The streets of Colombo, particularly the residential enclaves of Pepiliyana, have long been a repository for the shared histories and enduring friendships that define the global Sri Lankan community. It was in this setting during the 1970s and 1980s that Tino De La Motte, the esteemed Editor of eLanka, and Bernard Wijetunge resided as neighbours, forging a bond that would eventually traverse decades and continents. Recently, a poignant reunion took place in Colombo as these two friends reconnected, allowing for a nostalgic reflection upon a period characterized by sporting excellence and the historic legacy of St Peter’s College cricket.
A Historic Victory: The 1975 Battle of the Saints
Bernard Wijetunge is recognized as a distinguished Peterite whose multi-faceted achievements in sport, business, and tourism have consistently brought great credit to his alma mater, St Peter’s College, Colombo. His cricketing prowess was most prominently displayed in 1975, a seminal year for school cricket in Sri Lanka, when he was appointed to captain the St Peter’s College 1st XI. Under his resolute leadership, the Peterite team achieved a monumental victory in the inaugural limited-overs encounter against their traditional rivals, St Joseph’s College.
This fixture, often referred to as the “One-Day Big Match,” was the first traditional schools one-day cricket encounter ever staged in the country. Played on the 16th of March 1975 at the St Joseph’s College grounds in Darley Road, the match was a pioneering event that fundamentally altered the landscape of schoolboy cricket. It is recorded that the Peterite opening bowler, Sunanda Jayasekara, delivered the first ball of this new series, immediately securing a wicket that remains a point of historical fascination within the cricketing fraternity.
The “Winning Hand” of a Captain
As an all-rounder who occupied the pivotal number three batting position, Bernard Wijetunge played a decisive role in securing the victory for St Peter’s College. The Josephians, captained by Dushan Soza, were dismissed for 118 runs, a target that required a composed and tactical approach from the Peterite batsmen. Despite early setbacks, Wijetunge steered his team toward the target, eventually sharing an unbroken 51-run partnership for the sixth wicket with Angelo Wickremaratne.
The Peterites reached 120/5 in 42.5 overs, claiming a five-wicket victory and etching their names into the annals of sporting history. This triumph was not merely an isolated success; it inaugurated a period of dominance for St Peter’s College, with Wijetunge recalling that the school remained undefeated in limited-overs cricket for several subsequent seasons, ultimately securing the title of schoolboy champions for three consecutive years.
A Legacy Spanning Three Generations
The story of Bernard Wijetunge is deeply intertwined with a familial devotion to the sport and the school. The Wijetunge name is synonymous with Peterite cricket, representing a rare and distinguished legacy that spans three consecutive generations. Bernard followed in the footsteps of his father, Bernard Wijetunge Snr., in donning the blue, gold, and white of St Peter’s. This tradition was further solidified when his son, Sheehan Wijetunge, also represented the college, ensuring that the family’s contribution to the school’s sporting heritage remained vibrant and continuous.
During the reunion with Tino De La Motte, Bernard was pictured holding the very ball used in that historic inaugural limited-overs match of 1975, a tangible artifact of a bygone era that continues to inspire current generations of athletes. The preservation of such items serves as a testament to the importance of institutional memory and the enduring pride associated with representational sport.
Reconnecting and Looking Forward
For Tino De La Motte, catching up with Bernard after many years served as a reminder of the humour and character that define the man behind the legendary captaincy. Their shared history as neighbours in Pepiliyana provided a rich backdrop for a conversation that moved effortlessly between personal reminiscences and broader discussions regarding the current state of the global Sri Lankan community.
In a world where digital platforms like eLanka serve as the primary bridge connecting Sri Lankans abroad with their heritage, such stories of reconnection are instrumental in maintaining the social fabric of the community. Whether through our Business Directory or our dedicated portals for Property and Weddings, eLanka remains committed to celebrating these positive narratives that highlight the achievements and enduring friendships of Sri Lankans worldwide.
The legacy of the 1975 victory continues to resonate, not only as a sporting milestone but as a symbol of the bonds forged through healthy competition and mutual respect between institutions like St Peter’s and St Joseph’s. As we reflect on this reunion, we are reminded that while players may move on to successful careers in business and tourism, the spirit of the game and the friendships formed on the field remain indelible.
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