Sports journalist Leslie Fernando no more

Sunday Observer sports journalist and former Benedictine cricketer Leslie Fernando passed away after a prolonged illness yesterday.

He was 72. Fernando, better known as Cowdrey, represented St. Benedict's College and De LaSalle Colleges first X1 cricket teams with distinction.

He later turned out for Nomads Sports Club in the Inter-Club 'A' division tournament. Fernando, who was initially employed as a playground instructor at the Colombo Municipal Council, has over three decades of experience as a sports journalist in the Sunday Observer and our sister paper Daily News.

He did a commendable job in the organising committee of the Observer Schoolboy Cricketer of the Year contest. His contribution towards the success of the Mobitel-Observer Schoolboy Cricketer of the Year contest has been immense.

The funeral will take place at the Catholic burial grounds, Kotugoda, Seeduwa tomorrow evening. His remains lie at No. 5, Better Homes and Gardens City, Nagawanarama Road, Nadagammana, Kotugoda (via Seeduwa).