Vale a true sporting legend of Sri Lanka and St Peters, our dear friend Royden De Silva – By Lawrence Machado
Royden passed away in Colombo on Saturday, December 18. after a brave battle with cancer, and other health issues.
Royden, who grew up at Harmers Avenue, Wellawatte, was a star on and off the field, famously playing two finals in one afternoon in the Seventies, and winning both: for Havelocks Sports Club, and Orients basketball club.
He was a gentle giant, who will be sorely missed by all who played and loved sports, and also those of us who were fortunate to have Royden as a close friend.
We were fellow parishioners at St Lawrence’s Church, Wellwatte, in addition, to be alumni of St Peter’s (though years apart), but I really got to know Royden very well during our days in Dubai.
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We have some great times, watching sporting events like the Dubai Rugby Sevens, his favourite NBA games on TV in his flat, and attending parties, especially at the home of the late and great Sri Lankan and Havelocks flank forward Thajone Savanghan and his wife Noorani Savanghan. We visited each other’s homes, and often went to his favourite Iranian restaurant in Bur Dubai for a lip-smacking dinner of kebabs, after a good session.
Despite his many achievements, Royden never spoke about his exploits as a star line-out jumper for Havies and Sri Lanka, but we all knew and we were very proud of him. He helped many rising sportsmen during his time, including St Peter’s and Orients.
When another Peterite star and later Major General Nimal Jayasuriya was to join Havies, Royden moved out to ensure his place, saying he has done his time and it was time for a younger player to take his place.
Royden, we will miss your warm smiles and chuckles, your brand of humour, and of course your stories and anecdotes, and how you loved to enjoy without hurting anyone’s feelings.
I can only imagine what your sisters and their families are feeling at this time, and I offer them my deepest condolences.
While we are already missing you, we know that Heaven has a bright new star, and you are reunited with your beloved parents, family members, and many friends, who have gone before you.
We all know how you looked after your mum for many years, always making sure her needs were taken care of, before we went out for a meal and a few drinks, whenever I visited Colombo.
In Dubai, I still remember you attending evening mass at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Dubai, where you were always standing at the back of the church, and whenever I asked you why you don’t sit down like us, you smilingly replied: “I am an outstanding Catholic!” Yes, you were a shining example of a practising Christian. His funeral was held on Sunday, December 19, at 10.30 am. May the turf rest lightly on you, dear friend.
