Features

The day my father climbed a tree to watch Sir Garfield Sobers bat

Published

2 months ago

2026/08/9

Thilina Walpola

Picture depicting Sir Garfield coming out to bat at the Sara Oval

by Sanjeewa Jayaweera ✍️

In January 1967, my father climbed a tree to watch Sir Garfield Sobers bat.

He was 40 years old, a respected public servant, and the father of four children at the time. Yet, when he discovered that tickets for the third day’s play of the West Indies versus Ceylon match at the P. Sara Oval had sold out, he accepted the offer of a group of younger spectators to help him climb a tree overlooking the ground so that he could watch his hero while perched on a branch.

My father had earlier declined the offer of a complimentary VIP pass from his brother, Neville Jayaweera, then Chairman and Director-General of the Ceylon Broadcasting Corporation. At the time, my father was at odds with the UNP government, which had interdicted him for political reasons without ever laying charges against him. My uncle was probably relieved, as my father was quite capable of directing a few chosen words about his treatment towards Prime Minister Dudley Senanayake, who would have been seated in the row immediately in front of him.

Instead of the pass, he chose the tree.

My mother was less than impressed that he had risked life and limb simply to watch Sir Gary bat. My brother and I, however, together with perhaps millions of cricket lovers around the world, completely understood the risk-reward calculation. Some cricketers inspired admiration. Sir Garfield Sobers inspired devotion.

When he came home, he took my brother and me aside and described to us in great detail the century (115) scored by Sir Gary. He was enthralled, and I remember him showing some of the strokes played by Sir Gary with such enthusiasm that, even as a seven-year-old, I could sense I had missed something truly extraordinary. According to him, some of Sobers’ stroke play was unbelievable. It had been an innings full of artistry and sheer class. Sri Lankan paceman Sarath Wimalaratne nearly bowled Sobers out before he had scored any runs. However, after that, it was all one-way traffic with Sobers in full flow. He was a languid cricketer with loose limbs, a delight to watch. His cover drives and square drives were exquisite.

That episode has remained etched in my memory for almost 60 years. It illustrates better than anything else the extraordinary hold Sir Garfield Sobers had over cricket lovers across the world. The news of his passing brought all those memories flooding back.

Growing up in a simpler era

For those of us (males) who grew up in the fifties and sixties, the only activity outside school was cricket and befriending a girl, probably in the same order! There were no smartphones, computer games, social media, television, drugs and whatnot that seem to preoccupy the lives of youngsters growing up these days. Although Ceylon had many exciting cricketers, at the time we had not attained test status, and it was the performances of the foreign players that caught our imagination and were our heroes.

Television was yet to arrive, and our connection to our foreign cricketing heroes was through pictures and reports in local newspapers. Those of us fortunate enough to have a shortwave radio at home would try to follow the matches played in England and Australia on either the BBC or the ABC amid constant static, making most of the commentary difficult to understand. If a sponsor were forthcoming, Ceylon Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) would broadcast a daily 30-minute segment. The quality of the CBC broadcast was far superior.

My brother, Rajeewa and I used to play cricket on a tiny strip no more than 10 feet wide on the side of our house every afternoon and for most of the day during school holidays! We played make-believe “Test” matches, the only form of cricket played at the time. Invariably, my brother, being older, would decide to represent Ceylon or England. Therefore, I represented either Australia or the West Indies. Since Sir Garfield Sobers was my hero, leading the West Indies was a pleasurable exercise.

The exploits of the West Indian players with their exotic stroke play and their cavalier approach caught the imagination of many of us, both my father’s generation and that of mine. My father was approaching his forties whilst I was only about five years old. It was therefore unsurprising that for many Sir Garfield Sobers, then known simply as Gary Sobers, was our ultimate cricketing hero. The fact that he was a coloured player challenging the supremacy of a predominantly Anglo-Saxon game played some part in the minds of both my father and me. However, I believe that the exceptional talent and performances of Sir Garfield transcended the cultural and colour barriers.

Sobers’ world record score of 365

In 1958, aged only 21 years, he posted the highest individual test innings, scoring 365 against Pakistan. Incidentally, this was his maiden test century. His contribution with both the bat and the ball during the famous series between West Indies and Australia in 1960-61, when the first-ever tied test took place, established his preeminence as a batsman of the highest class and an outstanding all-rounder who could bowl fast as well as orthodox spin as well as wrist spin. He was an outstanding fielder as well.

