Asitha Wanninayake is one of the most promising youth batters in the country who is currently touring England with the Sri Lanka Under-19 team.
He started off the tour on a flying note with a swashbuckling century in the first four-day Test against England on Thursday and is expected to build up on the feat.
A product of St. Anthony’s College, Katugastota, Wanninayake will not stop at nothing to reach his sporting goals and likes to model himself on the retired Indian great MS Dhoni
Excerpts of an interview with the Sunday Observer:
Q: Describe yourself in one word
Simple
Q: Any words or phrases you overuse?
Trust yourself
Q: What is your most marked characteristic?
MS Dhoni
Q: If you could edit your past, what would you change?
The slog sweep shot that I have played in the hill country Battle of the Blues one-day encounter this year. To be honest if I get a chance to change the past that’s the first I’ll do
Q: What is the most important thing in your life?
My family is the most important thing to me and it will remain till the end
Q: Who has influenced you the most?
My father, mother and elder brother who have influenced my life
Q: Are you fashionable?
I think so. I always try to dress smart because sometimes my outfit gives me extra confidence
Q: What motivates you in your life?
My family is the best motivation in my life. Their immense support is the main reason for my success. Without my family I wouldn’t be where I am now
Q: If you could choose any career right now, what would it be?
I would continue my cricketing career and try to pass my A/Ls with flying colours
Q: What forms of music do you listen to?
I prefer classical music. But sometimes I listen to various kinds of music for a change
Q: What’s the best thing you would like to hear from someone?
I would like to hear from others that I’m a good player
Q. What made you to choose sports?
In my childhood I used to go and watch my elder brother’s cricket matches with my parents. We went to watch those matches wherever it was. My brother was the main reason why I entered the world of sports
Q. Thus far what was your most unforgettable sporting incident?
When I think of unforgettable memories in my carrier, representing the Sri Lanka U-15 team hits my mind straightaway as it was one of my very first achievements. And also I could get 56 runs on my big match debut and managed to put 86 runs on the board along with my opening partner. To be honest all the moments with ups and downs in my career are beautiful memories to be remembered forever.
Q. What’s your best school sporting achievement?
I’m humbled and proud to say that I have achieved some achievements in my school cricket career. I was awarded Colours and the Eagles man in my school (St Anthony’s College) for my allround performances in 2021/22. I was also the all island best bowler U-12 and U-15
Q: What is the trait you most deplore in others?
I don’t like when people utter lies
Q: What has been your biggest disappointment?
Losing the school one-day encounter. When I started my last year of school, winning the one-day encounter was the main target. But unfortunately we were unable to do that. That will remain as the biggest disappointment in my school life
Q: Most important lesson life has taught you?
Be patient and once you get the chance just seal it