It is with deep sorrow that we note the passing of Mr. G.P.S.H. de Silva, former Director of the National Archives.

Mr. de Silva joined the National Archives, then the Department of Government Archivist, in 1960, after completing his degree in History at the University of Peradeniya in 1958. He went on to earn a Postgraduate Diploma in Archives Administration from the University of London in 1965, and was appointed Director of the National Archives in 1983. He retired from the post in 1990, and continued to lend his expertise to the National Archives in various capacities.

His work shaped archives and records management practice in Sri Lanka for decades to come and he represented Sri Lanka at numerous international archival forums and authored several publications on history and archives administration. He also served as the first Secretary General of the SWARBICA (South West Asian Regional Branch) of International Council on Archives - ICA and a member of the Executive Council of ICA. In recognition of his contributions, he was awarded Honorary Membership of the ICA.

We extend our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones. His legacy of service to Sri Lanka's archival heritage will not be forgotten.