L.P. Suriapperuma, a member of the first national volleyball team of Ceylon in 1955 has passed away at the age of 96 years.
Suriapperuma commenced his volleyball career in Gampaha with the Central Sports Club. This was the main club at that time for the sport and his superlative performances enabled him to represent the country against the touring Madras team in 1955. In the same year he had the opportunity of visiting Uttar Pradesh along with the national team. He continued to play the game till 1959 for the country and his club.
Suriapperuma served as a teacher in the Gampaha district and ended his teaching career as the principal of Imbulgoda Rajasinghe Maha Vidyalaya.
His remains will lie at No. 61, Ganegoda, Dompe until 3 pm and the cremation will take place at the Veliveriya crematorium at 4 pm today.
The Volleyball Federation has requested all officials and players to attend the funeral as a mark of respect to him.