TILAK ABEYSINGHE NO MORE

Tilak Abeysinghe,a popular sportsman from Kurunegala who represented his Alma Mater St. Anne’s College in Cricket, Rugby, Soccer and Basketball passed away on Tuesday following a heart attack aged 65. A former Senior Hotelier graduated from Ceylon Hotel School in City and Guilds with a Food and Beverage Diploma was attached to The Galadari as a pioneer and worked in many areas relating to the field he specialised. He was mostly in Malaysia working in hotels and restaurants.

Tilak excelled in Soccer and Basketball at St. Anne’s, Kurunegala following the footsteps of his elder brothers Nimal and Wasantha. Nimal Abeysinghe represented Police Sports Club at rugby as Stand-off for several years and represented the country in a few matches as well and played for the Kurunegala School at soccer as the Goal-keeper. Tilak too took to the game playing in different positions and brought honour and glory to his city in a big way.

The Abeysinghe brothers were regarded as icons amongst their junior colleagues for a number of years. Nimal served as the Personal Bodyguard to Late President Ranasinghe Premadasa for several years.

The dashing sportsman of yesteryear will be sadly missed by his friends , schoolmates and sportsmen who played with him. He leaves behind his wife Hema and young daughter Gayani. Tilak Abeysinghe’s body will lie at the Jayaratne Funeral Parlour , Borella until November 5 (Saturday) for cremation at the General Cemetery, Kanatte. - ASOKA. N. PATHIRANE