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Life and times in sport:
Versatile police sportsman - Ranjith Jayasinghe
by Premasara Epasinghe
SPORTS: He is undoubtedly a versatile sportsman. The word versatile
derives from French or Latin VERSARE - which means Turn. Therefore
Versatile means able to do or to be used for many different things. In
the field of sports, it is very rarely you come across a sportsman or
sportswoman, who excels in many sports disciplines.
This police officer belongs to this rare category. He excelled in
Hockey, Soccer, Basket-ball, Athletic, Rugby, Football, Wrestling and
Boxing. Although, he did not represent Sri Lanka in any of these sports
disciplines due to his official work, he never ever gave up. That is
something to appreciate. He loved sports.
He is Peramunugamage Ranjith Ananda Jayasinghe - Police officer
attached to the Colombo Bandaranaike Airport, Criminal Investigation
Department.
Unassuming, hard working Rajith Jayasinghe, hails from Nattandiya.
His parents P.G. Jayasinghe and Wimalwathie Jayasinghe. He is the second
in a family of seven. His father too was a police officer.
Born on 15th May 1952, he started schooling at St. Joseph's College,
Grandpass. Later he studied at Kiriella M.V. Ratnapura and wind up his
school career at Pinnawela Central College.
"I took up to sports seriously under the Physical Training Instructor
K.A. Dharmasena, at Pinnawela Central School. He motivated me in
Athletics, Hockey, Soccer and Cricket. I am really grateful to him
stated Rajith Jayasinghe.
He joined the Police on 1st November 1972. He represented Police in
Hockey, Soccer, Basket ball, Athletics and took upto Boxing and
Wrestling.
"I must mention the names of former DIG Randeniya, DIG Victor Perera,
and Director CID Sisira Mendis, with gratitude. They helped me and
motivated me in many ways to improve sports career as well as my
professional career as a Police officer. It was a trect to work under
them stated Ranjith Jayasinghe.
Police officer Ranjit Jayasinghe is a man of honesty and integrity.
He served at Nawagamuwa, Mirihana, Batticaloa (Seven years from
1978-1975) and Point Pedro with distinction. He served under DIG Victor
Perera in the Special Investigation Unit.
"You will be surprised to know that. I never gave up sports, although
my left toe was amputated. I have to undergo surgery, when I was serving
at Point Pedro. Sports is my first love. I still play soccer. Whenever I
am free I help and coach soccerites at Nattandiya and Wennappuwa areas"
stated Ranjith Jayasinghe.
In 1968 and 1969 Ranjith Jayasinghe was an outstanding Hockey player
in schools. In 1986, 1987 he played in the Inter-District Police Rugby
Tournament and in 1987, he represented police in the Inter-District
Basket-ball tournament in 1993.
"I am a self-made man and a sportsman. I was so dedicated to sports,
and it helped me a lot to face challenges in life. It taught me to be a
disciplined duty conscious officer later. I always respect my seniors.
Briefly I firmly believe that sports make you a complete disciplined
man. It was the guiding force to my success as a police officer. I
always put country be fore self" guiding stated Ranjith Jayasinghe.
His wife Chandra Jayasinghe is the wind behind his wings. They are
blessed with a son - Pasan Rajindra Jayasinghe. He is studying at Joseph
Vass - Wennappuwa. |