In 1966, touring England under his captaincy, the West Indies beat England three-one in the five-test series. He led by example, scoring 722 runs at a Bradmanesque average of 103 runs per innings and took 20 wickets and held 10 catches. It was a sensational performance. Sir Gary was at his peak.

West Indies tour of Ceylon in 1967

One of my fondest and most precious memories was the encounter between West Indies and Ceylon played at the P. Saravanamuttu Stadium in Colombo, then known simply as the ‘Oval.’ The three-day match was played between January 21-23, 1967.

In those days, most international teams would stop over in Colombo and play a two or three-day game. We used to wait for the arrival of a visiting team eagerly. The indomitable Sir Garfield Sobers captained the all-conquering West Indian team. Michael Tissera, another hero of mine, led the Ceylon team.

My brother and I were the lucky recipients of two VIP passes courtesy of Uncle Neville. I was seven years old, and my brother was 10. Our instructions were to be on our best behaviour as Prime Minister Dudley Senanayake sat in the row before us!

My brother and I, accompanied by another uncle, made our way to the Oval on January 22. We were deliriously happy about being able to watch our heroes in action. That, too, from the comfort of the VIP enclosure! The Oval was packed to the rafters as the saying goes!

Our batsmen had done quite well on day one to post a score of 290 for nine wickets. David Heyn, a pugnacious left-hander, had scored 69. Other useful contributors were Captain Tissera 52, Lionel Fernando 48, and Dr. H I K Fernando 42.

On Day 2, my brother and I witnessed a grand display of power batting by our No 10 and No 11 batsmen. Neil Chanmugam (72 runs) and P I Pieris (46 runs) added 110 runs for the last wicket in about 70 minutes of exquisite stroke play. Although I was too young to remember every detail of that partnership, it set the ground alight. One of the sixes clobbered by Chanmugam saw the ball wedged between the tiles of the pavilion roof. A groundsman had to climb up to fetch the ball. Ceylon scored exactly 400 runs in their first innings;

It was then the turn of the West Indians to entertain the crowd. Despite our bowlers claiming a couple of early wickets, we were to witness a grand exhibition of power-hitting by Clive Lloyd. He scored 138 and along the way belted several sixes, many of which landed and broke the roof tiles! I found it fascinating to watch him clear the boundary with such ease. On the opposite side was Basil Butcher, who scored 152 runs with a lot of grace and timing. However, I was heartbroken; my hero Sir Garfield Sobers did not get the opportunity to bat on day two. My Uncle had informed us that he would be utilizing both his passes on day three. On the final day of the match, I decided to fall sick and skip school so that I could listen to the commentary of the game over CBC!

Simply the greatest cricketer

Sir Garfield was to dominate world cricket for another 10 years or so before he retired from test cricket. In 1968, playing county cricket, he was the first ever batsman to score six sixes in an over. He scored a sensational 254 against Australia for the Rest of the World team in 1972, hailed by Sir Don Bradman as the greatest exhibition of batting seen in Australia.

Runs scored, wickets taken and catches held by Sir Gary during his illustrious career are proof of his cricketing genius. However, one must not underestimate the impact his performances had on other West Indians and coloured cricketers in establishing that coloured players are equally good or even better and can compete with the Englishmen and Australians.

Sir Garfield’s passing was not simply the loss of one of cricket’s greatest players. It marked the passing of a sporting giant who had shaped the childhood dreams of an entire generation. For my father, for millions across the cricketing world, and for the little boy who once pretended to captain the West Indies on a ten-foot strip beside our house, Sir Garfield Sobers was simply the greatest. He always will be. Rest in peace, Sir Garfield.

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Features

New US sanctions on ICC, a fillip to worldwide political repression

Published

12 hours ago

2026/10/15

Thilina Walpola

The International Criminal Court in session. UN Photo/Eskinder Debebe

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s warning to the International Criminal Court (ICC) was stark: ‘Either the ICC will end its threats, or we will end the ICC.’ It followed US central administration accusations that the court was unfairly targeting Americans on the basis of trumped-up war crimes charges.

However, a new plethora of sanctions has been clamped on the ICC by the US, which in turn has spurred accusations by sections of the world that the latter has unleashed an ‘assault’ on the international legal order.

What some of the sanctions would mean for the ICC was outlined by Rubio: ‘We will ban transactions with this rogue court, cutting off their resources and crippling their ability to operate against us.’

