Our Rich Heritage
Discover the journey of the Old Nalandians' Sports Club from its founding in 1967 to its pivotal role in shaping the legacy of Nalanda College's sporting excellence
Our Rich History
The Old Nalandians' Sports Club holds a special place in the rich history of Nalanda College. As the old boys' association dedicated to sports among the college's three main old boys' organizations, the club has consistently contributed to elevating Nalanda's sports standards for over five decades.
From sports infrastructure developments to strategic developments, the club's journey shows a steadfast commitment to sports excellence and athlete development.
Journey Through Time
The Founding
The Old Nalandians' Sports Club (ONSC) occupies a very special and significant place among the Old Boys Associations, due to its exclusive involvement in the development of sports at Nalanda.
The concept of forming a separate entity to support and sustain sports in general and cricket in particular was first conceived by MR. Mahinda Athulathmudali (deceased) - a past cricket of repute. MR. Athulathmudali wasted no time and discussed his idea with few of his contemporaries at length. The first meeting on his proposal took place in the early sixties at the residence of MR. Chandrisiri Weerasinghe - yet another well-known cricketer produced by Nalanda. Others who participated were Messrs. Amarasiri Gunasena and Nihal Withana. The initial discussion was based on the possibility and the importance of forming a separate body to nurture and develop sports at Nalanda.
Later, Messrs Stanley Jayasinghe and Carl Obeysekera (deceased), joined this group to lend their support and strength for the new proposal. By the way, both Mr. Jayasinghe and Mr. Obeysekera represented Sri Lanka (then Ceylon) at cricket. Subsequently, after few rounds of fruitful discussions the 'OLD NALANDIANS' SPORTS CLUB' was formed in 1967, with the official approval and blessings of the Nalanda Old Boys Association (NOBA).
Due to an agreement reached during discussions, it had been decided that the president and secretary of the NOBA should take over the respective posts of the newly formed ONSC, during the first year only. Accordingly, MR. V.E.H. De. Mel and MR. B.A. Perera were nominated as the first President and Secretary, as agreed. MR. Mahinda Wickremasinghe (ONSC) was elected as treasurer. The first executive committee comprised of the following members: Messrs. H. Wijesiri, Percy Perera, Stanley Jayasinghe, Carl Obeysekera, Danny Liyanasooriya, Chandra Liyanasooriya, Sisira Nanayakkara, Amarasiri Gunasena, Nihal Withana, Nihal Abeysekera, Chandrasiri Weerasinghe, Sarath Hettiarachchi, Rajith de Silva, Henry Wijeratne, Mahinda Athulathmudali, M.G.D. Dharmadasa, D.R. Lewis, Gunaratne Fernando, W.M.J. Mendis, and Daya Illukumbura. The membership fee was a paltry Rs.10 and the main and major fund raiser was the annual dinner dance, which remains so, even at present.
First Achievements
With a mission to nurture and uplift sports, the ONSC as their first major project undertook the construction of a new scoreboard and a turf wicket - a dire need at that time. The score-board project was solely handled by MR. Gunaratne Fernando, who was an engineer at Colombo Commercial Co. Ltd. This was completed during the presidency of MR. W.M.J. Mendis - (1968 - 1969).
Cricket Infrastructure Developments
The construction of the turf wicket was undertaken during the presidency of Brevet Col. M.C.F. Abeykoon (1981 - 1987). MR. Nihal Abeysekera, former Director, M/s. Richard Pieris & Co. Ltd and MR. Upali Dharmadasa, Director Nawaloka Group, provided the necessary heavy machinery and other related equipment free of charge. Their enthusiasm and leadership saw to the completion of the new turf wicket - comprising of six strips and a matting wicket within six months. In this regard, the untiring efforts of Deen - previous ground boy of Nalanda and later Bloomfield - for his close supervision during the construction stage, from day one until completion, needs special mention. The official handing over of the turf wicket to the school authorities took place in 1981 and an exhibition cricket match followed between ONSC and Nalanda under 19 team, which was captained by late Anura Ranasinghe, who too represented Sri Lanka.
