By Marlon Dale Ferreira
The Annual Cricket Day of St. Sebastian’s College, Moratuwa, became more than a celebration of young cricketing talent. Graced by Deshamanya Arjuna Ranatunga as Chief Guest and Captain Navin de Silva as Guest of Honour, the occasion brought together two respected captains whose journeys reflected leadership, discipline, service, and the enduring values that school cricket continues to instil in future generations.
A Proud Cricketing Occasion at St. Sebastian’s
St. Sebastian’s College, the esteemed 173-year-old Catholic educational institution in Moratuwa, renowned for producing many distinguished cricketers of Sri Lanka, successfully held its Annual Cricket Day recently.
The event brought together approximately 160 young and emerging school cricketers, alongside more than 300 parents, old boys, well-wishers, and members of the coaching fraternity, creating a vibrant and spirited sporting atmosphere befitting the college’s proud cricketing legacy.
Two Captains Grace a Memorable Ceremony
The ceremony was honoured by the presence of Deshamanya Arjuna Ranatunga, Sri Lanka’s 1996 World Cup-winning captain, who graced the occasion as Chief Guest. The Guest of Honour was Captain Navin de Silva, whose presence added further dignity, depth, and meaning to the celebration.
The Annual Cricket Day was not merely a gathering to recognise performances on the field. It was an occasion that brought together generations of cricket lovers, mentors, former players, parents, and young schoolboys who continue to carry the dreams of one of Sri Lanka’s respected cricketing schools.
For the young cricketers present, the ceremony offered more than recognition. It offered inspiration.
When Arjuna Stood Beside One of His Own Captains
Standing before them was Arjuna Ranatunga, the man who led Sri Lanka to its historic 1996 ODI World Cup victory, a triumph that changed the destiny of Sri Lankan cricket forever. His presence alone was enough to remind every young player in the room that greatness can begin on a school cricket field.
But there was also a quieter and deeply meaningful story standing beside him.
Many in the gathering may not have realised that the Guest of Honour, Captain Navin de Silva, was once one of Arjuna Ranatunga’s captains from yesteryear. Long before Arjuna became Sri Lanka’s World Cup-winning skipper, he had played under the leadership of Navin de Silva when de Silva captained the Sri Lanka Schoolboy cricket team to the United Kingdom.
It was a rare and symbolic moment. One great captain stood beside another. One had led Sri Lanka to cricket’s greatest glory. The other had once guided him as a young schoolboy cricketer and later went on to command men in an entirely different arena, the skies.
Capt. Navin de Silva: A Leader Formed at Wesley
Captain Navin de Silva appeared destined for leadership from an early age. His journey began at Wesley College, where he captained the school cricket team in 1982. That role was not merely about winning matches. It was about learning responsibility, discipline, courage, decision-making, and the art of leading others.
His leadership qualities were soon recognised beyond Wesley College when he was selected to captain the Sri Lanka Schoolboy team on its tour to the United Kingdom. That team included cricketers of outstanding calibre, including a young Arjuna Ranatunga, who would later become one of the most iconic figures in Sri Lankan sporting history.
Leadership That Later Took to the Skies
Years later, Navin de Silva carried those same leadership qualities into aviation.
After taking to the skies professionally, he rose to become a Captain at Air Lanka, and later SriLankan Airlines. His aviation career eventually took him to the prestigious position of Head of Flight Operations, one of the most respected posts within the professional world of flying.
That role required far more than technical skill. It demanded discipline, judgment, calmness under pressure, accountability, and the ability to lead fellow professionals in an industry where precision and responsibility are everything.
Aviation Excellence and a Moment That Averted Disaster
One of the greatest highlights of Captain de Silva’s aviation career came through an act of exceptional situational awareness, a key competency for any pilot. On one occasion, he identified an error made by an air traffic controller and assertively brought it to the controller’s attention. That timely intervention helped avert what could have become a potential mid-air disaster.
The incident was widely acknowledged by aviation professionals and remains a powerful example of leadership under pressure. It showed that true leadership is not only about rank or title. It is about awareness, courage, clarity, and the ability to act decisively when lives may depend on it.
Even after reaching the age of 60, Captain de Silva continues to fly on contract, reflecting both his continuing passion for aviation and the respect he still commands within the profession.
Lessons Beyond Cricket
At the St. Sebastian’s College ceremony, while Arjuna Ranatunga shared stories and lessons from Sri Lanka’s famous 1996 World Cup triumph, Captain Navin de Silva chose to speak beyond cricket.
His message was directed not only at the young cricketers, but also at parents, coaches, old boys, and all those involved in shaping the next generation.
Quoting the late Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, he reminded the gathering to “dream big with eyes open.”
He spoke about the importance of time management, commitment, discipline, and the pursuit of success not only in cricket, but also in personal life. He reminded the young players that one of the fundamentals of cricket is to play with a straight bat, and that the same principle applies to life.
In other words, success must be built on honesty, integrity, discipline, and character.
A Message for Parents, Coaches and Old Boys
Captain de Silva also offered thoughtful advice to coaches and parents. He encouraged coaches to guide young players with patience and purpose, while reminding parents to enjoy their children’s performances without placing unnecessary pressure on them.
He also cautioned against excessive interference, including from old boys, stressing that young athletes must be allowed to grow, learn, and perform with freedom and confidence.
Remember the School That Shaped You
In his closing remarks, Captain de Silva spoke with deep pride about standing before the gathering wearing his Wesley College school tie. He said he stood there because of the upbringing his school had given him.
His final message to the young cricketers was simple but powerful: pursue your goals, dream of representing your country, and work hard to achieve greatness. But no matter how far life takes you, always remember to return to your school, because one of the greatest strengths of any institution is its old boys.
As a further gesture of gratitude and commitment, Captain Navin de Silva also made a personal donation towards the school.
A Day That Celebrated Cricket, Character and Leadership
The St. Sebastian’s College Annual Cricket Day therefore became more than a celebration of school cricket. It became a reminder that sport is not only about trophies, averages, scorecards, and selections. It is about discipline, humility, leadership, gratitude, and the values that young men carry with them long after they leave the field.
From captaining Wesley College, to leading Sri Lanka’s schoolboy cricketers abroad, to commanding aircraft and later heading flight operations at national airline level, Captain Navin de Silva’s journey reflects a rare continuity of leadership.
He was a leader on the cricket field.
He became a leader in the skies.
And at St. Sebastian’s College, standing beside one of Sri Lanka’s greatest cricketing sons, he reminded a new generation that true leadership is not measured only by victories, titles, or positions, but by character, courage, service, and the values one carries through life.
