Billiard veteran Sirisoma passes away

By M. Shamil Amit

The cue sports fraternity has lost one of Sri Lanka’s top players KH Sirsoma who breathed his last on January 1 while undergoing treatment at the Neville Fernando hospital in Negombo.

Sirisoma, fondly known as Sira, had a successful stint in cue sports having begun his career in 1979 and represented the Sri Lanka Ports Authority for over three decades with distinction.

Sira turned out to be legend in cue sports which he dominated during this period and surpassed a longstanding record of title wins held by Sri Lanka’s billiard maestro MJM Lafir.

Sira clinched the Sri Lanka national billiard title for a record 25 times which for sure will never be broken. Apart from raking 25 national title wins he proudly represented Sri Lanka in numerous international tournaments.

Following his retirement from cue sports he did not lie low as he turned out to be a guiding force for up-and-coming youngsters and was the coach of the Air Force SC until 2023 before being forced to rest due to health reasons.

Sirisoma leaves his wife, a son and a daughter. His body is lying at his residence No 817/16, Ganemulla Road, Weligampitiya, Ja-Ela.

The burial will take place today at 3.00 pm at the Kapuwatte cemetery in Ja-Ela.