Kosala – the multi-faceted Antonian sportsman

Kosala Wijeratne, an Old Boy from St. Anthony’s College, Katugastota, started his cricketing career at the under-11 level. He became a member of the under-13 school cricket team and helped the team emerge as the under-13 joint champions, sharing the title with Ananda College, Colombo. Representing his Alma mater at the under-15 level, he claimed 25 wickets as a right-arm opening bowler at the All-Island Inter-School Cricket Tournament. He went on to represent the Under 17 cricket team and got selected to the Development Squad – a program organized by Sri Lanka Cricket to select players for the Mini World Cup Squad.

Continuing his successful journey, he advanced to the school’s first XI team and had a fantastic season for St. Anthony’s College. Kosala grabbed 4 for 36 against St. Benedict College, Kotahena including a hattrick and a match bag of 8 for 65 against Kegalu Maha Vidyalaya, which helped the Antonians claim victory by an innings. In addition, he took 3 for 53 against Ananda, 4 for 58 against Nalanda, 3 for 36 against Royal, and 3 for 36 against Trinity College at the Annual Big Match.

Though his passion remained in Cricket, Kosala was a multi-talented sportsman. He represented St. Anthony’s College in badminton and athletics. He became the under-13 champion in school and provincial-level badminton tournaments. Representing the school in track and field events, Kosala also has set a new meet record in the High Jump at the Central Province Schools Athletic Championships in the 1980s.

A familiar name amongst members of the Saints Quadrangular Community – comprising Antonians, Benedictines, Josephians, and Petrites – Kosala Wijeratne, is one of the prominent cricketers representing the Old Antonians. Currently residing in the Maldive Islands, working as a hotelier, he wishes to continue his passion for cricket and keep representing the Old Antonians at Saints Quadrangular Tournaments.