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Ajith Abeyratne, Pradeep Basnayake remember rugby cheerleader Perumal

13 Jan 2021 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}      

By Shamseer Jaleel 

The name ‘Perumal’ strikes fondly on the mind of any rugby supporter from the Central Hills. 


For Trinitians, he is a household name, being a cheerleader for Trinity College sports since 1963 when he was only just 17 years old. 


Sadden Perumal was born in Kandy and got hitched to Trinity rugby never missing a match either at home or in Colombo. 


His level of knowledge about the game was on par with players. 


He shared the emotions of the players, in victory and defeat, and never missed giving a word of advice to youngsters. 


Perumal’s pet sport was rugby but he was also present at cricket matches especially at the Trinity- St. Anthony’s big match. 


Sadly, this outstanding gentleman passed away at the age of 75 recently, suffering from cancer for the last decade. 


Former Trinity rugby Lion, national selector, manager and renowned commentator Ajith Abeyratne reminisced about Perumal saying, “We at the Trinity rugby fraternity were very sad to hear the passing away of Perumal. He was a man who lived his life as a part of Trinity. Last time I met him was at Alex Lazarus’ (former Trinity Head Coach) funeral at the Trinity College Chapel as he was very close to Lazarus. It’s our turn to show respect to him. He gave a wonderful dimension and won’t be forgotten at the Bradby firstly at Bogambara and then at Pallekelle. He knew all the players from 1963 onwards and would lead the cheering squad of Trinity. He was full of energy and was a major strength for the Up Country School. Though not 100 percent fit he gave out his best for Trinity and Trinity rugby. 


“We are going to miss him but his memory will live forever.  Thanks God for bringing such a person into this world who added colour not only to Trinity College but also to the game of rugby for more than five decades. 
Speaking to Daily Mirror, former Trinity rugby “Lion” (1995), double International and the current Central Province Rugby Football Union (CPRFU) President and Sri Lanka Rugby Council Member, Pradeep Basnayake said, “Peru was one of the greatest followers and supporters of Trinity Rugby during the last few decades. We will badly miss the sight of him with the Trinity Flag during the years to come. He would applaud with joy after a victory with his typical Perumal style dance and also cry after a defeat. Very rarely you come across this kind of human being. 
He loved Trinity so much and generations of Trinitians loved him too. He was very well known amongst the whole Trinity fraternity as if he was a famous Trinitian. Though he is gone from our sight he will never go from our hearts.” 

 

 

  • Perumal’s pet sport was rugby but he was also present at cricket matches especially at 
  • the Trinity- St. Anthony’s big match