Special birthday celebrations …on July 13th

Although he is gone, he will never ever be forgotten – the legendary Desmond de Silva, of course. And, on Wednesday, July 13th, there will be nostalgic celebrations to mark his 78th birthday.

His wife, Phyllis, says birthdays were special to Desmond.

“During the pandemic, Des was often called upon to surprise many fans, young and old, on their birthdays, or anniversaries, by video appearance. He loved doing that, and you would think it was HIS birthday…how excited he was!

“Desmond never failed to remember birthdays and even had me harmonising the Happy Birthday song and we would sing it over the phone to family, friends, and fans, on their special day. It came to be expected and so many have reached out to me to tell me how very much they will miss it.”

And, guess what! To celebrate the maestro’s birthday, a week leading into that special day, Phyllis would surprise her famous husband, each day, with letters and poems – “from our doggies, Holly and Charlie, and myself, accompanied with a little gift.”

Des loved those poems and letters and often shared them with family and friends. “I recently found them all carefully folded and tied together, showing how lovingly sentimental he was.”

Des and Phyllis had many discussions on how they can make a difference to the lives of underprivileged people in Sri Lanka.

“We were both of the mindset that through educating our young we will enable them to lift the standard of living of their families.

“Des and I discussed on what his legacy would be. Now I am following through with his/our wishes.

“I have set up a Desmond de Silva Foundation. This will support the education of young people, from all ethnicities, through Tea Leaf Trust. I am encouraging all fans to donate to Tea Leaf Trust. The goal is to have a school named after Desmond.

“The second objective is to create an award to be presented to a student in Desmond’s old school, in Matara – St. Thomas’s College – and to provide music lessons, in their chosen field of music, for one year, to a student who is musically gifted.

In a special message, connected with Desmond’s birthday, Phyllis says: Starting this year, we encourage everyone, who knew and loved Des, to celebrate his birthday, and life, with family and friends.

“Whether it is a party, a quiet dinner, a community event, or a street party…let’s celebrate his life, and his music, and all he meant to us.

“I encourage you to listen and dance to his music, take photos and post them on the dedicated Desmond de Silva FB page which will be operative when we launch his website, as part of his birthday celebrations.

“I look forward to receiving many photos, from across the world, which I will publish, along with any stories you share with me, on how Desmond touched your life. Your photos, and stories, will also be linked to Desmond’s website.

“So, on 13 July (2022), with joy, and a song in our hearts, join me, and his millions of fans around the world, in celebrating his amazing and colourful life.”