Nithya Jayawickrema honoured
Nithya was educated at Mahinda College, Galle, from kindergarten (1946) to medical college entry. He had represented the Mahinda College 1st eleven cricket team from 1956 to 1961. In 1956, under the famous D.H. De Silva, and in the following 3 years, 1957, 58 & 59, under the two well-known Amendra brothers, Sisira & Stanley. In his last year, 1960, in the annual big match “Lovers Quarrel”, he scored 77 & 32 runs as the vice captain of the Mahinda College cricket team. He was a stylish left-handed batter and a very good slip fielder.
Apart from cricket, he had represented his Alma Mater in many extracurricular activities, such as soccer and athletics, and was a member of the senior cadet platoon.
He was a brilliant student with a wide range of extracurricular activities. He was also Head Prefect. He entered the Peradeniya Medical Faculty in 1962 and later transferred to Colombo in 1963, as so many others did, to enrich our Batch. He was a member of the Colombo University Cricket Team.
He practised at Apollo Hospital, where he headed its Fertility Centre.
He has served as a Doctor for over 50 years. He is well recognised as a humble and caring doctor.
This is the plaque he was awarded, the Legend Award jointly presented by the Colonel Henry Olcott Sports Foundation and the Ananda College Old Boys' Association.
Our sincere congratulations to Nithya for this coveted award.
Dear Nithya, Congratulations on receiving this great honor, the Legend Award. We are all proud of you and your achievements in sports and academics. Mahen thank you for posting this, because otherwise we would not have been aware of it. To use a Biblical reference, some people tend to "hide their light under a bushel!" Someone please enlighten me, what is the 'Lovers' Quarrel?' Is it Richmond vs. Mahinda? All the best Nithya. Hope to see you around.
ReplyDeleteI agreee Srianee. Thanks to Lama for bringing this to my attention. The bashful Nithya required a bit of arm-twisting before he graciously agreed. I have met him many times at Parm's Forever 62 groups and at some reunions. He is a very modest chap, and his talents and achievements deserve recognition by all of us. I think you are correct in what "Lovers' quarrel" means. For the Royal Thomian, it is the "Battle of the Blues" and for the Ananda-Nalanda is "The Battle of the Maroons" and St Peters vs St Josephs is "The Battle of the Saints". Lastly, St Benedicts vs Wesley is "The Match made in Heaven"!
DeleteMahen, thank you for enlightening me about some of the nicknames of these big matches. I had forgotten about the 'Battle of the Saints,' and didn't really know about the 'Match made in Heaven.' I'm looking forward to the cricket season!
DeleteSpeedy lovers quarrel refers to Richmond V Mahinda big match in Galle
DeleteYes, Nithya. This is what Srianee thought and I confirmed
DeleteFrom Suri
ReplyDeleteCongratulations Nithya. So proud of you. It's great that your Alma Mater remembers and appreciates your many achievements.
Nithya
ReplyDeleteMy Heartiest congratulations for receiving the Legend Award for your many achievements including cricket at Mahinda College. Well done !
You were living in Bedford when I did a Consultants Locum at Bedford Hospital and you both gave me a lift up and down to Windsor for our batch reunion. I think it was in 1986.
I was happy to meet you both after many years at one of Prams get togethers recently at the Cinnamon Lakeside Hotel, Colombo.
It would be nice if you could come for our get togethers organised by Pram.
Wishing you all the very best.
Chira
Nithya, being a cousin of yours, I am very proud of your achievements both in academic and sporting fields. I was not aware of your achievements in sports outside cricket. I remember your aunt Grace Jayawickreme very well, residing at Temple Turn along the Galle Road in Magalle. I share a Royal Honour with her which is the MBE. I remember your parents, Martin and his wife very well. Does Temple Turn still exist?
ReplyDeleteDear Nithya,
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! I am very pleased to learn about the great honour of you being awarded the Legend Award. We are all very proud of your achievements both in the field of Medicine and Sports. Well, done. Wishing you all the very best.
Douglas