Sports -

Quite a number of players of yesteryear have been duly rewarded for their exploits. No doubt they richly deserve them. But don’t forget those dedicated administrators, who worked hard under trying circumstances. They kept the clubs and the sports alive. They go unheard and unsung.

Kandy SC (rugby) fought a relentless battle for survival during the 1970s. It was the likes of Leslie De Soysa who served Kandy SC ungrudgingly was responsible for the upsurge of fortunes here. Today somewhat weather beaten, Leslie still has the spirit and courage to stand up and work.

Leslie speaking about the manner in which he served the cause of rugby explained “Ask Mr. Y.C. Chang. He was the President of the SLRFU. The Clifford Cup quarter –finals was played in Kandy. This was made possible due to the initiative taken by Y.C.

With a view to promote and develop, rugby in the outstations, he played for KSC earlier and captained the team, before migrating to Colombo. During this period I was the front office manager at Hotel Suisse and offered board and lodging at a concessionary rate for the 8 teams including the officials numbering around 225.

This was made possible thanks to the late Nihal Perera, who was the General Manager. It was an instant success. When asked Y.C. Chang to this effect. He said “I don’t know whether Leslie de Zoysa had played any rugby. But he has served Sri Lanka rugby well in whatever capacity”.He was mainly responsible to hold the Clifford Cup quarter-finals in Kandy. Imagine for just Rs.125 per person. Without beating about the bush I could say that pint-sized Leslie did a king-sized job for the same.

Besides when he was manager of the Queen’s Hotel during the period 1985-1995 he made a similar gesture for visiting teams and officials.

Unlike the hardships the poor Kandy players had to undergo running from pillar to post whilst playing in Colombo.

But teams from Colombo were made comfortable and accommodated under one roof thanks to De Zoysa. He has been a member of Kandy SC for 35 years. Two years as treasurer, 13 years as secretary. Ten years as treasurer of the Central Province RFU.

Soft –spoken De Zoysa, leads a quiet life at present with his family, at Siebel Place, Kandy. He has contributed much for the game. Today some of the players from the Hill Capital have become household names dominating the local rugby circuit. Thanks to its past administrators, who worked tirelessly. Diminutive Leslie was one of them.