Versatile sportsman Ranjit David no more
Versatile sportsman Angelo Joseph Ranjit David, better known as Ranjit David, passed away at the age of 78, weeks after celebrating his birthday which fell on March 10. A former national cap in basketball, David was also equally talented in cricket and football, though he was widely popular among all sports circuits for his immense contribution to all three sports.
A former student of St. Michael’s College, Batticaloa, David mastered his skills in basketball under strict upbringing and went on to captain his school in all three sports. Representing football and basketball teams of 1961 and 1962 he was adjudged the Best Allround Sportsman award on both years.
Daivd later represented Eastern Province in all three sports and was instrumental in winning the senior national tournament in 1961, the only occasion Eastern Province won this title. Since 1963 he represented Sri Lanka in basketball alongside greats like Percy Perera and Cosmos Perera.
Soon after leaving school, Daivd joined Somerville and Company Ltd, where a strong cricket team comprising double internationals (cricket and rugby football) Mahes Rodrigo, Arjuna Dias, H. Serasinghe, G.T. Burrows, Dickie Bertus, Uvais Maharoof and Desmond Le Mercier were members.
He then joined Singer Sri Lanka in for seven years until 1975 and worked under cricket enthusiast Hemaka Amarasuriya.
Daivd leaves his wife Louisa, a music teacher, daughter Saundari, a well known music director, pianist, vocal trainer, music director and educationalist and Attorney-at-Law and Son Rajiv, a senior manager at Ceylinco Group. The remains lie at the A.F. Raymond Funeral Parlour from 10.00am today (Sunday) and final rights will take place at the Borella Cemetery on Monday at 3.00pm.