Gratien Liyanage has been a member of the Premier umpiring panel for the past seven years. He has officiated in first-class matches against international touring sides, against 'A' teams and under 19 teams. His last assignment was standby umpire for the 3rd ODI between Sri Lanka and England at Dambulla in 2007/08. Liyanage had an outstanding career as a cricketer at school. He went to the same school that produced the great Sanath Jayasuriya - St. Servatius College, Matara. He excelled as a no. 3 right-hand batsman and wicket-keeper. The year 1982 was a significant one for him because he not only captained his school but made two double centuries and scored over 1200 runs in 10 matches. This included an unbeaten 207 against St. Thomas' Matara in their traditional 'Big' match which is still a record for the series as well as for the ground Uyanwatte Stadium, Matara. Liyanage also played cricket for Matara SC and Galle CC and also coached Jayasuriya in his formative when he was the school's coach.
Sa'adi Thawfeeq February 2008