Former Nalanda paceman Bandula passes away in Sydney
Bandula de Silva
Former Nalandian speedster Deva Bandula de Silva passed away in Sydney, Australia after a brief illness at the age of 59.
One of the finest fast bowlers produced by Nalanda College, Bandula was the most feared paceman in schools in the late 70s and early 80s. Having a fine physique that suits a fast bowler, Bandula use to work a menacing pace on any surface. The special feature of Bandula was his ability to move the ball off and on to the batsman, giving little time for a decision to play.
He was spotted by Mr. Nelson Mendis, the Master in Charge of Cricket at Nalanda at that time while playing softball cricket at the college grounds and asked to come for cricket practices the very next day. From there onwards there was no stopping for Bandula who was instrumental in delivering numerous victories to Nalanda as a strike bowler.
Many cricket fans of that era will fondly remember how he locked horns with the likes of Arjuna Ranatunga and Brendon Kuruppu at the annual big match and came out triumphant. He captured over 80 wickets and was adjudged the Best Bowler in 1980 Exide Trophy 50-Over Schools Cricket Tournament.
Upon leaving school he was employed at Maharaja Organisation and Air Lanka and played a prominent role in Mercantile cricket. He also represented Burgher Recreation Club (BRC) in the then premier cricket tournament in Sri Lanka.
Despite an excellent cricketing career in front of him, Bandula decided to migrate to Australia. Throughout his career in Australia spanning over three decades, he occupied positions which he effectively used to provide employment to newly arrived Sri Lankans and students.
In Sydney, he was active in many community activities. A founding member of the Old Nalandians Cricket Association in NSW, Bandula was at the forefront of charity functions hosting Sri Lankan national cricket teams when they visited Sydney where funds were raised for various charities in Sri Lanka.
When the Boxing Day tsunami struck the island nation in 2004, Bandula actively engaged in fund-raising activities to build houses for tsunami affected victims.
Bandula played cricket for Sri Lankan Lions and local clubs until a nagging knee injury compelled him to switch to a mentoring role.
He leaves behind his wife Namali and three daughters.