Ex-Bloomfield and Saracens cricketer Asoka Perera passes away

Former Bloomfield and Saracens SC wicket-keeper/batsman Asoka Perera passed away Thursday night after a brief illness at his home in Angoda. He was 87.

An old boy of Kingswood College, Perera represented Bloomfield and Saracens in division I club cricket in the 1950s and 1960s with distinction. 

Following his retirement from active cricket, he continued to serve Saracens SC loyally and was a regular member at the club’s annual general meetings and events. At the time of his death he was a vice patron of the club. 

Thalaath Ismail, a contemporary of Perera and a former Saracens SC skipper currently residing in the UK, said: “Very sorry to hear of the passing of Asoka. He has been with the club since the 1950s; a loyal and humble member, a great loss. May he be blessed with nirvana.” 

Perera made a career in banking and was employed at the Bank of Ceylon for many years, being the President of the Bank of Ceylon Pensioners’ Association. He was also a Chartered Member of the Lions Club of Kolonnawa.

He is survived by his wife Olivia, daughter Dhishna, and son Dhishan (both resident in Australia).

His funeral took place at the Kotikawatta General Cemetery yesterday. (ST)