Cricket community mourns passing of former Sri Lankan Test captain Bandula Warnapura

Tributes are flowing for Bandula Warnapura, Sri Lanka’s first Test captain, who passed away at a private hospital aged 68 this week.

The cricket community is mourning the death of former Sri Lankan captain Bandula Warnapura, who passed away at a private hospital in Colombo aged 68 on Monday.

Warnapura was given the esteemed responsibility of captaining Sri Lanka in its first Test match, leading the side four times in Test cricket in 1982. He also featured in Sri Lanka’s 1975 and 1979 World Cup campaigns.

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The opening batter scored 276 runs in international cricket, with a career-best of 77 against Pakistan at Karachi.

Warnapura also claimed eight wickets for Sri Lanka with his medium pace bowling.

His international career was cut short after the Sri Lankan government handed him a life ban for joining rebel tours to South Africa, which was in sporting isolation because of its apartheid policies.

Bandula Warnapura hits a boundary off Australian all-rounder Doug Walters. Photo by S&G/PA Images via Getty Images

Warnapura worked as a commentator and cricket administrator following his retirement, serving as Director of Cricket Operations at Sri Lanka Cricket.

He leaves behind his wife, daughter, two sons and grandchildren.

“He was an excellent cricketer, administrator, coach, commentator and, above all, a good person, and his passing away is a huge loss for the cricket community,” Sri Lanka Cricket President Shammi Silva said in a statement.

“I am sure his name and deeds will remain in our hearts forever.”

Really sadness that we hear that our 1st test captain sir bandula Warnapura has passed away.. thoughts and prayers are with his family.. may you attain nibbana sir 🙏 pic.twitter.com/DfQjGnyepI

— dinesh chandimal (@chandi_17) October 18, 2021

I am deeply saddened by the demise of the first #SriLankan test cricket captain, Bandula Warnapura.

My deepest condolences to his loved ones. May Mr Warnapura's contribution to #cricket be forever remembered by fans around the world. pic.twitter.com/Jbo1MuMNIC

— Gotabaya Rajapaksa (@GotabayaR) October 18, 2021

Deeply saddened by the passing away of Bandula Warnapura. He did immense service to Sri Lankan and Asian cricket as a player and an administrator. It was such a joy to chat to him on everything cricket. A good and gentle man. We will miss him. Our thoughts are with his loved ones

— Kumar Sangakkara (@KumarSanga2) October 18, 2021

Sri Lankan batter Lahiru Thirimanne posted: “Deeply saddened to hear about passing of the 1st test captain in Sri Lanka Sir Bandula Warnapura. Honoured to got to know him as a True gentleman. Condolences to his family in this tough time.”

Former Test captain Mahela Jayawardena wrote: “It’s Sad to hear the news of SL first test captain Bandula Warnapura’s demise after a brief illness. Thoughts are with his wife and children. He coached me at Nalanda and was a steady influence in my growth as a cricketer and a person. May you attain Nibbana Sir.”

Sri Lankan great Sanath Jayasuriya tweeted: “It is a sad day that the first test captain Bandula Warnapura has played his last innings. RIP we will miss you sir.”

The Sri Lankan national men’s side wore black arm bands during its T20 World Cup victory over Namibia on Monday evening as a tribute to Warnapura.