Sports

Dep’s heroics at pole vault

Published

5 years ago

2021/08/11

Sahan Weerasooriya

A.C. Dep’s pole vault national record stood for more than two decades.

Barrier Breakers

Throughout the course of human history man has been striving to break barriers which most people could not surmount eg: the four-minute mile and the sub ten second hundred metres. In Sri Lanka one such person who was to overcome several barriers, literally as well as metaphorically in the pole vault event was none other than Arthur Cletus Dep.

A.C. Dep was born on the 5th March 1917. His father was a teacher at St. Joseph’s College Colombo. Dep studied at St. Joseph’s during Rev. Fr. Le Goc’s era. While at St. Joseph’s he was over awed when G.S. Sivapragasam soared over the bar in the pole vault event at the school’s Inter House Meet. At school Dep came under the watchful eyes of Marcus Perera the college athletics master, who guided and nurtured him throughout his school career to rise to great heights. On a subsequent occasion when M.M. Thowfeek, the Ceylon Observer Sports Editor had asked Dep what fascinated him about the pole vault. He had replied that Marcus Perera’s going over the bar in the pole vault fascinated him.

His first attempt in the field of athletics was at the dual meet between the Wattala Bolton Wanderers (Mabole section) and the Scarlet Runners (Averiwatta section). He represented St. Joseph’s at the Ceylon Public Schools Championship in 1933 in which year he came second to his schoolmate Malcolm Spittle. Two years later he not only broke the Public Schools record but also broke the 10-foot barrier in the pole vault and raised it to 10 ft 2 inch. He beat the Public Schools record holder R. Peiris to third place. Malcolm Spittle also beat R. Peiris and came second. At the National Championships in 1936 he represented the University College and cleared the 11foot barrier the first to clear this height-the second barrier. The Ceylon record at that time was 10ft 10ins by L. A. Leembruggen who at this meet finished equal to L.D. Smith of the University. W.W.Thambimutthu came second.

In 1937 National Championships Dep was beaten into second place by Leembruggen. Both cleared 10ft 6 3/4ins but Leembruggen was placed first with fewer failures. But ten days later he cleared the 12foot barrier clearing 12 ft ½ an ins–the third barrier to add yet another Ceylon record to his credit. The next year representing the University, he won the National title again clearing 11ft 9 1/4ins beating R. Peiris and L.A. Leembruggen to second and third paces respectively. At the Quadrangular meet he won the event with a jump of 12ft. In1939 at the University Dep cleared 12ft71/2inc a new Ceylon record. In1940 he broke the third barrier by vaulting 12 ft 35/8 ins. at the National Championships. Dep improved the Pole Vault record to 12ft7 ½ ins in1937. It stood for 23 long years.

At the Trials for the Asian games in 1962, Dep was officiating in another event. No sooner he heard over the public address system that Vijitha Wijeyesekara had broken his record, unlike modern day athletes, the real sportsman he was, came to the pole-vaulting area and congratulated Vijitha. I was lucky to witness this event. Dep could have objected because when he was jumping there were no takeoff boxes nor saw dust pits or landing mattresses. Dep represented Ceylon at International Meets on three occasions. In 1938 he represented Ceylon at the Empire Games held in Sydney. He was unplaced and cleared only11ft6 ½ ins.

While on the way back home from Sydney Dep cleared 12ft 4ins at a Perth Meet. That was the best height cleared by a Ceylonese away from Ceylon. In 1940 when the First Indo Ceylon Dual Contest was held in Colombo. Dep won the pole vault event. V. Stanely de Livera won the sprint double, H.A. Perera won the high jump while Duncan White won the 400m and the 400m hurdles. The Second Indo-Ceylon contest was held in 1946 in Bangalore, India. Dep captained the Ceylon team. Dep won his pole vault event, while H.M.P. Perera won the 400m and Duncan White won the 400m hurdles. On both occasions the Ceylon teams won the two relays 4x100m and the 4x400m. He participated at the National Championships from 1936 till 1953, 17 long years except during 1941 due to an attack of typhoid, 1947 Election duty and in 1950 being in England. In 1953 he twisted his ankle and bade goodbye to competitive athletics. Arthur Dep entered the University College and obtained a B.A degree from the University of London. When he decided to join the Ceylon Police he entered to the rank of Assistant Superintendent of Police and rose to the position of Senior Deputy Inspector General of Police. His interest in History and Social Anthropology was shown in becoming a member of the Sri Lanka branch of the Royal Asiatic Society. His well researched monograph earned him recognition from the Egyptian Government and he was invited to be present at the Orabi Pasha Commemoration. In his historical research the monumental work in compiling the History of the Ceylon Police standout as of permanent value. He continued his interest in athletics officiating at major athletic events and was a Vice President of the Ceylon AAA. He was its representative at the Sri Lanka National Olympic Committee. Despite his busy schedule he never failed to come to officiate at the university meets.

