Mr. Jayantha Ranawana served as the head basketball coach at St. Anthony’s College Wattala for an impressive 33 years. Upon his retirement, he graciously shared his reflections and memories with us. Basketball has always been deeply ingrained in his family, starting with his father’s introduction of the sport to the police department in the 1960s. His journey with basketball continued at Isipathana College, Colombo, where he played under his father’s guidance.
Upon relocating to Wattala in 1987, Mr. Ranawana’s passion for the game was reignited upon discovering the basketball court at St. Anthony’s College. With the support of the late Rev. Bro. George B.R. de Silva, he formed the Wattala Basketball Club (WBC) in 1989.
In 1990, out of gratitude to Rev. Bro. George B.R. de Silva, Mr. Ranawana volunteered to coach the St. Anthony’s College basketball teams, intending to elevate the sport’s standard within the school. Over the years, his coaching led to remarkable success, with the college excelling in school basketball and winning numerous national tournaments.
Throughout his tenure, Mr. Ranawana faced various challenges, including a lack of access to a gym and proper equipment for the players. However, his dedication and resourcefulness, such as providing transportation for matches and employment opportunities for his players, ensured their well-being and success both on and off the court.
Despite retiring in mid-June 2023 due to changes in school administration, Mr. Ranawana’s legacy lives on, with other schools benefiting from his coaching expertise. He extends his best wishes for the continued success of St. Anthony’s College basketball, along with St. Anne’s Balika Wattala and De La Salle College Wattala, who also benefitted from his coaching.
