Isipathana College winger Heshan Randimal had probably what will go down as the most cherished day in his sporting career when he played for his school rugby team against St. Joseph’s College on the same day his mother Himali Priyangika lay dead after losing a battle against cancer at age 50 on Friday.
Not that Randimal disrespected his mother’s remains but the fact that she, his greatest admirer, would have wanted him on the pitch and he paid her the best tribute by scoring the opening try to have his team win the match 28-18.
A tearful and emotional Randimal had to be consoled by team-mates while returning to the dressing room after the match.
Players from Isipathana and St. Joseph’s paid their respects to Randimal’s mother after the match at Barney Raymond’s funeral Parlour and her last rites will be performed today at the General Cemetery in Borella at 4 pm
Old boys of Isipathana told the Sunday Observer that by deciding to play in the match it became evident that death is not the end for people who live in hope.
“Respecting parents and passion for rugby, all these factors got in there. He did not want to let down the team and his team mates stood by him and gave him all the support,” said former Isipathana captain and Sri Lanka fly half Dilroy Fernando.