Dushan Hemantha where were you and what were you doing all these years. This is the question that many will ask if they were to find out the true versatility and talents of this Sri Lankan sportsman who is unlike any other.
Publicity-wise he lived in virtual obscurity away from the attention of many and it is hoped that he will be able to make his international debut in the second cricket Test against Ireland starting tomorrow in Galle.
For some reason if he does not, some of his close followers may have to say “this is Sri Lanka”.
Munasinghe Arachchige Dushan Ishara Hemantha comes from a rare breed and his exploits in the sports arena sound like out-of-this-world having also won the bronze medal in the 1500 metres at the Asian Games, a feat that may have also gone un-noticed.
Hemantha caught the eye of the Selectors the hard way when he was adjudged the player of the series at the recent England Lions cricket tour of the island as he shone with both bat and ball representing the Sri Lanka second string team.
“I am currently a national Coloursman in athletics so I would like to hopefully represent the national cricket team and achieve the feat of a double International,” Hemantha told the Sunday Observer in a forthright interview.
He passed through the gates of St. Peter’s College after captaining its cricket team with success in 2013 while playing as a middle order batsman and right arm leg spinner. He now turns out for the Burgher Recreation Club (BRC) in the Premier domestic season.
Excerpts of the interview:
Q: Describe yourself in one word?
Kind
Q: Any words or phrases you overuse?
Be positive
Q: What is your most marked characteristic?
Ambitious
Q: If you could edit your past, what would you change?
I am happy with the present and how things have turned out so I wouldn’t change from the past
Q: What is the most important thing in your life?
Family
Q: Who has influenced you the most?
My parents
Q: Are you fashionable?
Yes
Q: What motivates you in your life?
I am currently a national Coloursman in athletics so I would like to hopefully represent the national cricket team and achieve the feat of Double International
Q: If you were compelled to choose any career right now, what would it be?
I would further pursue my career in athletics, specially the 1500 meters event
Q: What forms of music do you listen to?
Anything that gives a good vibe
Q: What’s the best thing you would like to do for someone?
I like to help out school cricketers in my free time, so whenever I see them perform and receive a positive feedback from them that makes me happy
Q. What made you to choose sports?
Growing up I was brought up in a sporting environment since my father was a national football Coloursman and it was only a matter of time before I followed in his footsteps
Q. Thus far what was your most unforgettable sporting incident?
I was fortunate to be given an opportunity to represent Sri Lanka ‘A’ against England Lions and was able to finish the unofficial ODI series as the highest wicket taker (11 wickets in 3 games) and man of the series. It is definitely the highest point of my cricket career so far
Q. What’s your best school sporting achievement?
Winning the Joe- Pete big match twice and in the meantime scoring 840 runs and taking 60 wickets in the cricket season and breaking four school athletic records at the school sports meet and winning a South Asian games Bronze medal (1500m event) will be my top College sporting achievements
Q: What is your idea of happiness?
Helping others
Q: What is the trait you most deplore in others?
Lack of honesty
Q: What has been your biggest disappointment?
Missing out on a South Asian games gold medal
Q: Most important lesson life has taught you?
To persevere and never give up