A few enterprising gentlemen of the area were inspired to form an exclusive club with the intention of providing all male residents of that suburb with a host of recreational and sporting facilities. Mr. F. J. Lucas Fernando of Havelock Town most generously lent his “Ardgowan” house in the heart of Bambalapitiya to these resourceful gentlemen, in order to hold their inaugural meeting. Not surprisingly, the ‘Bambalapitiya Recreational Club’ was born…
5 years later in 1901, the BRC moved to its present location at Havelock Park. Cricket being the most popular form of sport and recreation, both then and now, Mr. Oliver Schokman took the initiative to lay down a matting wicket, which was used for the first time on the 9th of November 1901 (a holiday as it was the birthday of the late King Edward VII), when the BRC hosted its inaugural cricket match against the Clairmont Cricket Club. The BRC scored 37 runs, and successfully dismissed their opponents for a mere 28 runs, thus setting the stage for an impressive track record in cricketing achievements.
On the 31st of July 1915, the club was renamed the ‘Burgher Recreation Club’ and only those qualified to vote for the Burgher Electorate were eligible for membership. Club fees were introduced. The entrance fee was Rs. 3/= and a monthly subscription of Rs. 1/= per member was charged. Schoolboys were given a concession of -/50 cents for a monthly subscription, whilst outstation members paid only half the amount as Colombo members. Honorary members paid an annual fee of Rs. 5/=, but were not allowed a vote in the management of the Club.
The game of croquet, also very popular at the time, was introduced that same year, and served as both a recreational pastime, as well as a competitive sport. 1921 saw the introduction of the Proprietary Members Scheme. These funds were used towards the erection of the pavilion, which was opened by the Mayor of Colombo in 1922, as well as furnishing and equipment for the clubhouse. In 1942, the BRC served as a naval base. 4 years later, the Club celebrated its Golden Jubilee with a dance at the Colombo Town Hall. In 1956, its Diamond Jubilee was also commemorated with a dance at the Mount Lavinia Hotel, whilst in 1996, its centenary celebrations were held in a grand way at the Club premises.
During the hallmark tenure of BRC’s current president, Mr. Jayantha Paranathala, a brand new sports pavilion was constructed in honour and celebration of the Club’s centenary year. The pavilion was declared open by the Honourable Speaker, K. B. Ratnayake.
Throughout the years, the BRC has been one of the pioneers in introducing many firsts to the country, such as the Six-a-Side Cricket Tournament inaugurated on the 19th & 20th of August 1969, the BRC Ladies’ Hockey Section, the Burgher Education Fund, the Students Section in Hockey and Cricket, the annual Seven-a-Side Ladies Hockey Tournament, as well as breeding many excellent sportsmen and personalities, namely Major General B. Russell Heyn, Commander of the Army and Dr. V. R. Schokman, member of the Senate under the Soulbury Constitution. Whilst consciously maintaining its old-world charm and simple traditions, the Club has evolved with the times and each generation of BRCers, to become an integral part of their routine, complementing their lifestyle and providing them with excellent sporting and recreational facilities.
In tribute to Mr. Jayantha Paranathala, current president of BRC
Since 1989 to date, Mr. Jayantha Paranathala has inspired a new lease of life to the Club. In 1990, he introduced the much anticipated turf wicket, and in 1996, a brand new sports pavilion. A reputed cricket player, Mr. Jayantha Paranathala has represented both Sri Lanka and the BRC in cricket at local and international tournaments. His commitment and dedication to the BRC is exemplary, and is the driving force that is revolutionising the Club.
