by Rochelle Palipane Gunaratne

On November 23, 2008, I recall with clarity the shock I felt when I heard that Imran Bisthamin, Kandy SC’s swashbuckling player was comatose due to a deadly fall. His life hung in the balance and many were skeptical about his survival. Support groups were formed in the blinking of an eye; the popular social utility network Facebook was awash with friends and fans who extended their prayers, love and support for Imran.

The youngster who played for St. Anthony’s College, thereafter Kandy SC, made quite a few hearts flutter by his mere presence if not his reserved manner and keen dedication to the game and the mere thought of him being in such dire straits was saddening, if not unthinkable.

Ten months later on September 10, 2009, I was in for a further surprise as I walked into his sister’s place; Imran himself walked out to greet me! He literally walked without any assistance to the disbelief of yours truly. During a brief period of half an hour, his disarming smile came naturally, although he had to be coaxed to say a few words, eventually saying ‘hi.’

I viewed his family members with deep admiration for their resilience in the face of adversity. The reason for Imran’s resolve is due to his ever present mum, dad, sister, bro-in-law and many others. They allow him to lean on them (literally and metaphorically), coaxing, encouraging him and trudging the uphill road to recovery alongside him. The speed of his recovery is remarkable and it should be attributed to his family and many others who continue to support him. We wish him luck and hope to see him don the No: 8 jersey once again.

A note of thanks from Imran’s family

"We, the family members of Imran Bisthamin wish to express our gratitude to each and everyone who rallied around us during Imran’s ordeal. He is steadily on the road to recovery, thanks to the grace of almighty Allah and the dedicated services rendered by the specialists, doctors, nurses and other health personnel of the ICU and ward 74 of the Kandy General Hospital, Peradeniya.

In addition, we wish to thank the principal, staff, students and past pupils of St. Anthony’s College, Kandy, the management and staff of the Central Bank of Ceylon, People’s Bank, Sampath Bank, the chairman and staff of Penguin establishment, Kandy rugby team, coaches and our own relations, friends and other well wishers for their generous commitment, love, support and the religious rituals and prayers at the mosques, temples, kovils and churches for Imran’s sake.

We are truly blessed and deeply regret our inability to thank each and everyone of you individually.