In a heartfelt tribute to one of Sri Lanka’s most revered cricketing stalwarts, Sri Lanka Cricket yesterday conferred its prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award on Mr. Chandra Schaffter, a celebrated former cricketer and sports administrator, whose legacy spans both the golden days of Ceylon cricket and the modern era of grassroots development.
Mr. Schaffter, now well into his 90s, is widely regarded as one of the most distinguished old boys of S. Thomas’ College, Mount Lavinia, where he first showcased his cricketing prowess. His cricketing journey did not end there. He went on to represent Ceylon (pre-independence Sri Lanka) at a time when international recognition was a distant dream, and the island’s cricketing identity was still being carved.
What makes Mr. Schaffter’s contribution exceptional is not just his performance on the field, but his unwavering dedication to the growth and nurturing of cricket at all levels over the decades that followed. After hanging up his boots, he remained an influential figure in sports, particularly cricket, donning many hats from cricket board advisor to mentor, and most notably, as a pioneer in school and grassroots cricket development.
He is also known for his work in the insurance sector, most notably with Janashakthi Insurance, a company he founded and which went on to become a notable sponsor and supporter of Sri Lankan sports. His leadership and philanthropy in business, sports, and education continue to leave a mark on national institutions.
The felicitation took place in the presence of past and present cricketers, board members, and dignitaries, all of whom stood in admiration of a man whose love for the sport has remained undiminished through changing times.
“Chandra Schaffter is a towering example of what it means to serve cricket beyond the pitch,” said a Sri Lanka Cricket spokesperson during the ceremony. “This award is not merely a recognition of past achievements, but a tribute to a legacy that continues to inspire.”
The Thomian fraternity, known for producing some of Sri Lanka’s finest sportsmen, joined in extending warm congratulations to Mr. Schaffter, calling the moment a proud occasion for all who were nurtured under the same traditions of discipline, sportsmanship, and service.
As Sri Lanka Cricket charts its future, it is stories like Chandra Schaffter’s, of quiet dedication, long-standing service, and deep love for the game that offer both guidance and inspiration to the next generation.
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