Rugby star Ajith Abeyratne makes his last journey today
Sportsman Ajith Abeyatne born in 1948 was one of Kandy’s sporting icons, who died a few days back will make his last journey today He will be cremated on Monday evening at 5 pm at General Cemetery, Borella Ajith was a top class sportsman produced by Trinity College, Kandy in the 1960s. He played rugby for the school at the age of 15, and besides playing rugby; he performed with distinction in cricket, basketball, tennis and athletics. During his time his name was a household one in sports in Kandy. He captained Trinity rugby team in 1967 and 1968 being awarded the Rugby Lion in 1968 and Ryde Gold Medal for the best all round student in the same year.
A gentleman to his fingertips Ajith Abeyratne played club rugby for CR and FC as a Number Eight from 1969 to 1974 and played a major role in CR and FC winning the Clifford Cup in 1969 and 1971 and unbeaten league champions in 1973 and 1974 He donned the Sri Lanka jersey. from 1969 to 1972.
As a coach Ajith Abeyratne also took the Sri Lanka team to the World Rugby Sevens in Sydney in 1987. He was a Consultant of CR & FC for nearly 20 years. , Ajith was a fine rugby commentator. He hailed from a sporting family with his uncle Hilary Abeyratne playing cricket for Trinity with distinction in 1941 and 1942 ending up as the Vice Principal of Trinity College while his younger brother Seneka played as a centre for Royal College in 1969 and 1970 while the yonngest brother Harsha played cricket for Royal in 1980 and 1981.
As Coach of CR & FC 1977 they were SLRFU Trophy champions led by Shiraz Fernando beating Army by 22-9 in the final Ajith toured Wales, Australia, Hong Kong,Bangkok, Taiwan, Singapore, etc. He also coached St. Peter’s College in 1995,beating Trinity and Isipathana twice in one season. He coached champion ‘CR again in 2001 and 2006. (Clifford Cup champions)
He also coached the Army team in 1982 and 1983 and guided the Solders to win the SLRFU Presidents Trophy in 1982 under John Senaweera with a 13 -3 win over league champions CH and FC and in 1983 Army led by G Chandra were runners up to CRand FC losing 9-12 in the finals He was Sri Lanka coach from 1985 to 1988 the side were runners up in 1986 and 1987 at the Hong Kong Sevens.
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