Preserving A Historic Guinness World Record Legacy Of Mahinda College, Galle District, Western Province, Sri Lanka

Following discussions initiated with distinguished past pupil, Welihinda Badalage Bennett and his family, and subsequently communicated through The Cricket Foundation of Mahinda College, Galle to the College administration, a colorful and nostalgic ceremony was held at the College auditorium recently to formally receive and preserve the official Guinness Book of Records confirmation certificate together with the official Guinness Book of Records tie presented by Guinness to W. B. Bennett at the time his world record was officially recognised.

Mr. W. B. Bennett, now a ripe 94 years of age, holds the unique Guinness World Record as the wicket keeper responsible for the dismissal of all 10 batters in a single inning, an extraordinary feat comprising 04 catches and 06 stumpings. This historic achievement was accomplished on 01st March 1953 during the cricket match between Mahinda College, Galle and Galle Cricket Club, played at the Galle Esplanade in then Ceylon ( now the Galle International Cricket Stadium, Sri Lanka ).

The items so donated will be permanent museum exhibits within Mahinda College, Galle and is expected it will ensure that future generations of Mahindians will have the opportunity to witness tangible evidence of one of the greatest sporting accomplishments ever achieved by a son of Mahinda College, Galle. It is also hoped that this enduring legacy will continue to inspire students to pursue excellence with commitment, discipline, perseverance and humility.

Mahinda College, Galle is a Buddhist boy’s school established on 01st March 1892 – on the same day – 61 years before this historic and monumental feat was performed. The Buddhist Theosophical Society led by Colonel Henry Steel Olcott, a New Jersey born American who was a military officer, journalist and lawyer is credited with spearheading the formation of this educational establishment. The battle of the Lovers Quarrel is a traditional cricket big match between Richmond & Mahinda, both schools in the port town of Galle. It has now been conducted on 121 occasions. Somachandra De Silva, Athula Samarasekera, Jayananda Warnaweera, Upul Chandana, Marvan Atapattu & Lasith Malinga are the Test Cricketers from Mahinda College, Galle.

Report / Photos courtesy Channa Weerasinghe