On a track which offers very little for a bowler, reaching the desired milestone was always an uphill task.
But he was determined, pushing himself to the limit. Finally, the moment arrived. His unplayable delivery rapped Cambrian Sanoj Darshika on the pads; the umpire had no doubt and raised the dreaded finger. Thus came the 100th scalp of the season for Lasith Embuldeniya, a rare feat only the finest achieve.
Affectionately known as “Ambula”, this 6ft tall, lanky left armer leads the Royal spin attack this season.
Gifted with a variety of tricks, his nifty spin had been detrimental to his opposition throughout the season, crippling batting line ups with deceptive deliveries.
Lasith’s delightful bowling has been akin to a blitzkrieg, ramming down rivals and leaving formidable opponents in shambles. His stellar efforts include the 11 for 102 against St. Joseph’s, 10 for 148 against St. Sebastian’s and 9 for 104 against Thurstan. So far this season his best bowling performance was recorded against Richmond College, when he steamrolled them, claiming 8 for 15 and a subsequent match bag of 13 wickets.
Now standing at 102 wickets in 31 innings with an average of 14.81, he is 3 wickets behind the record for the most number of wickets in a season for Royal College. Moreover, he is within reach of the all-time 1st XI wickets record for the prestigious institution, needing just 27 more wickets to equal it.
Behind his daunting on field presence is a quiet and polite individual, a beloved figure in his team, known for his hard work and commitment.
At the zenith of his school career, he joined www.ThePapare.com to share his thoughts about his journey at Royal College.
Q: What does it feel to be at the brink of the all-time record for Royal College in a 1st XI season?
It feels great and I’m happy about my achievement so far. I want to continue my form for the rest of the season. It is my last year and I’m hoping to do my best for my Alma Mater.
Q: Did you have a specific target at the beginning of the season. In other words, if someone may have asked you what your target was, what would have been your answer?
My target was always 150 wickets or more. It is always a daunting task hardly anyone has achieved. It was in my mind from the beginning of the season. But moreover, my ultimate target was, and still is, to keep the D.S Senanayake shield at Reid Avenue before my departure.
Q: Tell us a little about your introduction to the sport.
When I was a kid, my dad enrolled me at NCC. A few years later, I went for school selections but my parents did not know (chuckles). At selections, they saw my bowling at the nets and that got me selected for the U 13 team.
Q: Do you have any mentor or role model? If so, what characteristic of that person do you admire the most?
Devind Pathmanathan ayya was my role model. I admire his leadership, humbleness and conduct which eventually led Royal to the big match victory in 2013. He taught me a lot of things, supported me throughout my ups and downs, rectified my mistakes and inspired me to become who I am today. I have utmost respect for him.
In the international arena, I was always charmed by the elegance of Kumar Sangakkara, both as a player and a gentleman.
Q: In preparation for the Royal-Thomian, in your view, what is the biggest challenge you have had to overcome as an individual and as a unit?
The Royal-Thomian is always a different ball game. It is a stern test of consistency and temperament throughout three taxing days, amidst high expectations. The biggest challenge is to maintain the mentality and the mindset of this talented team nearing the big event. Geeshath Panditharathna, my captain alongside his deputy Thiran Dhanapala has so far done a commendable job with it.
Q: What was the impact of playing in the Royal-Thomian? Has it changed you as a player?
Playing at the big match definitely had an impact on me. That experience is unexplainable, especially as a debutant. It moulded me to become a better player. Last season before my debut at the Royal-Thomian, I took 75 wickets but this season I’ve done better. I think I’m still using that experience I got during my debut at the Royal-Thomian.
Q: What is your best memory or the moment you remember during your playing years for college?
My debut at the Royal-Thomian last year is my best memory. It was an attainment I toiled for, for years, ever since my first day I played for school. There are no words to elucidate that feeling of self-fulfillment.
Q: How do you balance studies and sports?
It is the most difficult question to answer (laughs). It is strenuous to balance both, especially when I did mathematics for A/L s. After practice, I used to come home late and study. You cannot lose touch with your studies.
Q: Other activities and passions you have?
A 1st XI cricket season is always a grueling task for a player. Regular practices and matches allow you limited time to engage in other activities. After a strenuous day, I would listen to music to relax myself and even watch my favourite TV shows. It helps me to get my mind off the game.
Q: What are your future ambitions?
My main ambition is to become a software engineer. I like that field and I think it suits me. But I’m also planning to continue cricket at first class level.
Q: Any special individuals and entities you want to thank at this moment?
There are many people behind my success. Starting with my parents and family who made everything possible for me in life. My teammates, who were right there with me through thick and thin.
Head coach, Suranga Wijenayake, assistant coaches Kelum Fernando and Kanishka Boteju have formed a firm coaching staff. A special mention should go to the ground staff who work tirelessly but generally go unpraised.
Our Principal Mr. B.A. Abeyratne, Senior Games Masters Mr. Upul Nishantha and Mr. Sudath Liyanagunawardene, MIC Mr. Shantha Kumara all rendered their unconditional support to us.
The advisory committee, past coaches, seniors, my schoolmates and the families of my teammates who support us during our games.
Q: Your message to upcoming Royalists, youngsters and viewers?
Life will always bring you arduous times. Try not to live in the past, learn and move on. Give your best, regardless of the magnitude of the task. Always be passionate and positive.
Thepapare.com would like to thank Lasith Embuldeniya for joining us and we wish him all the very best for his future endeavours.