Once when Thowfeek, the Observer Sports Editor asked what his cherished memory was, he showed a paper cutting of 1936 in which Sir Sydney Abrahams the Chief Justice of Ceylon at that time had said: “I would award pride of place to Dep’s record breaking pole jumps. The mechanics of this particular event are so difficult that it took long years in England before a native pole jumper cleared 11ft and Dep’s effort of 6 ins more would, I think I am safe in saying, have gained him a Blue at either Oxford or Cambridge any year since 1924.

Dep married Teckla Saparamadu. They have 5 children all doing well in life. Antoinette the eldest daughter entered the University of Ceylon Medical Faculty and qualified as specialist anesthetist. Marie was a Deputy Director of the Export Development Board. Priyasath was the highly respected Chief Justice of Sri Lanka. Srimath entered the University of Peradeniya and graduated as an Engineer, and currently resides in Australia. He held the Junior Under17 High Jump record. Linus entered the University of Colombo and read for a degree in Physics. He gained a First Class and obtained a scholarship to follow a Higher Degree in USA and he is engaged in Nuclear Physics research. Cletus Dep retired as a High Court Judge. The children excelled in sport. Antoinette represented the University of Colombo in netball while Marie represented in hockey and netball. Priyasath played cricket and rugger for the University of Colombo. Srimath played cricket for the Peradeniya University and represented in athletics. Cletus represented Royal College at athletics.

Dep was a highly respected officer not only by his colleagues but also by his subordinates and the public.

K.L.F. Wijedasa

(The writer is a former national record holder in the men’s 100m)

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England to make late call on Declan Rice for World Cup semi-final

Published

13 hours ago

2026/07/14

Priyan

Declan Rice was withdrawn at half-time during England's quarter-final win against Norway [BBC]

England will make a late decision on whether Declan Rice is fit to start the World Cup semi-final against Argentina.

But there remains optimism the Arsenal midfielder can shake off the effects of an illness to play on Wednesday.

Rice, who suffered with a sickness bug in the lead-up to Saturday’s quarter-final victory over Norway in Miami, was substituted at half-time.

Head coach Thomas Tuchel admitted afterwards that Rice had spent three days in bed before the match, which England won 2-1 after extra time.

It is understood Rice still has not recovered fully from the illness – picked up in Mexico, where England beat the co-hosts 3-2 in the last 16 – but his condition has improved markedly over the past 48 hours.

As things stand, there is growing hope he will be well enough to start in Atlanta.

Rice is almost certain to rule himself fit for the semi-final given the enormity of the occasion.

But given the severity of the illness, England medics are set to make a late call on his availability.

And Tuchel will wait to see how rapidly his condition improves before making a final decision on whether to pick him.

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[BBC]

Sports

Senuja’s magnificent double century puts SL U-19s in command

Published

13 hours ago

2026/07/14

Sahan Weerasooriya

Senuja Wakunugoda

A magnificent unbeaten double century by Senuja Wekunagoda guided Sri Lanka Under-19 to a commanding 344 for four at stumps on the opening day of the first Youth Test against India Under-19 at the Galle International Stadium on Monday.

‎After electing to bat first, Sri Lanka got off to a disastrous start, losing both openers with only three runs on the board. Kavya Paresh Patel struck twice inside the opening three overs to remove Dulnith Sigera for a duck and Dimantha Mahavithana who excelled in the Youth ODI series for two, leaving the hosts under pressure at three for two wickets.

‎St. Joseph’s College Darley Road batsman Wekunagoda then produced an innings of remarkable patience and authority to rescue Sri Lanka. The right-hander remained unbeaten on 203 off 227 deliveries, striking 31 boundaries in a flawless knock that firmly shifted the momentum in the hosts’ favour.

‎Captain Vimath Dinsara provided excellent support with a valuable 52 from 99 balls, adding 143 runs for the third wicket with Wekunagoda to rebuild the innings after the early collapse.

‎Kavija Gamage continued the recovery with a determined 49 off 121 deliveries, sharing a valuable 128-run fourth-wicket partnership with the double centurion before falling just one run short of a deserved half-century.

‎Chamika Heenatigala then ensured Sri Lanka finished the day strongly, remaining unbeaten on 33 from 77 balls. His unbroken 70-run stand with Wekunagoda carried the hosts to 344 for 4 from 89 overs at close of play.

