Dhananjaya de Silva pulls out of tour to West Indies after father’s murder

COLOMBO: Batsman Dhananjaya de Silva will not travel with the team for the West Indies tour following his father’s killing, Sri Lanka Cricket said on Friday.

Media reported local politician Ranjan De Silva, 62, was killed by an unidentified gunman on Thursday, a day before his son was to depart for the three-test tour starting June 6.

“We are extremely shocked, perturbed and saddened by the great loss suffered by Dhananjaya and his family,” SLC president Thilanga Sumathipala said in a statement.

“Sri Lanka Cricket will take every measure to support Dhananjaya at this time of sorrow and grief for him and his family, while giving him time to overcome the great pain and suffering caused by this tragedy.”

The first of three Tests against the West Indies begins at Queen’s Park Oval, Port of Spain.

Sri Lanka’s cricket board will not replace De Silva. “There will be no replacement for Dhananjaya,” a board official said. “Instead of a 17-member squad, we will now have 16.”

Police said an investigation was underway but no arrests had been made. In a statement reported by Espncricinfo, Dhananjaya said: “I am shocked and sad to inform all of you of a bereavement in my family, the untimely and unfortunate death of my dad Ranjan last night. All this almost on the eve of an important Test series and tour of the West Indies.

“On behalf of my mother and immediate family please uphold us in your prayers and meditation.”