Olcott Schools' Foundation
In 1996, under the presidency of Late MR. Bandula Warnapura (1993 - 1996) the ONSC played a pivotal role in bringing together 8 leading Buddhist schools established by Late Col. Henry Steele Olcott to form the COLONEL HENRY STEELE OLCOTT MEMORIAL SPORTS FOUNDATION. MR. Bandula Warnapura, who was the first test captain of Sri Lanka, played an important role in forming the said sports foundation.
Olcott Schools' Memorial Cricket Tournament
The inaugural Olcott schools' cricket tournament was sponsored by the ONSC and was held at Nalanda grounds on 3rd & 4th of December in 1999 which incidentally was the 75th birth anniversary of Mother Nalanda. Well, to date, this popular cricket tournament is held annually with each member school taking its turn to organize same on rotation. ONSC continues to sponsor both present and past cricket teams of Nalanda for this tournament.
ONSC Secretariat
In the meantime, the ONSC having grown up in stature and status, was badly in need of an independent premises to conduct its affairs. Hence, during the presidency of Late MR Royel Senaratna (2010 - 2012), the construction of the present ONSC secretariat began, adjoining the Malalasekara Hall within the school premises. The ground floor was allocated for parking and the 1st floor for the ONSC office and board room, and the 2nd floor was reserved (until recently) as a rest room for umpires and other officials who visit Nalanda during matches and sports tournaments. Well, at present, the said 2nd floor has been converted to a modern sports strategy development centre - a first of its kind among schools - a project initiated and completed by the current president MR. Dinuka Chandraratne (2023 - 2024), with bulk of the funds provided by the NOBA of U.S.A.
Modern Facilities
The ONSC, whose mission is to develop and foster sports and related infrastructure of Nalanda, by this time, had funded many noteworthy and praiseworthy projects, benefiting the young sports fraternity to hone their skills and raise their standards to desired levels.
The turf wickets have been redone and revamped using high quality material. The scoreboard too, has been upgraded utilizing digital technology. The refurbishment of the pavilion with cosy sitting arrangements for the spectators and better facilities in player rooms, have all been accomplished during the last few years. ONSC has also provided modern equipment, machinery and tools for the upkeep of the college grounds and pavilion. No doubt, Nalanda grounds with its well-appointed pavilion and pleasing environs, stands out as one of the best, if not the best, among schools.
A separate Ground Maintenance Fund, under the auspices of the ONSC, has been in operation during the last so many years, for the said purpose and staff salaries, with regular contributions from the membership and well-wishers.
ONSC is also proud to place on record its commitment to refurbish the Basketball court to specified standards with excellent facilities for players. Today it is very much in demand as an ideal venue for most corporates and schools to pursue the game.
Due to efforts of the ONSC, Nalanda was gifted with one of the latest Boxing rings, which is now installed and in use. Thus, the young pugilists do not have to travel to other venues for their work-outs.
Through a sponsorship by the NOBA of USA, the ONSC was instrumental in organizing high quality modern tents for the Boys Scouts of Nalanda, for their out-door activities.
In addition to the already established High-tech sports strategy development centre, aiming for high performances in all major sports - a first of its kind in schools - which is housed in the 2nd floor of the ONSC secretariat, at this moment in time the ONSC is also involved in a project that would facilitate students at a very young age to identify their talent and skill in particular sport/sports and guide them through stipulated and strategic pathways, - scientifically and technically - to reach national and international standards in whichever sport they excel.
Following the exemplary foot-steps of his predecessors and their advice the current, indefatigable president MR. Dinuka Chandraratne, a former Basketball captain of Nalanda and head of the prefect’s guild, has taken the ONSC commitments to sports, to newer and greater heights indeed.
Centenary Celebration
That said, moving further ahead and ambitiously, the president ably supported by a capable secretary Major. Charith Sooriyabandara and able treasurer Charith Kamaladasa, alongside other new office bearers, have already ventured to put up a modern gymnasium, equipped with latest paraphernalia to improve and sustain muscle power and stamina, so as to meet present day challenges in sports - both out-doors and indoors.
