Athletic coach Wijedasa; a gentleman par excellence

The passing of the legendary athletics coach K.

- Anura Serasingha

University Colours Nite 1979 at the New Arts Theatre held on 19.01.1980. Extreme left Prof. Stanley Wijesundera and Extreme right K.L.F. Wijedasa.

L. F. Wijedasa this month at the age of 93, received wide coverage in both the press and social media. Fondly called “Sir,” he was admired not only by generations of his students but also by many who worked alongside him in various sports associations. His dignified presence and exemplary character earned him the reputation of being a gentleman of par excellence.Mr. Wijedasa held several prestigious positions in Sri Lankan athletics, including National Athletics Coach, Chairman of the National Athletics Selection Committee, and Asian Athletics Technical Officer. He also served as the Director of Physical Education at the University of Colombo.

I first met Wijedasa Sir in 1976, when I entered the University of Colombo (then the University of Sri Lanka - Colombo Campus). Coming from Isipathana College, a school renowned for rugby, and having represented the College 1st XV and Colombo Schools, my ambition besides completing my Science degree was to represent the University in rugby.

On my first day at the University Grounds, I noticed some undergraduates training in athletics and joined them in a casual 100-meter run. A gentleman observing from a distance approached me with a warm smile and asked, “Hey man, where have you come from?” He pointed out that I could improve my timing by relaxing my running style. I did not know at that moment who he was and only later learned that he was the Director of Physical Education and a highly respected national athletics coach.