eLanka

Monday, 6 Oct 2025
  • Home
  • Read History
  • Articles
    • eLanka Journalists
  • Events
  • Useful links
    • Obituaries
    • Seeking to Contact
    • eLanka Newsletters
    • eLanka Testimonials
    • Sri Lanka Newspapers
    • Sri Lanka TV LIVE
    • Sri Lanka Radio
    • eLanka Recepies
  • Gallery
  • Contact
Newsletter
  • eLanka Weddings
  • Property
  • eLanka Shop
  • Business Directory
eLankaeLanka
Font ResizerAa
Search
  • Home
  • Read History
  • Articles
    • eLanka Journalists
  • Events
  • Useful links
    • Obituaries
    • Seeking to Contact
    • eLanka Newsletters
    • eLanka Testimonials
    • Sri Lanka Newspapers
    • Sri Lanka TV LIVE
    • Sri Lanka Radio
    • eLanka Recepies
  • Gallery
  • Contact
Follow US
© 2005 – 2025 eLanka Pty Ltd. All Rights Reserved.
Home » Blog » Articles » Salute to a popular sportsman – Benjamin Vere La’Brooy
ArticlesObituaries

Salute to a popular sportsman – Benjamin Vere La’Brooy

eLanka admin
Last updated: December 6, 2020 10:18 am
By
eLanka admin
ByeLanka admin
Follow:
Share
4 Min Read
SHARE

Salute to a popular sportsman – Benjamin Vere La’Brooy

 

Salute to a popular sportsman - Benjamin Vere La'Brooy

Benjamin Vere La’Brooy, sad to say, passed away into the Lord’s Realm on 16th.October 2020 and was cremated at the Mt. Lavinia Crematorium two days later.  It was most disappoiinting that there was hardly a soul to farewell Benji due to the restrictions of the pandemic.

Benji, as he was popularly known,  enjoyed a most illustrious and colourful sports career whilst serving in the Sri Lanka Navy for 22 long years. His work, which he thoroughly revelled in, was in the sports and physical fitness sectors involving  organising, management, training and the implementation of sports programmes. Prior to retirement he was a senior Physical Training Instructor and served in many ships and shore establishments around the island..

More Read

In Loving Memory Of Patrick Anthonypillai
In Loving Memory Of Patrick Anthonypillai
Upul Continues Commitment to Travel Business honouring decades of Service to the Sri Lankan Community in USA*
eLanka Newsletter -5th October 2025 – 1st Edition – Sri Lankans In Australia

His recruitment to the Navy was at a time when the armed services were bristling with sportsmen and colourful personalities of various skills..The Navy, at this moment in time, was the showpiece of the nation and rightly so Benji was one of the jewels in its crown. His prowess at Hockey and Cricket earned him early recognition and just before joining the Navy, Benjamin (still in his teens) was invited to play for the Burgher Recreation Club where he performed with the nonchalance of a veteran. The marks of a good sportsman are attention to detail, modesty, unselfishness, physical fitness and discipline. Benji possessed all these traits in abundance which never failed to register with the hierarchy wherever and whenever he played. How could one forget Benji ,still a youngster performing with the likes of Ernie Kelaart, Russel. Heyn, Ivan de Kretser, Rozairo, Wijekoon, Freddie White, the Aldons brothers, Rusty Bartels, Darley Ingleton. to name just a few of the ‘greats’ of that era. He was soon in the ranks of the ‘top notchers’ and was performing with great credit. He was drafted to the National Pool in the 60’s and was always on standby duty with the cricket and hockey pools.

During the Joint Exercises Trincomalee  (Commonwealth) naval exercises in Trincomalee ( 1960 – 61) young Benjamin  La’Brooy was in his element. He was called upon to assist in arranging, managing and executing a varied sports programme catering to around 40 warships of the commonwealth. The programme lasted a fortnight and not only was Benji helping with the arrangements but he also had to make sure that the home team was victorious in many of the matches. And so it transpired!                     

