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Uncapped fast bowler Ruchira Perera is stronly competing for a berth in the Sri Lankan team for the second Test against New Zealand which begins today in Galle. A product of Ananda Sastralaya Kotte, Ruchira is said to sport the makings of a potential fast bowler and his place would depend on whether Sri Lanka prefers two fast bowlers rather than one paceman as done in the concluded first Test. The decision is likely to be made after a probable inspection of the pitch which plays host to a Test match for the first time in the history of what is arguably the south's most famous cricket ground. The last international match to be played in Galle marked a three-day contest between the West Indies and a Sri Lanka Board X1 team. Should the pitch not look to be condusive to fast bowling the chances of Ruchira making his debut may then be somewhat remote with Dharmasena likely to get the nod. Dharmasena has not played in a Test since performing against India in a match at Mumbai last December. Meanwhile the New Zealanders, who are one up in the series after winning the first Test, may call in left arm paceman Shyane O'Conner in place of Simon Doull who aggravated a long standing hamstring injury in the second innings of the first Test. Sri Lanka squad-
New Zealand squad-
Ministry turning blind eye to 1.3 m. fraud? The Committee appointed to probe the financial activities of the former Volleyball Federation (SLVBF) has indicated that there is a fraud of over Rs. 1.3 million, but the Sports Ministry is turning a blind eye on this report. During the SLVBF elections the statements of accounts could not be ratified due to objections from its members. Later the Sports Minister, citing a series of irregularities including finances requested the SLVBF to resign before he dissolves it. When the SLVBF headed by Deputy Minister D. P. Wickramasinghe, on this request resigned, an Interim Board was appointed. A separate committee was appointed to look in to the financial irregularities. The committee, after studying the financial dealings of the SLVBF during the period of 1997, found that a sum of Rs. 1.3 million can not be accounted for. According to SLVBF account books, 6.4 million was received for this year (97) but surprisingly enough only 6.1 million was tabled at their AGM. The John Keells Holdings who were the official sponsors had pumped in 30 million while the Sports Ministry had made grants of 3.4 million. Later Keells pulled out of their sponsorship due to the gross mismanagement of funds by the former SLVBF. According to the committee's report, nearly one million had been utilized without being properly accounted for. "In some instances only vouchers of monies withdrawn were available while their corresponding bills, were not accounted for. This report has also indicated that there were instances where back dated bills were hurriedly included with the signature of former Secretary M. Costa who died in mid 1997. Concerned parties are up in arms demanding answers with regard to the lethargic attitude of the Sports Minister on this issue. "The report was given to the Minister nearly a month ago, but no action has been taken so far. There are at least two Ministry coaches who are involved in this massive fraud. Is this the reason for this report to go under the carpet?" asked a highly respected volleyball administrator. Another pointed out that when a similar fraud was of Rs. one and a half lakhs was detected, the former Sports Minister Nanda Mathew handed the case to the Fraud Bureau. "The culprit had to make good this money from his pension," another coach pointed out. Over to the Sports Minister for action at this late stage. Crowning moment for Galle DCA’s race
against time The crowning moment for Galle District Cricket Association’s 45-day race against time arrives this morning with a simple ceremony to declare open the Galle International Cricket Stadium. The Galle Esplanade which was given a dramatic facelift within an unbelievably short span of time, looked last evening to be in perfect trim for the second cricket test against New Zealand which begins today. The test will be preceded by a ceremony to inaugurate the new facility marked by the re-naming of esplanade as "International Cricket Stadium". Several dignitaries including Ministers will be in attendance at the ceremony. It was a satisfying victory to the Association and also to its Secretary Jayananda Warnaweera the man behind the entire operation. Former test player Warnaweera who is the curator of the Galle pitch in addition to being every part of the organising of the match preparations. "The wicket is in perfect shape and it is much better than one would expect to be prepared in such a short period", Warnaweera told "The Island" whilst still being in the middle of the picturesque Stadium. He was assisted by renowned Alagasamy in the final touch up to the pitch. Sri Lanka team had a practice session in the morning while New Zealand team’s morning practice was disturbed by an hour long shower. It did not rain after that while similar intermittent rains were experienced over here during the past week. Conditions were overcast in the evening but it did not rain as the visitors had another practice session. The entire stadium was a hive of activity in the evening in anticipation of the unprecedented occasion when Galle becomes Sri Lanka’s eight test venue. In addition to the Galle CC stand and the adjoining two-storied stand there are no permanent structures at the stadium but temporary tin-roofed huts with chairs have been erected around the ground. Air-conditioned press box is an unprecedented facility in a Sri Lankan cricket ground. If it does not rain overnight, though rains looked very much a prospect last evening a start on schedule can be expected. AAA rejects Philippine invitation The Amateur Athletic Association has turned down an invitation by Philippines to take part in their Open International championships scheduled to be held on July 7, 8 and 9. The event which coincides with their 300th year "City Celebrations" was labled as a top event with over 30 countries participating. All other expenses will be borne by the organisers except the air fares. The Sports Ministry would have found air fares for the athletes. The AAA had arrived at this decisions at an emergency meeting last week. Observers pointed out that this attitude by the AAA deprives a golden opportunity for Lankan athletes who are starving for international exposure coach said. The AAA could have fielded their Olympic Poolists and they also found selection easy. AAA Secretary Rohan Amarasinghe when contacted said that since the Olympic Poolists have just returned from Taipei. "If we are field another team we have to stage trials" he, explained. Meanwhile the AAA is confident they could forward Susanthika Jayasinghe’s explanation to the IAAF next week. "We hope to finish, taking her statement this weekend," said the AAA Secretary. Sri Lanka Table Tennis Tour of Germany FUEDA, June 1 — Sri Lanka, who took a bad beating in last week's Junior German Table Tennis Cup Championships, found some consolation getting in to the winning act against Steinbach TTC 9-0 as they have done against the local clubs here throughout their month long tour. On Monday, the Sri Lankan new doubles combination of Yohan Deshapriya and K. S. T. Chalitha pulled off a hard fought two sets to one victory over Bott and Kotulla 19-21, 22-20, 21-18. This was the only tough game for Sri Lanka. Meanwhile, Rohan Sirisena also tasted a 2-1 win over Ritz taking the first set 21-8, conceding the second 20-22 before sealing the game with consummate ease with a third set 21-6 win. The up and coming Yohan Deshapriya was also in winning ways disposing off Sabine Balzer 21-15, 21-9 while easy victories were there for the taking for Lankan No. 1 seed Thilina Piyadasa and the captain Indika Prasad and Dinesh Deshapriya. Later the Sri Lankans also engaged the Kreisauswatal Hunfield team which boasted of formidable local talent. However, the Lankans found no terrors in the local peddlers winning the contest 9-1. The only casualty being the loss of the doubles game in which Chalitha and Yohan went down to Vollroth and Diegmuller 18-21, 21-19, 18-21. These matches were organised by the Steinbach TTC which accorded the Lankan team a grand welcome. The local Mayor, Walgan Brawn was the Chief Guest while the day was also special for the local club President, Klaus Wiegand it being birthday celebrations. The Vice Chairman of the District TTA, Wilmsen Horst made a donation of 300 German marks towards the Asian German Sports Exchange Programme. The occasion wound up with a cultural show by the Sabina Balze dance group followed by a musical extravaganza. |
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