A Snippet of Memories

Many things influence your life but some really alter the trajectory of it. The S. Thomas’ College Sub-Aqua Club did this for me.

I was always interested in sports, I don’t recall the exact date but when I joined the club, unknowingly I signed up for a life of adventure and a lot of fun.

As I write from my Colombo home full of art and memorabilia, I also think about the STC SAC visit to my beach side kitesurfing camp last week. All what I have, the place I am in, would not have been possible if not for this Club.

I say this because the world of scuba diving led me to love of all things watersport; kayaking, skimboard, surfing and then kitesurfing. Kitesurfing led me to quit my corporate job to start a small kitesurf school and camp by the beach in Kalpitiya, this grew and eventually Kalpitiya became known as one of the world best kitesurfing destinations. An entire village and its destiny was also changed for the better.

I go back in time, my diving guru and inspiration founder Sri Lal Perera, gave me a glimpse of an alternative lifestyle at a young age while at the club. A life of passion, adventure coupled with a bit of eccentricity – isn’t this what life should be all about!

I remember our club trips in Sri Lal’s old Peugeot 404, which had a body of a Peugeot and an engine of a lorry. I remember the club trips to Galle, Trincomalee, Kithulgala, Ruwanwella, the times with Mr. Vimal Peiris who loved his plants and with whom I officially planted my first trees by the banks of Sri Lals’ property at Ruwanwella. I remember making our own lead weights at Sri Lals’ De Fonseka Road house – time will tell if those fumes would affect me – but alas I wouldn’t have any regrets anyway. Also carefully pressing sea weed under the guidance of Doctor Malik Fernando.

20 years later, I also continue to plant trees/ mangroves as well as clean the beaches and environs around Kalpitiya. Over the last decade thousands of people have visited my hotel in Kalpitiya not just for kitesurfing but diving as well. I also earned a lot of money doing something I like, what a better way to live? My company was featured on prime time international television, magazines and adverts; maybe even on Netflix.

ALL THIS, is because of our dear STC SAC. I am forever grateful to College, this Club and the founder members who had passion to do something out of the ordinary, I am certain generations to come would be blessed by this clubs’ legacy.