The Old Nalandians’ Sports Club (ONSC) honoured 93 distinguished former students who represented Sri Lanka in sports at the “Nalanda Sports Icon of the Century” felicitation ceremony, held as part of Nalanda College’s centenary celebrations.
The event, held on June 24 at the college premises, was attended by more than 600 guests, including former and current sports personalities, teachers, old boys, family members of award recipients, well-wishers and students. The ceremony was attended by Sunil Kumara Gamage, Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs, as the chief guest.
Following an extensive verification process, the ONSC identified 93 sportsmen from 18 sporting disciplines who had represented Sri Lanka at national level over the past century. Several former athletes were honoured posthumously, with their awards accepted by family members.
A commemorative name board bearing the names of all 93 recipients was unveiled at the college’s main pavilion as a permanent tribute to Nalanda’s sporting legacy.
Among those recognised were cricket greats Stanley Jayasinghe, Bandula Warnapura and Mahela Jayawardena, Olympian sprinter Sriyantha Dissanayake, retired Deputy Inspector General Sumith Liyanage, former Sri Lanka Cricket President Shammi Silva, Sri Lanka Life Saving CEO Asanka Nanayakkara, rugby player Thenuka Nanayakkara, swimmer Dilanka Shehan and boxer Umayanga Mihiran.
Addressing the gathering, former Sri Lanka cricket captain Mahela Jayawardena, serving as an ambassador for the Nalanda Centenary Project, called on past pupils to support the proposed Nalanda Centennial Sports Complex and Gymnasium to strengthen sports development for future generations.
ONSC President Dinuka Chandraratne highlighted the club’s contribution to developing sports and sports infrastructure since its establishment in 1967, while Principal Iran Champika Silva commended the initiative to recognise a century of sporting excellence.