‎India’s bowlers enjoyed early success through Kavya Paresh Patel (2 for 54), but the visitors found it difficult to break the long partnerships that followed. Pranav Ragavendra and captain Yashbardhan Chauhan claimed one wicket each, while the remaining bowlers went wicketless.

‎Sri Lanka will resume on the second morning with Wekunagoda unbeaten on a superb 203 and Heenatigala on 33, aiming to build a formidable first-innings total with six wickets still in hand. (RF)

Sports

MMR 26 to drive Negombo’s sports Tourism Push

Published

13 hours ago

2026/07/14

Sahan Weerasooriya

Members of the MMR 26 Executive Committee with the Late Ranjith Fernando Challenge Shield.

Maris Motor Rally returns on August 1 with TSD competition, the Late Ranjith Fernando Challenge Shield and a citywide entertainment programme

‎Negombo will take centre stage as a sports tourism destination when the Maris Motor Rally 2026, popularly known as MMR 26, returns on August 1 with a combination of competitive motorsport, international entertainment and destination-based visitor experiences.

‎Organised by the Old Boys’ Association of Maris Stella College, Negombo, the event will be centred on the MMR 26 Time-Speed-Distance Rally, which will flag off from the Maris Stella College premises at 8.00 a.m.

‎Unlike conventional motor racing based primarily on outright speed, a TSD rally tests the ability of drivers and navigators to maintain specified speeds, follow the designated route and complete each section within the required time. The format places considerable emphasis on teamwork, navigation, discipline and consistency.

‎The rally is expected to attract competitors, motorsport enthusiasts, families and spectators, with approximately 2,000 people anticipated for the morning programme. The event will also feature the Late Ranjith Fernando Challenge Shield, adding further sporting significance to this year’s competition.

‎St. Joseph’s Hospital has come forward as the title sponsor of MMR 26.

‎The organisers expect the rally to generate wider interest in Negombo as a location capable of hosting major sporting and entertainment events. Its proximity to the Bandaranaike International Airport, established hotel network, coastal setting and accessibility from Colombo provide the city with a strong foundation for sports tourism.

‎Following the rally, the MMR 26 Together music festival will commence at 4.00 p.m. at the Jetwing Blue premises. The organisers expect an audience of approximately 8,000 for the evening programme.

‎A major attraction will be the performance of Björn Again, the internationally acclaimed Australian-based ABBA tribute show. Established in Melbourne in 1988, the group has performed internationally and is expected to broaden the appeal of the MMR weekend among domestic and overseas visitors.

‎The programme will conclude with an after-party at Tuk Tuk Wine & Dine on August 2. A public warm-up event is also scheduled to take place at the same venue on July 17.

‎While motorsport remains at the heart of MMR 26, the organisers are seeking to use the event to encourage spectators and visitors to spend an extended period in Negombo rather than attend only the rally.

‎A “One Pass” visitor scheme will therefore be introduced through the QR code included on event tickets. It will provide access to special offers and discounts from participating hotels, restaurants and selected tourism-related establishments in Negombo.

‎The initiative is intended to convert attendance at the sporting event into hotel stays, restaurant visits, transport demand and spending at small and community-based businesses.

‎”MMR 26 is not only a rally or a music festival. It is a platform to promote Negombo as a complete weekend economy covering hotels, restaurants, entertainment, transport, small businesses and community initiatives,” Maris Stella College OBA President Dhammika Fernando said.

‎The 2026 edition builds on the momentum created by MMR 25, which brought together motorsport, youth participation, tourism promotion and community activity. The organisers now hope to establish the rally as a regular fixture in Sri Lanka’s sporting and tourism calendars.

‎Destination sporting events can help distribute tourism income beyond conventional hotel accommodation by generating business for restaurants, transport operators, event suppliers, vendors and entertainment providers.

‎This becomes particularly relevant as Sri Lanka’s tourism industry enters another period of growth. More than one million tourist arrivals were recorded during the first five months of 2026, according to the tourism statistics referred to by the organisers.

‎MMR 26 will also continue a series of environmental and community programmes in Negombo. These include the installation of six PET bottle collection points, a beach cleanup involving more than 1,000 participants and the completion of the first stage of the Negombo Fort restoration project in partnership with the Negombo Municipal Council.

‎The organisers have also supported cleanup activities around major visitor locations, including the Negombo Jetty area, and donated 200 lunch packets to the Negombo Municipal Council in support of the Clean Sri Lanka initiative.