The ICC has shown consistency of purpose over the years. Despite some operational constraints it has indicted a large number of political strongmen from around the world, accused of war crimes and other governance excesses that come under its purview. Two such recent figures are: Russian President Vladimir Putin and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Rather than enjoy a mere nominal presence in the world community, the ICC has proved its effectiveness by detaining and bringing to justice scores of VIP politicians and others of their ilk who have been found guilty of human rights abuses and kindred excesses that come within the terms of reference of the ICC.

Accordingly, the international justice system would be stymied considerably as a result of the ICC being dis-empowered, particularly financially. Needless to say, potential and real perpetrators of the species of crime coming under the jurisdiction of the ICC would stand to gain most from such anarchic tendencies. That is, political repression globally would be enabled to enjoy a new lease of life.

A detailing of the types of crime coming under the purview of the ICC provides an idea of what it would cost the international community if the ICC’s operations are gravely hampered. They are mainly: genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity and the crime of aggression.

That is, the part of the world to be worst affected would be the global South, since the latter is awash with the mentioned crimes. Needless to say, a chronically-disaffected South will sooner rather than later undermine the well being of the world dangerously. The world is already being put through these paces.

At the time of writing, ‘illegal migrants’ from the South, for example, are aggravating many a Western economy’s woes, besides creating for them acute law and order issues. The fact that these migrants’ presence goes on to become a virtual test of the migrant receiving states’ ability to forge domestic social inclusion in the face of jingoistic protests by mainly white supremacist groups is evidence of the latter. As is known, the US, to take just one example, has been up against this crisis for quite a while.

Accordingly, it will be in the best interests of the West if ‘illegal’ migrant arrivals on their shores are stemmed. If the socio-political and economic problems assailing the South are effectively managed through North-South collaborative, ‘trouble-shooting’ efforts the causes leading to ‘illegal’ migration and connected issues could be resolved at source as it were. For, it is the aggravation of the South’s material questions that lays the basis for the emergence of repressive and anti-democratic regimes in the hemisphere.

Until such time that the aforementioned issues in North-South relations are visited afresh and addressed urgently, a vibrantly functioning ICC would be needed. For, the latter would prove a deterrent to Southern political and military strongmen, highly prone to power abuse and like excesses, from coming into being in the wake of the South’s chronic material woes and the wars and conflicts that result from them.

It stands to reason then that the US would be acting in its own interests by enabling the ICC to perpetuate its mandate without hindrance. For a crop of issues that impinges negatively on internal law and order would be defused.

Meanwhile, there needs to be a meeting of minds among the rest of the West to put back in place a North-South dialogue process aimed at reducing some of the economic pressures that are weighing on the South.

Since economics usually drives politics it will be in the interests of the world community to scrutinizingly re-visit North-South issues of the past and put in place economic relief packages for Southern publics that would enable them to tide over their material hardships rather than permit the latter to aggravate into social disaffection and eventually armed militancy. It is the latter juncture that paves the way for the emergence of authoritarian rulers in the South who then go on to be a blight on their publics.

Accordingly, the Southern-based global development thinking of the past that envisaged a more equitable world economic order needs to be seen as an urgent need. That is, NAM’s international development paradigms need to be resuscitated to the extent possible.

It is unlikely that rightist governments of the West, such as the current Republican administration in the US, would find these projects feasible, but democratic states of Europe, led by perhaps the UK, are likely to think otherwise. For it would not be beneficial for the democratic world to be having on their hands repressive governments in the South who would be gravitating towards the major military and economic actors of the South, such as Iran and North Korea, who tend to be in constant power struggles with the West.

However, until such time that the mentioned, pro-people initiatives are given serious thought the ICC would need to be enabled by the international community to be in place comfortably and carry on with its mandate of bringing repressive rulers to book. Besides the ICC should pave the way for the peoples of the developing world to enjoy some substantial respite from the political repression and even terror which tend to be their lot.

Meanwhile, the wars of West Asia are relentlessly aggravating the economic hardships of people everywhere, driving the point home to enlightened sections that there is no alternative to peacemaking. A challenge is to convert the US under President Trump to this line of thinking.

Features

Clear, soft and shine-free skin

Published

12 hours ago

2026/10/15

Thilina Walpola

This week, I give you five simple, time-tested homemade remedies that help reduce the appearance of blemishes, control excess shine and leave your skin feeling softer and smoother.

The Honey and Lemon Brightening Dab:

For stubborn blemish marks, this is a classic. Mix one teaspoon of pure bee honey with three to four drops of fresh lemon juice. Apply gently, only on the affected spots, and leave for 10 minutes before rinsing with lukewarm water. While honey soothes and softens, lemon helps to brighten naturally. Use twice a week in the evening.

