The passing of the legendary athletics coach K. L. F. Wijedasa this month at the age of 93, received wide coverage in both the press and social media. Fondly called “Sir,” he was admired not only by generations of his students but also by many who worked alongside him in various sports associations. His dignified presence and exemplary character earned him the reputation of being a gentleman of par excellence.

Mr. Wijedasa held several prestigious positions in Sri Lankan athletics, including National Athletics Coach, Chairman of the National Athletics Selection Committee, and Asian Athletics Technical Officer. He also served as the Director of Physical Education at the University of Colombo.

I first met Wijedasa Sir in 1976, when I entered the University of Colombo (then the University of Sri Lanka – Colombo Campus). Coming from Isipathana College, a school renowned for rugby, and having represented the College 1st XV and Colombo Schools, my ambition besides completing my Science degree was to represent the University in rugby.

On my first day at the University Grounds, I noticed some undergraduates training in athletics and joined them in a casual 100-meter run. A gentleman observing from a distance approached me with a warm smile and asked, “Hey man, where have you come from?” He pointed out that I could improve my timing by relaxing my running style. I did not know at that moment who he was and only later learned that he was the Director of Physical Education and a highly respected national athletics coach.

His friendly manner, sincerity and trademark warm smile left a lasting impression. Despite the age difference between him and the students, he had the rare ability to be both a revered mentor and a trusted friend. The simple advice he gave me that day helped me win the sprint doubles at the Freshers’ Meet, the Faculty Meets and later at the Inter Universities Athletic-Meets. His influence helped me achieve much more than I initially expected, representing University Teams in Rugby, Athletics, Hockey and Rowing.

Under his leadership, the Physical Education Department created a warm, harmonious sporting environment that enriched the university experience of countless undergraduates. My association with him deepened when I was elected President of the University of Colombo Amalgamated Club for 1978/79. One of my earliest lessons in office administration came directly from him.

When I was appointed, he told me light-heartedly, “Sera, you will now be a joint signatory to the cheques.” Wanting first to understand existing systems, I expressed this to him. He not only guided me through every detail but also welcomed improvements suggested by us and by my accounting-savvy batchmates. His humility and openness to learn even from his own students were traits that set him apart.

During my tenure as President of Amalgamated Club, he was awarded a scholarship by a reputed university in Western Australia to pursue a Master’s degree in Physical Education and Sports Science. He spent almost the entire year of 1979 abroad. While he was away, I worked closely with the staff of the Physical Education Department, keeping him informed through airmail letters, many of which I still treasure. His replies always offered guidance and encouragement.

Looking back, the time I spent at the University Grounds and the PE Department – far more than in lecture halls – instilled in me leadership and administrative skills that became invaluable in my later business career. His staff, including the Late Mr. U. D. Wickramanayake, Miss Daya, and the groundsmen Piyasena and Peter who served with loyalty and dedication.

Even during periods of student unrest, funding for sports activities was always approved by the then Vice Chancellor, the late Prof. Stanley Wijesundera, who trusted Wijedasa Sir’s integrity and judgment.

Those years saw the University Grounds bustling with activity, with men and women engaged simultaneously in athletics, rugby, cricket, hockey, basketball, netball, volleyball and wrestling. Outstanding athletes trained under him, adding further colour to the grounds. Among them were Asian Gold Medalist Kosala Sahabandu and Royalists Ravi Widyalankara and Chrishantha Ferdinando along with several talented young sportswomen from leading schools. His wife Mrs. Ransiri Wijedasa, herself a former Ceylon 100-yard record holder and their two young children were frequent visitors to the grounds.

Two remarkable academic personalities regularly cycled to the University – Professor Valentine Joseph, the brilliant mathematician and Wijedasa Sir himself, who rode daily from his home on Visaka Road. Their humility and simplicity earned admiration from both staff and students.

Upon completing my degree, the Character Certificate issued by him played an important role in helping me secure final interviews at two leading companies, Unilever and Chemical Industries Colombo Ltd (CIC). I joined CIC in early 1980, a key step in my eventual business career.

For decades, I continued to visit him regularly at his home on Lauries Road. Even in his nineties, his memory remained crystal clear. He could recall, with remarkable accuracy, hundreds of students from various faculties who were involved in sports during his long years of service.

My last visit with my wife Nirmala was in October 2025. During that visit, he and Mrs. Wijedasa said they had contacted Susanthika Jayasinghe, now residing in Australia, to commemorate the 25th anniversary of her historic Olympic achievement. Sir lamented that it was unfortunate the national authorities had forgotten this milestone. His deep sense of responsibility toward Sri Lankan athletics remained with him until the very end.

Wijedasa Sir may no longer be with us, but the values he upheld, the lessons he taught, and the countless lives he touched will continue to inspire generations. To his students, colleagues and all who knew him, his memory remains a cherished treasure.

May he attain the Supreme Bliss of Nibbana.
Anura Serasingha
Colombo 08.