Christopher William Wijekone Kannangara or C. W. W. Kannangara, was born at Randombe in Ambalangoda on October 13, 1884.
His father was John Daniel, a Fiscal Officer, attached to the Magistrate’s Court, Balapitiya.
He married Emily Wijesinghe, a Christian. They were blessed with five children. Little Kannangara’s mother died.
His father married again. The stepmother had four children. Daniel Kannangara, lost his job. The family underwent many financial difficulties. Once, C. W. W. Kannangara remarked; "I do not think, anyone else knows about poverty as I do. Sometimes we had only one meal and slept on mats."
This was the humble beginnings of this great national leader and patriot. C. W. W. Kannangara.
From his early childhood, Kannangara was an exceptional child. He used to play games, specially cricket and soccer with neighbouring children. As they were poor, his father could not send C. W. W. Kannangara, to an Elite School, in the Southern Province like Richmond, Mahinda or St. Aloysius College, Galle. Therefore, he sent his son to a Wesleyan Missionary School, at Randobe, Ambalangoda.
Kannangara was a bright child. When he was in Grade 5, he collected about 14 prizes at the school prize giving. The chief guest was the Principal of Richmond College, Rev. Darrel. He was very impressed about the performances of this brilliant child, Kannangara. Rev. Darrel commented; "son, you will need a bullock cart to the take away all these prizes you collected."
After a brief chat with this ‘BRIGHT SPARK’, he called the child’s father Daniel and told him if he likes, he will grant his bright son a scholarship to study as a resident student at Richmond College. The rest is history!
Captained Richmond First XI
C. W. W. Kannangara was a complete student. He was not a ‘book worm’. He played cricket and soccer for Richmond with distinction. In 1903, he captained the Richmond College First XI. He was an elegant batsman. This right hander was also a fine all-rounder in the school cricket circuit in 1902 and 1903.
He represented Galle CC and Gymkhana Club.
While at school, he played for Galle CC. This helped him to improve his batting skills. The man who guided him at Galle CC was the legendary ‘grand old man of Galle Cricket’ E. M. Karunaratne.
First in Maths-Cambridge senior
C. W. W. Kannangara became a ‘star student of Richmond’ and was named the Head Prefect.
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