J.B.C. Rodrigo
Born on June 6, 1899 my father was a hero to me. He was educated at Royal College and ended his academic career at Keble College, Oxford University, England where he obtained his degree as a barrister.
However he opted to become the principal of Prince of Wales’ College, Moratuwa when that post was offered to him. He served the college for 26 years and in his 25th year, Sir Oliver Goonetilleke, the then Governor General of Ceylon, was invited to the college to join in the celebrations.
I have two sisters and two brothers and our life when our father was the principal was spent at the bungalow inside the college premises. As such, most of my time was spent on the playing fields. This enabled me to develop my cricketing skills and his encouragement helped me to reach the top by playing for Sri Lanka.
My father played for Keble College along with the Nawab of Pataudi (senior). He also served as cricket master and teacher at S. Thomas’ College, Mount Lavinia for a short period before going to Keble College.
I remember when I scored a century against S. Thomas’ College, in a match played at Mt. Lavinia, Warden de Saram who was watching the match with my father, requested my father to send me to S. Thomas’ College, but my father preferred to keep me at Prince of Wales.
I am happy he did this for me as I was able to captain the Combined Colleges Cricket Team against the Gopalan Trophy Team from South India. Apart from me, the Combined Colleges Cricket Team included players from top schools in Colombo and Kandy.
My father was a member of the Singhalese Sports Club and known to F.C. de Saram who also played for the Oxford University and this helped me to join the SSC when F.C. de Saram was the skipper.
My father’s desire to promote cricket at Prince of Wales helped the college to develop into a highly recognised school in cricket.
May my father be glorified and remembered for all what he did for Prince of Wales’ College, Moratuwa.
Lasantha Rodrigo
Former Cricket Player – Ceylon: 1958 – 1971
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