Jayampathy Perera
Jayampathy Perera, Sri Lanka’s only Olympic field hockey umpire passed away yesterday, leaving behind a legacy of sporting excellence and service to the game that spanned over six decades.
An old boy of St. Thomas’ College, Matale, Jayampathy began his professional career at Mackwoods Limited from 1957 to 1959. He then joined the Insurance Corporation, where he served with distinction for 38 years, retiring at the age of 80. Not one to rest, he continued to work for another decade at Browns Group.
As a player, Jayampathy represented CR & FC and Havelock Sports Club in major tournaments conducted by the Colombo Hockey Association. He also played for the Government Services and Nationalised Services teams in seven National Hockey Championships.
During the golden era of Indian hockey, he featured in international matches representing the CR & FC against Maharashtra State, Government Services against Madras State and Nationalised Services against Delhi Wonderers and Allahabad State.
Jayampathy held several key administrative positions in the Sri Lanka Hockey Federation, including Vice-President, Secretary, Chairman of the Umpires Committee and Tournament Director at numerous national-level events.
He was also a pillar of the Colombo Hockey Association, serving as Vice-President, Secretary, and a member of several committees.
However, it was in umpiring that Jayampathy truly excelled, bringing immense honour to the nation. In 1984, he achieved the pinnacle of his umpiring career when he officiated at the 23rd Olympic Games held in Los Angeles, USA.
He was among the top-ranked umpires at the Games, officiating in five high-profile matches: Germany vs. USA, Malaysia vs. USA, Australia vs. India, Great Britain vs. Pakistan and Spain vs. Holland.
His other international assignments included: Eight India vs. Pakistan Test matches across various venues in India, 1st Asian Cup in Karachi, 9th Asian Games in New Delhi, including the final between India and Pakistan (1982), Pentangular International Tournament in Malaysia (1983), including the final between Australia and Pakistan, Exhibition matches in Kuwait (1984): India vs. Pakistan, India vs. Pakistan in Qatar, 10th Asian Games in South Korea, including four matches and the final between Pakistan and South Korea.
His remains lie at A. F. Raymond’s Funeral Parlour. The burial will take place at the General Cemetery, Borella, at 5.00 p.m. today. May he attain the eternal bliss of Nibbana.
Dennis de Rosayro.
