Appreciation: Jayantha Udukumbure

One of the most outstanding cricketers to be produced by St Anthony’s, Jayantha Udukumbure passed away on 13th July 2024.

Fondly knowns as “ UDU “ in the school, Jayantha was born on 20th Sept, 1946. He showed great skills in cricket from early years and entered the first XI team in 1964, under Michael Macky. As a second year coloursman, Jayantha was appointed as the Captain in the following year. Ralston Burke was his deputy. The season ended with a great 9 wkt win against Royal, coming after ten years. Jayantha’s contribution was 44 runs in the second innings.

Then came the Trinity – Antonian at Asgiriya. He was associated in a 188 run partnership with Ralston with a solid 76 including 8 boundaries and a six. Ralston’s knock of 165 was only the second Antonian century at Asgiriya after the Legendary Anderson’s 111 in 1918.

It was in 1966 ,Jayantha’s performance reached the peak as the opening partner to Skipper Nagendra. This pair was unstoppable and had many century opening stands to their credit.

Jayantha had a tremendous season passing 600 runs with scores of

Jayantha and Nagendra put on a 190 runs partnership against Ananda and his knock of 81 in the Big match is considered the best in his career

He won the coveted “ EAGLE “ for his achievements.

Jayantha had a long banking career at BOC for 35 years serving in many parts of the country.
He was a Past President of the Old Antonian Cricket Wing and also a founder member of the Antonian Golden Oldies.

Jayantha was the founder President of the Hill country OBA and also served as a Central Councilor of SACKOBA for many years.

May he attain Supreme Bliss of Nibbana!