E. C. GUNASEKERA
- 50 YEARS WITH ROYAL COLLEGE
Edwin Peter Christopher
Gunasekara was born on 29/6/1924. He was one of the six brothers who
represented Royal against St. Thomas between 1928 and 1949/50. 'Christie',
as he was known to all, was the 5th son of D.B. Gunasekera (Snr.) -Royal
College (1898/1902). D.B. (Jnr.) A.L; V.J H; H.T; and V.K. were the other
sons.)
"Christie" was an institution at
Royal College. An "all rounder" - one might call him, (studies, sports,
teaching and as administrator). Following the family tradition - (Four of
his uncles El, VR, DB. (Snr.) and HC (later CH.) represented Royal College.
Christie was a perfectionist^ He had determination to study every aspect of
subjects allotted to him - as a cricketer, coach, teacher, administrator. In
the college cricket team he was a brilliant fieldsman. He also tried his
hand at boxing in the class in his years at Royal, He demanded the highest
standards. Discipline was No. I. No coming to class with "fancy" male
hairstyles or extended "side burns", Boys must be boys!) Christie entered
Royal in 1935 and passed the London Matriculation Exam in 1942. Passing out
from the University College (then) in 1949 he applied some of his stern
princples as a member of the St. Joseph's College staff while
Master-in-Charge. In this capacity St. Joseph's produced some of the finest
cricket teams in the 1950s. I do not know what he felt like when St.
Joseph's scored 467 for 9 wkts. (d) in 4 hours and defeated Royal by innings
and 354 mns Royals biggest defeat ever (1952). Coach Malcolm Spittel thought
highly of his organising ability.
Christie was a tireless worker,
spending almost 10 hours a day - (school hours and cricket practice) for the
sake of Royal. He then started on the Rowing Club, also time consuming. For
all his dedication he was appointed Vice Principal of Royal College during
the regime of L. D. H. Peiris. He Participated in every aspect of College
life, till he retired after 30 years of valuable service in 1984 during the
regime of C.T.M. Fernando. He passed away in 1989.
E. C. Gunasekera career events are
as follows:
1935 - Entered Royal College +
1941 -Won Form Prize - Lower VIC. 1941/42 -L/Cpl. - Section 2 - Royal
College Cadet Battalion. + 1941 - appointed Prefect 1940 - Boxing - Heavy
Wt. "A" (lost to Brian Juriansz - Hartley House) _ 1940 Represented Royal at
cricket + 1942 Awarded Cricket Colours 1942. Won G. G. Perera - Fielding
Prize. + 1942 Passed London Matriculation Examination + 1943 - Entered
University College + 1946 - Obtained BSc. Degree + 1947 Represented
University College at Cricket 1949 - Joined staff of St. Joseph's College +
1950/54 - Master in Charge of Cricket at St. Joseph's till 1955. Joined
staff of Royal College + 1956 - Master-in-Charge & Coach U-16 cricket team +
1958/66 - Coach U-17 & Coach U-16 cricket team + 1957 -Coach U-17 & 2nd XI
Cricket teams + 1958/ 66 - Senior Games Master (Master - in - Charge)
Cricket (assistants C.H. Gunasekera. J. H. de Saram & M. Rodrigo) + 1958/71
- Master-in-charge of Rowing Club + 1972/77-Deputy Principal, + 1978/1984 -
Vice Principal. + 1984 - end of 30 years of loyal service to Royal College.
By S. S. Perera
