Champaka Ramanayake is undoubtedly a cricketing legend in Sri Lanka. His name is etched in history as one of the finest fast bowlers ever to represent Sri Lanka at the international level. The Ramanayake surname is making headlines yet again, but it is not because of the senior Ramanayake, but rather because of his three sons who have now entered the history books of the prestigious Battle of the Blues. 

The youngest son, Sandesh Ramanayake, last week lifted the coveted D.S. Senanayake Memorial Shield to complete a historic feat of three brothers lifting the shield. The Sunday Morning Sports sat down with the three brothers – Hashen, Sandesh, and Himesh – and their father for a chat on this remarkable achievement. 

Hashen Ramanayake 

Going down memory lane, can you say a few words about your winning experience in 2013? 

It was obviously a very good experience for any cricketer, especially being a Royalist. Knowing that 70 out of 100 odd games have been draws, it was a very special moment for me. This was 2013. We had, I think, one of the best seasons and one of the best teams in school cricket at that moment. We didn’t lose a single game. We beat some big schools with outright wins and there were a lot of seniors in our team. One of them got injured so I got the chance to play as a freshman. 

We had a very good season and going into the Big Match, we were always the favourites while S. Thomas’ were the underdogs, so we always had a chance. Our only worry was the rain. The rain still affected the game and we lost almost two sessions. 

We weren’t the best side from the start of the game, but everyone who went to bat chipped in with 30s, 40s, and 50s. We were battling against the rain and time. We didn’t have the shield so we were really going for it and we wanted to bring it home. 

We made some changes in the morning on the last day. We decided to declare just 15 minutes before the start. No one knew we were going to declare since we only had a very small lead at that time. But our bowlers did really well and ultimately managed to win the game. 

You’re the eldest son of a legendary Sri Lankan cricketer. Did this put any sort of pressure on you?

Yes, there were expectations. More than my father, other people had a lot of expectations. But I think it made things easier for me to have a former national cricketer and a coach in the household. The pressure of playing cricket has always been there and everyone could feel it.

Did cricket come naturally to you? How did you choose this sport?

I’m a batsman; a batting all-rounder who bowls fast. I played cricket and badminton until I was 19. My mom was a Sri Lankan badminton player, so I played both sports. I played in the national levels until I was 19, but then I had to choose one and I chose cricket. The reason I took up cricket is because that’s what I enjoyed the most. I thought about playing cricket after school and I thought I’d have a better future playing cricket.

What are you up to at present with regard to cricket? 

I am currently playing first class cricket and I’m also playing in England. I have completed my qualifications in coaching and I’m involved in coaching as well. 

You have two younger siblings who are also into cricket. What is it like to be the elder brother or the eldest son of a cricketing family? 

It always felt nice. Bear in mind that of course I have to always set an example for them. But playing with my brothers, when they were playing junior cricket and growing up with them was always special. They’ve seen me playing a lot and I’ve seen them playing. 

We have a bit of a competition going on as well in the house. We are not in the same age group; my youngest brother and I have a big age gap. With the other one, there’s only a two-year age gap. We were never on the same team.

Was there any added pressure because you are the eldest son? Did that affect you in any way?

Growing up, I always thought I needed to be the best cricketer. I’m just really proud of my brothers. We play different roles in cricket; both of them are fast bowlers. I’m the odd one out because I’m a batter. But no, I don’t think it added any pressure. We’ve always liked being there for each other. I think I still have a few photos where the middle one ran onto the ground when I scored a 100. I did the same this year. 

What did you feel when your brothers won the Big Match? 

That’s a feeling I can’t even put into words, to be honest. It took me a while to grasp. But it was amazing. Knowing the way I felt when I was playing and to see my brothers doing it was a remarkable feeling. It will be one thing I remember all my life. 

Himesh Ramanayake

Going down memory lane, can you say a few words about your winning experience in 2016? 

Winning the big match in 2016 was one of the most memorable days of my cricketing career. The experience of winning a Roy-Tho is an exceptional feeling that only a few have the opportunity to enjoy. In that particular year, the game was initially dominated by the Thomians during the first two days. However, our team was able to mount a remarkable comeback on the third day and ultimately win the shield. This win was a team effort, which made it all the more special to me. I feel very fortunate to have been a member of that winning team.

You’re a son of a legendary Sri Lankan cricketer. Did this put any sort of pressure on you?

I impose a certain level of self-pressure. But my father has never imposed any pressure on us to pursue cricket. He has given full support in our chosen paths. I regard him as the most effective coach for me and I always seek his support and advice on my game whenever possible.

Did cricket come naturally to you? How did you choose this sport?

I believe that I inherited the determination and talent for sports, as both of my parents have been actively involved in sports and have even attained the highest levels of proficiency. Cricket, in particular, seems to have come naturally to me, as I have memories of playing soft ball cricket at home for as long as I can remember. Attending Sri Lanka matches created a deep-rooted passion for the sport within me.

What are you up to at present with regard to cricket? 

Currently I am actively engaged in cricket professionally. Over the past five years, I have had the honour of representing the SSC in the domestic circuit and have had the opportunity to represent the Sri Lanka A team, as well as several LPL teams. I remain focused on my ambition of representing the national team and am committed to working tirelessly towards achieving this goal.

Having seen your elder brother and yourself achieve great things at Roy-Tho, did that inspire you to do better? 

