Yeshan and Lakshan of STC Set New Record at Guinness

 

 

Recording a feat in the Guinness book of records, for better or for worse, has become a fad world-over and an assortment of records have made it there, some funny and ridiculous, others inspiring and truly noteworthy. Two young people hailing from S. Thomas’ College Mount Lavinia have set a new record at one of the most popular board games, and have thereby set a healthy and motivating precedent for youth.

Yeshan Jayasuriya (present student) and Lakshan Wanniarachchi (past pupil) of S. Thomas’ College Mount Lavinia have surpassed the previous highest score for Scrabble at Guinness by scoring 196,525 points, with a fairly large  margin above the previous score. The particular record was for scrabble played within 24 hours by two players. This attempt was made in November 2012 and validated by the Guinness authority recently.

 

 

Yeshan is 18 and in his second A/L year, while Lakshan is an old boy of the school. The duo has sure done us all proud and Yeshan speaks of their achievement in today’s Young Life.

 

Tell us about your Scrabble journey at STC?

I started playing scrabble in school when I was about 9 years old. In fact I heard about the game because of a tournament organized in school. Most other word games revolve around one’s knowledge of English but scrabble requires analysis and the use of a good strategy as well. Regular practices are needed to ensure the use of a good strategy.

 

 

How do you feel about setting a Guinness Record at this game?

Setting a Guinness World Record requires a lot of planning and organization as well as the skill of playing the game. Once it was over the feeling was almost indescribable; a mixture of sleepiness and tiredness but a sense of achievement and exhilaration.

 

What are some other benefits that one can gain by playing this game?

Since scrabble is an English word game by playing it many people improve their spelling and English in general. Also those playing scrabble need to remember words in order to play them and this undoubtedly improves their memory. The ability to analyze a situation and come up with the way to win the game helps us analyze real life problems and their solutions.

 

 

To what would you attribute your success at the game?    

From the time I started playing scrabble I had many experienced players who coached me and gave me tips; Mr. Shirley de Silva, Mrs. Indramali Cooray and even Lakshan have all helped me become the player I am today.

 

What do you have to say to other young people seeking to achieve in their respective extra-curricular fields?

Many have a goal or a target. Dreaming of achieving this target is not good enough. In order to achieve it the most important thing is hard work. Apart from this in any extra-curricular activity it is essential that you keep calm in pressure situations as it is only then that you can achieve your full potential.

 

By Nivedha Jeyaseelan