 It’s always so nice to see a sportsman passing off his knowledge to the younger generation and in this respect Benji was a ready help and inspiration to those who had need of his services.

Benji coached the Old Antonians SC Wattala for a number of years bringing the team up to a high standard at competition level.

It is fitting that someone remembers to pen a few words in praise of such a gallant doyen of the sports arena who made many sacrifices to keep alive its glory..

Benji, you have earned yourself a niche in the memories of all those who were near and dear to you and to all those sports people you have played with and against.

For this you are rightly remembered.

May you be safe and comfortable in God’s keeping.

Andrew Buultjens

Brisbane

Australia.

TAGGED:Benjamin Vere La'BrooyLavinia CrematoriumTrincomalee
Share This Article
Email Copy Link Print
Previous Article CHRIS BRAMANANDA AND MERCIA BRAMANANDA – by Radha de Mel CHRIS BRAMANANDA AND MERCIA BRAMANANDA – by Radha de Mel
Next Article Never Trust a Cricketer –To Cricket fanatics – Written by a Cricketer’s wife…. Never Trust a Cricketer – To Cricket fanatics – Written by a Cricketer’s wife….
FacebookLike
YoutubeSubscribe
LinkedInFollow
Most Read
10 Pictures With Fascinating Stories Behind Them!

“A PICTURE SPEAKS A 1000 WORDS” – By Des Kelly

Look past your thoughts so you may drink the pure nectar of this moment

A Life Hack for when we’re Burnt Out & Broken Down – By Uma Panch

Narration of the History of our Proud Ancestral (Orang Jawa) Heritage. by Noor R. Rahim

eLanka Weddings

eLanka Marriage Proposals

Noel News

Noel News

Noel News

Noel News- By Noel Whittaker

EILEEN MARY SIBELLE DE SILVA (nee DISSANAYAKE) – 29 September 1922 – 6 April 2018 – A Woman of Value an Appreciation written by Mohini Gunasekera

K.K.S. Cement Factory

Dr.Harold Gunatillake’s 90th Birthday party

Sri Lanka's women's cricket squad in Melbourne

Cricket: Sri Lanka’s women’s squad in Melbourne

- Advertisement -
Ad image
Related News
CBA Diwali Celebrations 2025
Articles Photo Gallery

CBA Diwali Celebrations 2025, A Night of Light, Culture, and Connection

Articles

Prime Minister’s Literary awards 2025: Michelle de Kretser wins $80,000 for Theory & Practice

Brad and Kiara Show Oct 4
Articles The Brad and Kiara Show - Sydney

Brad and Kiara Show October 4

SUNSET of ILLUSIONS Book August 2025
Articles

SUNSET of ILLUSIONS Book August 2025

SUNDAY CHOICE
Articles Charles Schokman

SUNDAY CHOICE- HE TOUCHED ME – By Charles Schokman

  • Quick Links:
  • Articles
  • DESMOND KELLY
  • Dr Harold Gunatillake
  • English Videos
  • Sri Lanka
  • Sinhala Videos
  • eLanka Newsletters
  • Obituaries
  • Tamil Videos
  • Dr. Harold Gunatillake
  • Sunil Thenabadu
  • Sinhala Movies
  • Trevine Rodrigo
  • Michael Roberts
  • Photos

eLanka

Your Trusted Source for News & Community Stories: Stay connected with reliable updates, inspiring features, and breaking news. From politics and technology to culture, lifestyle, and events, eLanka brings you stories that matter — keeping you informed, engaged, and connected 24/7.
Kerrie road, Oatlands , NSW 2117 , Australia.
Email : info@eLanka.com.au / rasangivjes@gmail.com.
WhatsApp : +61402905275 / +94775882546

(c) 2005 – 2025 eLanka Pty Ltd. All Rights Reserved.