsh the legendary Aussie wicket-keeper, is the head coach.
According to Ekanayake, David Crus, who is the head of the Knox Tavern, is a key figure, who supports the SLCFV, with men and material.
If one is prepared to learn there are quite a number of opportunities for youngsters to further their academic careers i.e to learn and play and make their future stable. The SLCFV will look into this area, too said Ekanayake.
Wijesinghe was interviewed by this scribe:-
Q: How did you fare during the last season (1998), for your school cricket team.
A: Yes, I did reasonably well with the willow as a righthanded batsman. My best effort was 102 against Thurstan; followed by scores of 76 (Dharmaraja), 73 (Kingswood) and 71 (Mahinda). With this support rendered and encouragement given to me by the sponsors, I am confident of further improving my skills, with devotion and dedication, he nodded.
Q: What are your parents doing?
A: My father is a principal of a Junior school in Kadugannawa and mother too, is a teacher. They are giving all the support. In a family of five I am the youngest.
Q: So you are like Jonty Rhodes, the amiable S. African cricketer - one of the best fielders in the world. His parents, too are teachers. I hope you are not smashing windows like him, while playing cricket at home.
What made you take to cricket. And, who was your first coach?
A- I got interested, while watching this game as a kid. My idol is Roshan Mahanama. His approach on and off the field really interested me. My first coach was Roland Perera, (brother of Malcolm Perera, who is attached to the Cricket Board). At present Mr. Mahawattage is my coach.
The Principal of St. Sylvester's, Mr.A.B. Herath is a source of inspiration, not only to me, but for all young sportsmen. With him in the driving seat, the school is in the forefront in inter-school sports be it cricket, boxing, rugby etc. Incidentally in the past the school produced some fine pugilists the likes of the Bulner brothers, Herathge, Nimal Leuke, under Derek Raymond.
Q: What about your studies?
A: I am not going to neglect my studies merely because of cricket. I will be taking my O/L in Dec. '98. Studies and sports go hand in hand. I will pursue my A/L and will be keen to do Computer Science. My brother is a medical student.
According to Dr. Quintus de Zilwa, the SLCFV, who initiated the move to get Dav Whatmore, to coach in Sri Lanka is doubly keen to help talented young sportsmen to reach stardom and do proud for the country.
There are many more Sri Lankans domiciled in Victoria, prepared to help their country of birth to hit the top in the international sports scene, the affable medical practitioner concluded.