It definitely did. Having done well in Big Matches definitely inspired me to take on the next step. The experience of playing in an environment of that magnitude has served as a source of inspiration, motivating me to constantly strive for excellence at the highest level in cricket.

How did you feel when both you and Hashen won the Roy-Tho and when Sandesh won it last week? What pleased you the most?

I consider myself very fortunate to have had the privilege of being a part of the storied history of the Royal-Thomian cricket rivalry. Winning the Big Match is a dream that every college cricketer aspires to achieve and having been a member of the winning teams in both 2013 and 2016 consecutively is a cherished experience. Moreover, it brought us immense joy to see our brother, Sandesh, also taste the triumph of victory in the Big Match. Being a part of such a rare achievement is an honour.

Sandesh Ramanayake

You won the Big Match this year. How do you feel?

It was a really good feeling because we were the underdogs. We lost three matches to Trinity College including the match before the Big Match, so we came in as underdogs. But we all did our best. When we came into the Big Match, the feeling was very good. When you are putting in the hard work and the hard work pays off, it’s really good. It’s a really good feeling.

Did being Champaka Ramanayake’s son ever affect you? 

Yes, a little bit, because I really want to get to the level of my father, like to the national level. I think I have time and I want to put in more effort. I would really like to do that.

Why did you choose cricket? 

It really came from my brothers, because I’ve seen them play and I liked how they played. Of course my father’s influence was there too. 

The odds were against Royal and everyone thought S. Thomas’ would win. How was the preparation before the game?

We lost the last game before the Big Match. It was against Trinity in Kandy. After that match, we all got together and we all shared the same feeling. We had the winning spirit in our bodies and we laid down a very good plan to win. Our fast bowlers were the key to winning and of course our batters. It took hard work from all the players.

Dasis Manchanayake is making headlines. How did he lead your team to victory? 

He is a very good captain. At the start of the season, we were a little bit rough. But in the end, the whole team knew what roles to play, so it was easy for the captain to control the team. That’s how we won the game. 

What was the key moment in the Roy-Tho that turned things around in your favour?

On the first day, when we lost four wickets in the first session, Dasis and Ramiru brought the team back on track. I think that was the turning point. 

On the last day, what did the team discuss before coming on to the field? 

We thought we were not going home until we brought the shield back to Royal. 

Champaka Ramanayake

This is a proud moment for you and a significant achievement as a family. How do you feel?

I’m really proud. As far as I know, this is a first. No other family I know has achieved this, which is a great honour. I’m so proud to be a part of this family and especially proud of the three boys. They were chosen to play not because of me; they were chosen because they are good enough to play in every team from the junior level. 

It’s not easy being a father, you know. It’s very rare that a father who has played cricket has sons who play as well. Not many families have done it. But they are good at what they do and that’s why they have been playing cricket for a long time. And of course, winning three Big Matches is a unique thing. 

It never really clicked until a week before, that if Royal won, it was going to be history. I had a gut feeling even though they didn’t do that well compared to the opposition. We were talking about this and Himesh told me that if we could score 250 batting first, we had a chance to win the game. Just one week before the game we had a gut feeling and probably a bit of luck as well. 

But on the day, how Royal played cricket and the way they bowled right throughout the game was brilliant. The batting was the plus point of the game because the first day they had a huge partnership between Dasis and Ramiru. The next two days, the wicket was flat and the way the seamer and the spinners bowled was brilliant. 

I saw that they had a plan to put a lot of pressure on the opposition. The Thomians couldn’t cope with the pressure. I was watching and it was a very proud moment. For the Royalists, it’s like winning the World Cup. 

Did you ever expect your sons to follow your path in cricket?

I had a lot of expectations. We have our arguments when they fail. At the same time, I was helping them by passing on my knowledge and coaching as well. Of course, they have not seen me playing international cricket, but our whole family has sports in our blood. 

My wife died of leukaemia eight years ago, but she was also a badminton national champion. The fact that we are all into sports played a huge role in the boys choosing sports. But if they had chosen anything else, I would certainly have supported them, without a doubt. 

All three of your sons have won the Roy-Tho. What was your favourite moment out of the three?

I’ve watched all three of these wins. The biggest satisfaction I had from a Big Match was when Hashen saved the match in 2014. That was unbelievable. He batted for eight hours to save the game, but he missed the century due to crowd invasion. That was the best moment for me. All three of them winning is unbelievable, but if you ask me, that was the best moment. 

How would you have felt if your sons hadn’t chosen cricket?

It would have been tough, but I always wanted them to play any sport. I wouldn’t have put a lot of pressure on them if they hadn’t wanted to play, to be honest. Of course, they would have gone into different fields. It could have been education or maybe badminton.

I’m very happy because they play cricket. If they had chosen not to play cricket, I would not have pushed them. I would have pushed them when they were younger, but not when they were older. 

Do you have any special memories of your sons during their junior cricketing days? 

I can’t pinpoint one because I have seen many games. Both Hashen and Sandesh started as leg spinners but suddenly they changed to being seamers. Himesh was an out-and-out fast bowler from the beginning. All three were coached by Rohan Soyza, who is the current coach of Royal College. Both Hashen and Himesh had him as coach during Junior Cricket. 

When I’m here, I always watch their matches, but I have missed some when I had national coaching duties. Even if they weren’t involved, I would still watch until the last day. Even though I’m from Richmond College, I feel that I’m a part of this.