Why Sinhala omitted in famous stone inscription by ancient Chinese Admiral ? – By Admiral Ravindra C Wijegunaratne A plaque erected to mark the opening of a new electronic library at the Attorney General’s Department was removed because the writing thereon was only in Sinhala and English, and Tamil had been left out. This reminded me of a stone plaque bearing the date 15th February 1409 put up by Chinese Admiral Zheng He at the Galle harbour during one of his grand voyages to Sri Lanka, India and the African Continent. Zheng He was a Chinese mariner, explorer, diplomat, fleet admiral , and court eunuch during China’s early Ming Dynasty. Born as Ma He or Ma Sanbao into a Muslim family in 1371, he later adopted the surname Zheng conferred by the Yongle Emperor. He completed seven historical voyages to trade and gather knowledge from other parts of the world. ...
TRIBUTE TO SPRINT QUEEN – K.G. BADRA GUNAWARDENA – By Ravi Rudra A Trailblazer in Women’s Sprinting & An Inspiration for Aspiring Athletes! “Looking back at my sporting career I have much to be proud of having been the ‘Most Popular Sportswoman & The Sportswoman of the Year’ title twice over and having held the Sri Lankan records for 100m (12.0s), 200 (24.9s) and 400m (56.8s), the first two which remained unbroken between 15 and 20 years.” – Badra Download the PDF file . Click here to receive your free copy of the eLanka Newsletter twice a week delivered directly to your inbox! ...
THE EXCEPTIONAL 1965 STC CRICKET SEASON – By Ravi RUDRA What an Exceptional 1965 Cricket Season STC had when both the First & Second Eleven Teams were not only unbeaten, but won most of their matches convincingly. With several outstanding performances they have secured a spot among Sri Lanka’s finest schoolboy cricket teams. The 1st XI Team, under Sarath Seneviratne’s superb captaincy, played 12, won 9 outright and drew 3 (*which were all won by STC on first innings), narrowly missing out on outright wins in all of them. A near-perfect season. Barney Reid was selected as ‘Schoolboy Cricketer of the Year’ and the ‘Best Bowler’, Sarath Seneviratne was chosen as the ‘Best Fielder’ and S, Thomas’ College was adjudged as the Best School Team. The 2nd XI Team played 10 – won all either outright or on first innings. Five of them won by an innings. My sincere gratitude ...
Mar 2, 2025
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Articles, Ravi Rudra
Tagged 1965 STC cricket season, Battle of the Blues, best schoolboy cricket team, Royal-Thomian encounter, S. Thomas' College cricket, schoolboy cricket champions, Sri Lanka cricket history, Sri Lanka school cricket, STC 1st XI, STC vs Ananda, STC vs Mahinda, STC vs Nalanda, STC vs St Benedict's, STC vs St Joseph's, STC vs Wesley, Thomian cricket team, unbeaten cricket team
Tribute to Ranil Abeynaike on his 70th Birth Anniversary – By Ravi Rudra Ranil Gemunu Abeynaike (12 February 1955 – 21 February 2012) “Ranil had ‘cricket commentator’ written all over him. He had a very pleasant, charming, attractive voice and deep dulcet tones and was one of the best commentators Sri Lanka produced.” College Prefect & College Colours in Cricket, Hockey and Tennis. STC 1st XI Cricket Colours – 1971, 72 & 73. STC 1st XI Cricket Captain 1973 – Winners of The Life Buoy Shield for The Best School Team & The Vaseline Trophy for The 50-Overs Champions. Schoolboy Cricketer of The Year & Best Bowler 1973. Captain Colombo South Zone U18 Cricket Team (1972) – Winners of the ‘Observer’ Shield. Represented Ceylon Schools Cricket Team (1972) against the Australian Schools Team. STC – U12 (1965) & U14 Cricket Captain (1968); U16 Vice-captain (1970). STC – 1st XI Hockey 1971-73. ...
The Phenomenal Journey of Mr. CHANDRA SCHAFFTER 94 – By Ravi RUDRA My Dear Mr Schaffter Thank you for giving me the joy and privilege to compile the attached article featuring aspects from your phenomenal journey. It is packed with life lessons in courage and tenacity. You have an extraordinary ability to turn obstacles into stepping stones. The integrity you exhibit in your actions has been a shining light. You live your values so authentically, and you motivate others to do the same. Having faced adversity with such resilience, you inspire me more than words can express. Your story is an inspiration to any generation. May you continue to sparkle with all your God-given might. I wish you and your wonderful family the Very Best of Health, Peace, Prosperity and Happiness. God Bless! Ravi Rudra Download the PDF file . Click here to receive your free copy of the ...
SUNIL BENEDICT GUNAWARDENA – THE SRI LANKAN BULLET! (by Ravi Rudra to mark Sunil Gunawardena’s 75th Birthday on 6th Oct 2024) *His association with Sri Lanka Athletics – as an Athlete, Coach, Manager & Administrator – extends to 57 years. At 75 Sunil Gunawardena currently leads a team of Fitness Coaches training U19 Boys & Girls around the country sponsored by Sri Lanka Cricket. The Most Phenomenal Schoolboy Athlete Of All Time! “Sunil Gunawardena’s achievements stands as perhaps the best in history of Sri Lankan School’s Athletics.” Dear Sunil, thank you for your friendship and inspiration. Wishing you the Very Best of Health & Happiness on your 75th Birthday. God Bless! – Ravi – Ravi Rudra – The Most Phenomenal Schoolboy Athlete Of All Time! “For a schoolboy with just a year’s athletics behind him Sunil Gunawardena’s achievement stands as the best in the 49-year-old history of Ceylon School’s Athletics.” – ...
