Umpire D.M.H. Dissanayake no more
Long standing veteran cricket umpire, D.M.H. Dissanayake passed away at his residence in Colombo recently, after a brief illness. He started his life as a government school master (he was the master-in-charge of the First XI cricket at Lumbini Vidyalaya some decades back). Later he entered the Law College and became an Attorney-at-Law. Then he joined several government departments and did legal duties. Finally he was at the Department of Labour.
As a cricket umpire he did yeoman service as a First Class umpire. Though he was a busy figure, he never forgot to do umpiring because cricket was his first love among other sports. He had served the Association of Cricket Umpires for over three decades. Though he was a busy scholar, he was easy to approach and most of the juniors like to stand with him as his umpiring partner, because he gave enough confidence and support to his fellow umpire.
He was helpful and kind. I have done many matches with him. I was so happy and I did not feel time moving.
His demise is a great loss to his family and dear friends. May he attain Nibbana.
G. Hallalaarachchi
Cricket Umpire
Gampaha