Brig. (Rtd) Parry Liyanage:

My coach and my friend

Leaves have their time

to fall

And flowers to wither

At the North Wind's

breath

And starts to set

But all

Thou hast all seasons

for thine own

O Death!

It was the year 1964, myself and my friend Damith (Kalu) Silva were practising for the high jump event for the Inter House Athletic Meet. We were taking part in the under 14 events. After finishing our practice session we used to sit near the 'Tamarind' tree and watch big hulky senior athlete throwing the Shot and Discus. It was none other than 'Parry' practising his events all by himself. He was a well-known personality in College being a cricketer and a prefect.

After sometime we got a bit friendly with him and 'Kalu' and I used to collect the discus and take it back to him to the throwing circle. This went on for few days and one day he asked us whether we would like to learn how to throw.

We readily agreed and rest is history, I broke Parry's under 16 discus throw record the following year and went on to be the College, Public Schools and National Champion in Discus Throw. My friend 'Kalu' continued with High Jump and Long Jump events and also Javelin throw event and was the College Champion and Group Champion in all three events.

He used to take pride in his coaching and gave his heart out in training, motivating and at times feeding them and finding them accommodation too, and expected his athletes to give out their best.

'Parry' faced all problems in his career with sheer determination, seeking justice and fair play. These did not make him forget his Athletes specially the rural youth. He was always outspoken and fought for discipline, justice and fair play, the last two which he sadly didn't receive from the society.

'Parry' took up coaching The Royal College Athletics Team, of course by this time coaching had become like private tuition and it was a task getting boys for training, undeterred by all this 'Parry' continued to coach the Athletics team. There again I saw the transformation in the Athletes, who grew in confidence and improved their performance, he instilled discipline and team spirit amongst the athletes. My son who was a member of the team also benefitted immensely by his training.

It is sad that Sri Lankan Athletics lost a dedicated personality who sacrificed his time and energy for the development of individuals not only to give out their best in their events but as men and women who are disciplined and who have determination and will power to stand up to any situation on or off the field.

I know that he fought the sickness with sheer determination and willpower. One day when I called him after getting to know that he was in hospital, he answered and told me don't worry I am out of hospital and going for a meeting Re-South Asian Games. That was 'Parry'. Any other person would have been at home.

His beloved wife and daughter have lost a loving and devoted husband and a father. We who came in contact with him have lost a friend who always dedicated his time, energy to make disciplined men and women of character.

It is three months since your sad demise. Yes my friend, society was not always fair by you, but you always did your best to the society. I can only conclude by saying.

'So sad was the parting'

'And severe was the blow to athletes'

'But proud are the athletes of you'

'You not only taught them to run, throw and jump, but made them disciplined men and women with character'

May You Attain Nibbana.

Your friend Fred