Douglas Jayasinghe - the oldest living Ceylon cricketer (10 Mar 1998)

Tuesday 10, March 1998

Douglas Jayasinghe - the oldest living Ceylon cricketer

by KALYANA DE SILVA

General Russel Heyn passed away a few weeks ago. He was then, the oldest living Ceylon cricketer. It is generally believed that Douglas Jayasinghe is today the oldest Ceylon cricketer alive.

At 83 years, lean and tall, he still looks a picture of fitness. He was the first Southerner to represent his country in 1937, just three months after he left school.

He was captain of the Mahinda College, Galle, tennis and cricket teams. From 1931-1936 he played cricket for the college and was captain in the last three years. During his school years he scored six centuries and a dozen fifties and also captured nearly 80 wickets.

He captained the Education Department scoring many centuries and was among the wickets.

His peak year was in 1937 and just after leaving school, he joined Galle Club. Playing in the 'Daily News' trophy (the highest form of cricket at the time), he scored three consecutive centuries on three consecutive Sundays. They were:

103 vs Colts in Colombo,

112 not out vs BRC in Colombo,

121 vs SSC in Colombo.

Two weeks later he scored 103 not out vs Panadura and 55 vs NCC.

He was immediately summoned to Colombo and chosen to represent Ceylon vs New Zealand in 1937.

Later he scored 142 vs Malays and performed a hat-trick against Moors.

He wouldn't be embarrassed if I were to say that he was the 'Sanath Jayasuriya' of the South at that time.

From 1937 to 1945 he represented the strong SSC Club in Colombo. His other team mates were Sargo Jayawickrema, F. C. de Saram, Ben Navaratna, Hector Perera, H. S. Roberts, Blackham Wijewardena, Gerry Gunaratna, R. B. Wijesinghe, George Perira, Dr. W. L. Mendis, A. H. Gunaratna and other famous men.

He was a selector for the Cricket Board from 1961 to 1973. For 10 years, he was the chairman of the Selection Committee. Perhaps, this may be a sort of record in cricketing circles.

During his tenure, Ceylon, under Michael Tissera gained victories over India and Pakistan for the first time.

Even at the ripe age of 51 years, Douglas captained the Moratuwa Sports Club from 1961-63.

There is nothing that Douglas does not know about cricket. He was never coached - but he knew every trick of this great game.

Source :: Daily News (https://www.lanka.net)