Moreover, to coincide with the centennial celebrations of Mother Nalanda, a sports festival has been planned, throughout the year (1926) where all sports and sportsmen of Nalanda will be given due recognition. All participants in sports will be empowered and entrusted with the task of improving themselves in their respective games.
More importantly, president Dinuka Chandraratne and his new office bearers have made plans to appoint Technical and Management Committees to cover each and every sport at Nalanda, through which a sports policy will be drafted for discussion and ratification by other stake holders, for implementation, in the near future.
The Key Office Bearers of Old Nalandians' Sports Club
| Period | President | Secretary | Treasurer |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1967-68 | Mr. V.E.H. De Mel | Mr. B.A. Perera | Mr. N. De. S. Wickramasinghe |
| 1968-69 | Mr. W.J. Mendis | Mr. B.A. Perera | Mr. N. De. S. Wickramasinghe |
| 1969-70 | Mr. W.A. Neale Fernando | Mr. B.A. Perera | Mr. Sarath Hewagama |
| 1970-72 | Mr. W.A. Neale Fernando | Mr. B.A. Perera | Mr. R. Dhamasiri |
| 1972-76 | Mr. W.A. Neale Fernando | Mr. D.R. Lewis | Mr. M.G.D. Siriwardena |
| 1976-80 | Mr. W.A. Neale Fernando | Mr. G.D.L. Perera | Mr. M.G.D. Siriwardena |
| 1981-87 | Col. M.C.F. Abeykoon | Mr. C. Weerasinghe | Mr. M. Wickramasinghe |
| 1988-91 | Air Cdre. D.B. Siriwardena | Mr. Sunil Wickramatunga | Mr. M. Wickramasinghe |
| 1991-93 | Air Cdre. D.B. Siriwardena | Mr. Sunil Wickramatunga | Mr. Sunil Dimantha |
| 1993-96 | Mr. Bandula Warnapura | Mr. Sunil Wickramatunga | Mr. P. Rathnapala |
| 1996-97 | Mr. Hema D. Wijeratne | Mr. Sunil Wickramatunga | Mr. P. Rathnapala |
| 1997-00 | Mr. Bandula Warnapura | Mr. Sunil Wickramatunga | Mr. P. Rathnapala |
| 2001-03 | Rear Adm. Justin Jayasuriya | Mr. Sunil Wickramatunga | Mr. Priyantha Dassanayaka |
| 2003-07 | Mr. Daya Abeysekara | Mr. Salinda Rodrigo | Mr. Palitha Narangoda |
| 2007-09 | D.I.G. Asoka Wijethilaka | Mr. Salinda Rodrigo | Mr. Harendra Perera |
| 2010-12 | Mr. Royle Senaratna | Mr. Salinda Rodrigo | Mr. Harendra Perera |
| 2012-13 | Rtd D.I.G. Sisira Mendis | Mr. Ranjith De Mel | Mr. Rasika Chamupathie |
| 2013-14 | Rtd D.I.G. Sisira Mendis | Mr. Ranjith De Mel | Mr. Nirmala Rodrigo |
| 2014-15 | Rtd D.I.G. Sisira Mendis | Mr. Ranjith De Mel | Mr. Asoka Vanniarachchy |
| 2015-17 | Mr. Jayantha Seneviratne | Mr. Dinuka Chandraratne | Mr. Asoka Vanniarachchy |
| 2017-18 | Mr. Jayantha Seneviratne | Mr. Dinuka Chandraratne | Mr. Dilhan Jayasundara |
| 2018-19 | Mr. Cyril Samarajeewa | Mr. Anuradha Vanniarachchi | Mr. Dilhan Jayasundara |
| 2019-22 | Mr. Priyantha Dassanayake | Mr. Anuradha Vanniarachchi | Mr. Dilhan Jayasundara |
| 2022-23 | Mr. Priyantha Dassanayake | Mr. Chandrien De Mel | Mr. M.L.P. Prabath |
| 2023-24 | Mr. Dinuka Chandraratne | Major Charith Sooriyabandara | Mr. Chirath Samarasekara |
| 2024- | Mr. Dinuka Chandraratne | Major Charith Sooriyabandara | Mr. Charith Kamaladasa |
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