Memories of a silent sports giant 'S.P.' de Silva

by Megawarna Kumarasinghe

Seekuarchchige Premachandra de Silva (well known as S.P. de Silva in rugby and soccer fields) at present in his mid seventies, is one of the oldest double international living sportsman in Sri Lanka.

'S.P'. is a product of Kalutara Vidyalaya, where he excelled at cricket, athletics, volleyball and soccer. While he was at school he represented Kalutara Greenfield Soccer Club for a number of years.

At age of 21 he joined Army as a sapper and was an active member of soccer, cricket and athletic teams.

'S.P.'s sports talent was spotted in 1963 and raised by Captain Roy Tissera, the rugby coach of the Army with Brigadier P.D. Ramanayake. This was the beginning of S.P.'s rugby career. He took to rugby naturally after proving himself as a top-class footballer when in 1964 he was invited to take part in an inter - regiment soccer tournament.

Deep knowledge of rugby

'S.P.' developed a deep knowledge of rugby, so much so that he could fit into any position. When the Army team lacked a suitable scrum half, S.P. became the first choice due to his medium build and agility. He gained a place in the Sri Lanka team as a scrum half and full back from 1970 to 1973.

Rugby is 80% strength, speed and stamina. Players need 20% technique and skill. They need to be tough and 100% free of injury.

Fortunately 'S.P.' possessed all these requirements and has never suffered from a serious injury during his sports career. 'S.P.' was a reliable place - kicker. He has "kicked" the Army and Sri Lanka to victory on many occasions.

His greatest moment was when he put over the drop goal from 40 metres out. He was reliable to convert from any angle. 'S.P.' represented Army in six (06) rugby cup finals which was a unique achievement. He led the Sri Lanka rugby team in 1973 and his position was full-back.

Soccer stalwart

'S.P.' won his first Sri Lanka tie in Soccer in 1963. In the same year Sri Lanka beat a strong Pakistan team (3-1) at Sugathadasa Stadium. His graduation to the Sri Lanka soccer team was a fulfillment of his schoolboy dream.

His eight year term of National duty climaxed in 1970 when he led the country. But his fondest memories are of the 1968 team, led by Hashim Deen (Senior) regarded as Asia's best Goal - Keeper at the time. His position in soccer field was left-extreme and centre-half back and there was no player to match him and he was an unanimous choice. S.P. was an asset to Sri Lanka in rugby and Soccer.

Another achievement by 'S.P.' was on the hockey field, and he was picked to represent Defence Services and also included in the national pool. 'S.P.' played in the inter-unit cricket tournaments, besides competing in the pole vault and the 400m hurdles with credit in athletics.

'S.P.' retired as lieutenant in Army

In 1974, he followed a rugby coaching and training course in Bishan Abbey Buckinghamshire, conducted by Football Association of England.

SP's father was late Mr. S.S. de Silva, School, Principal who had been a boxer at the Teachers' Training School: 'S.P.' married Beatrice in 1965. They were blessed with four daughters and are now grandparents.

S.P. retired as a Lieutenant and presently is in charge of coaching the Army Sappers Soccer team.

He considers engaging in sports as a daily routine.

In addition to his activity in sports, he writes articles and lyrics in Sinhala for publication in the print media. Also he attends monthly meditation programme conducted by the Dhamma Sabha Vipassana Meditation Centre in Kosgama at much personal sacrifice.

I wish him a long and happy sporting life!