Besan and Rose Water Oil-Control Pack:

An ideal remedy to combat shine, especially on the T-zone. Take two teaspoons of besan (gram flour) and mix with sufficient rose water to form a smooth paste. Add a pinch of turmeric for its antiseptic goodness. Apply evenly, keep for 15 minutes and wash off. It absorbs excess oil without over-drying, leaving a beautiful matte finish.

Aloe Vera and Cucumber Ice Soother:

Blend fresh aloe vera gel with the juice of a grated cucumber and freeze the mixture in an ice tray. Each morning, wrap one cube in a soft muslin cloth and gently rub over a cleansed face for 30 seconds. It calms, tightens pores and imparts a baby-soft smoothness.

Oatmeal and Curd Gentle Polish:

Roughness and old blemish marks need gentle exfoliation. Combine one tablespoon of finely powdered oatmeal with one tablespoon of fresh curd (yoghurt). Massage very gently, in circular motions, for one minute, leave for five minutes and rinse. It removes dead cells and unveils softer, clearer skin.

Multani Mitti and Green Tea Magic Mask:

Brew some green tea and allow it to cool completely. Mix one and a half teaspoons of Multani Mitti (Fuller’s Earth) with the tea water to make a fine paste. Apply for 10 to 12 minutes – do not let it dry and crack completely – and wash off. It draws out impurities, fades blemishes and bestows a fresh, shine-free glow.

A Gentle Reminder:

As with any natural remedy, always do a patch test on your inner arm first. For those with oily or combination skin, avoid heavy coconut oil application and harsh scrubbing, as they tend to aggravate shine and blemishes.

Features

Compete, shine and be discovered at WCOPA 2027

Published

12 hours ago

2026/10/15

Thilina Walpola

Dream of performing on a world stage? Well, here is your unique, golden opportunity!

The World Championships of Performing Arts (WCOPA) — the one and only official “Talent Olympics” — is the world’s premier global platform for aspiring singers, dancers, actors, models, instrumentalists, etc., to compete, shine and be discovered!

And, yes, this world stage is open to YOU, Sri Lankans living in Sri Lanka and overseas!

Held annually in glittering Las Vegas, WCOPA brings together over 70 countries, all competing for Gold, Silver and Bronze Medals, just like the traditional Olympics.

Lakisha Bernard: Will represent Team Sri Lanka at WCOPA 2027

Outstanding performers vie for the coveted titles of Junior and Senior Grand Champion Performer of the World, with winners and standout participants awarded over $500,000 in scholarships, cash awards and prizes to catapult their education and careers!

Sri Lanka is already making waves! At WCOPA 2026, Natharie Wickramasinghe, representing Team Sri Lanka, made the nation proud by winning a Bronze Medal in the Ethnic/Folklore Dance category!

Lakisha: Accomplished freelance Model and Fashion Design graduate

Recruitment for this prestigious competition is handled through a system of scouts and licensed National Directors — and this is where our very own Chris Rajendra, now based in Las Vegas, and National Director for Team Sri Lanka, comes into the scene.

If you are a singer, dancer, actor, model, instrumentalist — if you have talent burning inside you — contact Chris Rajendra today for registration and, who knows, you may find yourself in Las Vegas, and proudly draped in the Sri Lankan flag, at WCOPA 2027!

The contact address is: Chris Rajendra, wcopa.nationaldirector.sl@gmail.com

or chris.rajendra@gmail.com

Meanwhile, a star is born for 2027, in the form of Lakisha Bernard who is all set to represent Team Sri Lanka at WCOPA 2027.

Originally hailing from the sun-drenched coastal city of Colombo and now carving out her creative career in Canada, 22-year-old Lakisha is stepping into the international spotlight.

This accomplished freelance Model and Fashion Design graduate has officially been appointed as the Team Sri Lanka Promoter for Canada as she prepares to represent Team Sri Lanka at WCOPA in Las Vegas.

Lakisha brings a unique blend of high-fashion sensibility, captivating camera presence and expert garment design to the Team.

Having built her career, from local college shoots to high-glamour concepts, Lakisha’s inspiring journey embodies the true spirit of cultural bridge-building and creative resilience, bringing immense pride and recognition to Sri Lanka on the global stage.

WCOPA 2027 will be held at the legendary Westgate Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas, from 12th to 20th July – the very same iconic arena where the late, great Elvis Presley himself performed!

Your moment is now. Your stage is Las Vegas, so hurry and contact Chris Rajendra.