When Sri Lanka was finally awarded Test status, de Silva was nearing his forties, which naturally shortened his career. However, he played in Sri Lanka's first 12 Tests, before retiring at 42. He took his best figures in the Second Test against Pakistan at Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad, in March 1982, when he had figures of 4 for 103 and 5 for 59 and the match was drawn with Sri Lanka close to victory. He captained the Sri Lankan cricket team for two Tests in 1983, as the regular captain, Duleep Mendis, missed the series in New Zealand due to injury. De Silva made two half-centuries while captain and took three wickets with tight bowling on pitches that did not suit his bowling style. However, New Zealand won the series 2–0.