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. Captain 1973.
- Hockey – Represented the Colombo Schools at the Nationals and awarded Ceylon School Colours in 1971.
- Public Schools Tennis – Junior Doubles Champion 1969 & 1970
- STC Tennis Captain in 1973. Awarded Public Schools Tennis Colours in 1972.
- Represented Sri Lanka Board XI in first class cricket.
- Played Professional Cricket (’Minor Counties Championship’) in England.
- Victorious STC 1st XI Cricket Coach (2005 & 2007).
- Curator at SSC.
- Sri Lanka Cricket Selector and a Member of the Interim Committee.
- Renowned International Radio & TV Cricket Commentator.
Dear Ranil
It was my greatest privilege to play with you Junior and 1st XI cricket – especially under your superb captaincy in 1973. You were an outstanding sportsman, a wonderful friend and a gentle human being. Extremely proud to have known you.
May your beautiful soul continue to rest in eternal peace.
God Bless
Rudi (Ravi Rudra)
12th Feb 2025
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