D H de Silva in town

Hafiz Marikar

Former All Ceylon cricketer DH de Silva, who was one time Kandy’s great sports promoter when he was the Municipal Commissioner, is back in the country after thirty long years. He is the brother of present chief of Sri Lana Cricket, DS de Silva.

DH who hails from Galle played for Mahinda College and later for Nomads CC, Kandy CC and was one of the finest cricket coaches. He helped several lesser known schools in Kandy and also spotted talent and made them good cricketers One of his finds was Ajith Fernando who he spotted made him a better player. While in Kandy he helped junior cricket.

He was also a fine Lawn tennis player and promoted the game in a big way in Kandy and produced some top national players at school level.

He also promoted table tennis through the Municipal Play Grounds Department. DH also helped Central Province Cricket Association and Kandy District Cricket Association. He is expected to be in Kandy and watch the World Cup game at Pallekelle.

He played for the Board President’s xi against some of the West Indians in the ‘Minor’ match at the Oval in 1961.