Sri Lanka’s first Test Captain Warnapura passes away

On Oct 18, 2021

Bandula Warnapura, who led Sri Lanka in their maiden Test, passed away yesterday while receiving treatment in a private hospital.

The 68-year-old played four Tests and 12 One Day Internationals (ODIs) for his country.

Warnapura went on to captain Sri Lanka in their first-ever Test versus England in Colombo in 1982. He faced Sri Lanka’s first delivery and scored their first run in Test cricket.

In that game, he also achieved the rare record of opening the batting and opening the bowling (second innings) in the same Test match.

He also played for the country in 1975 and 79 World Cup tournaments played in England. In his final year of school cricket (1972) he scored a batting record with a knock of 118 not out in the big match against Ananda.

The 68-year-old made his First-Class debut against the Indian Universities in 1970.

After retiring from the game, he served as the coach of the Sri Lankan set-up and then went on to become the Director of Coaching.

At the time of his demise he was the President of Bloomfield Cricket and Athletic Club.

His body remains at his residence 159/1, Alakeshwara Road, Ethul Kotte, Kotte and his funeral will take place at the general cemetery, Borella today.

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SLC condoles Warnapura’s demise

Sri Lanka Cricket is deeply saddened to learn of the passing away of Bandula Warnapura, Sri Lanka’s first Test Captain.

We wish to express our condolences to the family at this difficult time on behalf of Sri Lanka’s cricketing fraternity.

Warnapura who led Sri Lanka to its first ever Test Match against England at the P. Saravanamuttu Stadium in 1982, was also a much respected Cricket Administrator having held the position of Director, Cricket Operations at SLC and also served the Asian Cricket Council for many years.

He was also a much admired cricket commentator and shared his wealth of knowledge and experience on the sport on several television platforms.

Warnapura, an old boy of Nalanda College opened batting for Sri Lanka and represented the country in four Test matches and 12 One Day Internationals, besides taking eight wickets in ODIs bowling medium pace.

Bandula Warnapura who was 68 years old at the time of passing away, leaves behind his beloved wife, daughter, two sons and grandchildren.