S. S. (Chandra) Perera an icon
of Royal College
On a
somewhat chilly evening last week, I made a slow trek despite intermittent
showers to meet S. S. Perera yet another icon of Royal College. Better known
as Chandra, to his friends, he now leads a quiet life with his wife at
Clifford Avenue, in a fast changing environment. Unheard and unsung, the
octogenarian spends much of his leisure time playing with his
grand-daughter, Maydini. She keeps her "Appachi" alive. Watching TV children
programmes (cartoons) is a source of mental relaxation for Chandra. Perera
has had a cherished history at Royal College.
His father G. G. Perera, played
cricket for Royal from 1909-1912. He was a fine all rounder. Endowed with a
rich cultural heritage his maternal aunt (Lokku Amma) married Simon
Hewavitarne, brother of legendary Anagarika Dharmapala. Two other books
compiled were by Chandra, one was "History of Sri Lanka Cricket" and the
other was" The History of Rugby Football in Sri Lanka".
Chandra still regularly attends
the Royal College Old boys Union, meetings (he is one of its oldest
members). His latest project is the Royal College archives and its future. A
planter by profession, Chandra had an abiding interest in printed material,
published records and statistics. His collections pertaining to the History
of Royal College is probably unique, something that can only be treasured,
not measured. No wonder the stately school picked him to write and record
the history of Royal College to coincide with the 150 years of Royal College
(1985). Chandra took no payments for any publications for Royal.
Chandra joined Royal in 1932. He
played a match or two for Royal in 1941, in a team studded with stars under
0. W. Wambeek's captaincy. He jocularly recalls that year saying he was more
often carrying the drinks than playing. In 1942, under Gamini Salgado he was
virtually a scorer. An early start to his lifelong interest in keeping
records.
His first love was Cricket. Be it
at Royal or for Sri Lanka, Chandra has earned world acclaim for his rare
collection. As local "Wisden", Articles Chandra's service has been retained
by the Board of Control for Cricket in Sri Lanka (BCCSL), Universities and
clubs. He played Cricket for Panadura Sports Club and did much to uplift its
image in its formative years. Later as he began his planting career at
Weligama. Chandra became Matara SC's representative for the BCCSL. He
believes in that old adage "Humility at all level's". This he says, is what
was taught to him by his parents, and then masters at Royal. "Discipline. No
nonsense. No excuses", that's his credo, something on the wane today even at
school level.
The Editors thank Mr Bernie
Wijesekera for his help in writing the above script.
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