Piyaratne Weerasinghe
Piyaratne Weerasinghe the oldest living national player in any sport, who was born on December, 10, 1924, was felicitated recently.
As a volleyball fan from his young days he was so interested in the game that he joined his brother to form a team in Mirigama with the intention of promoting the sport.
Sri Lanka’s (then Ceylon) National championship began in 1951 with all leading teams from all parts of the country contesting and it was the Hapitigama team that won the first tournament.
The other leading team was Don Bosco from Avissawella led by H.P. William who too was a keen Spiker during that period. He had the support from other players in the calibre of G. Karunaratne, Anthony Rupesinghe, R. Rubenis and L.A.D. Premaratne.
In 1954 the final of the Nationals was played at the Maradana Police Courts and Piyaratne Weerasinghe’s team from Mirigama triumphed as their supporters travelled all the way from Mirigama and took custody of the Dinamina Trophy.
Governor of Ceylon Lord Solbury was the chief guest at the final and presented the trophy to the victorious team.
