Sri Lanka: Debahapuwa to coach Kingswood (27 Sep 1997)

Saturday 27, September 1997

Sri Lanka: Debahapuwa to coach Kingswood

By S. M. Jiffrey Abdeen, Kandy South Group Correspondent

Former St. Anthony's College, Kandy, Central Province and Air Force cricketer Gamini Debahapuwa has taken over the coaching of Kingswood College cricket team this season.

Gamini Debahapuwa it must be recalled played for St. Anthony's College as a left-arm medium pacer and a hard hitting middle order batsman from 1968 to 1970. He later turned out for Kandy CC and Central Province Cricket Association against visiting sides and in the Robert Senanayake Trophy cricket tournament.

In 1975 he joined the Air Force and represented them till 1990 winning his colours in cricket for six years. He also played for the Defence Services in the Robert Senanayake Trophy cricket tournament for four years. He also captained Air Force in the Division III cricket tournament.

Debahapuwa's first coaching stint was at St. Anthony's College when he coached the then under 14 team and some of his products are Angelo Liyanage, Pradeep Fernando and G. David.

He also coached Maris Stella College, Negombo from 1981 to 1990 and some of his outstanding products are Sri Lanka Test cricketer Graham Labrooy, Wendall Labrooy, Shehan Samaratunga, Marlon Mallawarachchi and Shean Fonseka.

Gamini Debahapuwa is a dedicated coach who has always given of his best to the young ones under his charge. Kingswoodians it must be recalled had a disastrous season last year losing six matches which was one of the worst in their history which is over 100 years.

Debahapuwa has made a close study of each cricketer in a very skilful way by drawing charts and he intends correcting each player where he feels in their weak point. With Debahapuwa at the helm, Kingswood should regain their lost pride.

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