Eithan Ransilige competed as an all-rounder (left hand opening batsman, right arm fast bowler) for his alma mater St. Peter’s College in school cricket.
He distinguished himself by playing for the Colts Cricket Club in the under-23 team championship in the premier cricket tournament and currently he’s grooming with the Sri Lanka under-17 development squad with coach Ravindra Pushpakumara.
It seems like Eithan is also following in the footsteps of Sri Lanka one-day 50-over captain the legendary Ravi Ratnayake who was also a left hand opening batsman and right arm opening fast bowler in his playing days.
He will make no mistake that challenges bring out the best in him.
“I become more focused, committed and motivated when I am challenged,” Ransilige told the Sunday Observer in an interview.
Excerpts of an interview:
Q: Describe yourself in one word?
Dedicated
Q: Any words or phrases you overuse?
Ability
Q: What is your most marked characteristic?
I am dedicated and always focused on my dreams and aspirations, which have helped me to look beyond the obstacles and to be positive
Q: If you could edit your past, what would you change?
I will not change anything. All my experiences and what I have achieved, as well as lost in the past have created who I am today
Q: What is the most important thing in your life?
God and my family
Q: Who has influenced you the most?
My father who has always shown me what my options are and has guided me to make decisions in life
Q: Are you fashionable?
Yes of course. I always like to dress appropriately and for the occasion
Q: If you had access to a time machine what would you change?
I will go back and stop COVID19 spreading around the world and save many lives restoring happiness we lost over the last few years
Q: What motivates you in your life?
When I am challenged in what I do, I become more focused, committed and motivated
Q: If you could choose any career right now, what would it be?
To be a cricketer
Q: What forms of music do you listen to?
Pop music and especially with a good pumped up beat in it
Q: What’s the best thing you would like to hear from someone?
“You have motivated me and been there for me when I really needed help”
Q. What made you to choose sports?
From childhood I had a ball hanging from the roof which I used to knock with a plastic bat and then I started playing cricket when I was six years old. Now I feel it’s not a choice but it’s a part of my life that keeps me fit and happy
Q. Thus far what was your most unforgettable sporting incident?
When I was playing and Under-13 match at Prince of Wales’ College - Moratuwa, taking the top runs scorer in the first over out and getting my ankle twisted during the same game
Q. What’s your best school sporting achievement?
Becoming the Under-15 ‘A’ team top scorer and contributing as opening batsman and opening fast bowler for that season and winning all matches. That year I was selected for both the district and provincial squad too
Q: What is your idea of happiness?
“Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony” said Mahatma Gandhi and I think that’s an accurate statement
Q: What is the aspect you most deplore in others?
Dishonesty is something that I feel really uncomfortable with. I will always accept my mistakes and I expect everyone to do the same, because I am empathetic to understand, forgive and move forward without holding any grudges
Q: What has been your biggest disappointment?
I am not disappointed in anything in life, because everything including negative incidents has taught me the most powerful lessons in life. As they say when one door closes another always opens
Q: Most important lesson life has taught you?
When you focus in what you want to achieve in life, all you see is the destination not the journey. Also every time you need help seek God’s help and guidance as he will give you strength and courage to face anything