Old Cambrian sportsman Derrick dies

Dilwin Mendis, Moratuwa Sports Correspondent

The former Cambrian Sportsman Derrick de Silva passed away after a brief illness and he is 70 years.

Derrick was a fine soccer and a Hockey player and a cricketer in his hey days. During his captaincy in 1961 Cambrians were unbeaten in soccer and defeated several formidable schools and in their soccer Big Match against their arch rivals St. Sebastian's they beat them.

He should have walked into the then Ceylon soccer team easily if he would have continued. Instead he commenced coaching the Cambrians free of charge. The one and only Cambrian to play for the national side H.K. Somapala has been coached by Derrick. At the time of demise he is a Vice President of the OBA. His remains lie at 18C, Kothalawala, Gemunupura, Kaduwela and the burial will take place on 19th March at 4 pm at Kaduwela Cemetery.