Cricketing legend Aravinda felicitated by DSS

Aravinda de Silva, the master batsman and proud alumnus of D.S. Senanayake College Colombo, was felicitated yesterday for his induction into the ICC Hall of Fame.The event took place at D.S. Senanayake Vidyalaya’s R.I.T Alles Hall.

De Silva, former Sri Lanka deputy Skipper, attended the event with his mother Rani de Silva, sister Araliya and wife Anushka. Minister of Public Security, Tiran Alles, State Minister of Posts and Media, Shantha Bandara, D.S Senanayake College Principal Sampath Weragoda, old boys and schooboys graced the occasion.

A first-day cover stamp of Aravinda de Silva was issued to commemorate the event. Speaking at the ceremony, Aravinda reflected on his school days and shared insights into his journey to becoming a successful cricketer.

“I started my cricket from age of four years and when my father Sam Silva gave me plastic bat and ball. and I used to play at home garden from my childhood and my mother always pushed me to do studies. My father was my mentor and he was very keen to see me become a good cricketer my cricket hero was none other than West Indies cricket great Sir Viv Richards .Those days no TV coverage but I used to listen to Radio commentaries and was very keen to follow Viv Richards batting and I have good memories of 1975 world cup when West Indies won it said Aravinda When I was at Lahore Hotel for 1996 World Cup final two gentlemen came to my hotel room on previous night. I was shocked to see my father Sam Silva and my Principal R.I.T Alles in my hotel room and got their blessings morning before the final and I am always grateful my parents teachers and coaches from childhood

When I started to play under 12 cricket at School my first captain was Chenna Wijemanne today working at George Steuart Travels. When I played junior cricket my father Sam Silva was College Parents Teachers Association President.He also used to see our practices after school at college grounds. My father’ s good friend principal Late R.I.T Alles was like my second father and his family was also very close from my childhood.I was lucky to play senior cricket at an early ages and I my coaches W.A.N Silva, Charlie Warnakulasuriya guided me very well from the beginning and P.W Perera .When I was selected to National under 19 team first match I was not included for the team but last moment I had chance to play the game and made highest score and was adjudged man of the match .So “don’t be discouraged for being left out from the team and go forward and develop skills “ said Aravinda de Silva.

when I was at school former Sri Lanka wicket keeper Ranjith Fernando invited me to join NCC to play club cricket and my Principal gave special permission to play and that also helped me in my cricket career added de Silva.

Aravinda de Silva the NCC cricketer later established as a National player used his ability for the team’s success and his all round performance guided to win the 1996 World Cup with superb century and a three wickets haul.

Channa Wijemanne who was Ararvinda’ s first under 12 captain said. I still remember D.S Senanayake and Royal under 12 match at Reid Avenue grounds. We were 66 for 7 wickets at one stage, I was the non striker and Aravinda came to the wicket and struck brisk innings of 60 in just 20-30 balls and finally we won the match and Aravinda showed his class from those days.

D.S. Senanayake College Principal Sampath Weragoda also pointed out Aravinda de Silva ‘ s ability at cricket field.Aravinda has ability to play under pressure and I can remember his hook shot .He is a cricket legend and good example for youngsters having brought honour to D.S Senanayake College.

Buddhapriya Ramanayake the chief organiser of the College 1983 batch said they wanted to honour Aravinda de Silva who gave his service to Sri Lanka cricket.

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