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Fifteen Ministry officials witnessed
C’Games Fifteen officials attached to the Sports Ministry including two Ministers had flown to Kuala Lumpur Malaysia to witness the Commonwealth Games. From this number 90% was funded by the state coffers and according to sources their total budget was Rs. 4 million. Of this number, five officials were on official duty and can be included for the Sports contingent. They are National Coach Derwin Perera (Assistant Director Sports Ministry), Lady Cheperon Badra Gunawardane (Assistant Director), Sports Medicine Doctors Lalith Ratnayake and Wimal Alwis and the Sports Minister S. B. Dissanayake. However many observers point out that most of the other officials who embarked on this tour went on a joy ride. When ‘The Island’ exclusively pointed this out prior to the Games both the Sports Minister and press officer flatly denied this matter. But their presence once again proved that the Ministry was trying to take the press for a ride. It is also surprising to note that the most deserving person Damayanthi Dharsha’s coach Sunil Gunawardane was not allowed, permission to travel to Malaysia for Commonwealth Games. The Minister was told that Gunawardene had gone on many tours this year and therefore he should be axed from the contingent to Malaysia. Many questioned as to how Derwin Perera who coached marathonner K. A. Karunaratne went on many tours with ‘Karu’. Dharsha had stated that if her coach was in Malaysia she would have won a medal. If minister could give permission to 11 Ministry personnel whose services were not needed for the squad why not Gunawardane? This move cost Sri Lanka a certain medal. Following are the 15 members of the commonwealth team directly approved by the Minister — (1) S. B. Dissanayake Minister of Youth Affairs Sports and Rural Development. (2) Reginold Cooray — Deputy Minister of Samurdhi. (3) Doland Abeysundera Co-ordinating Secretary to Deputy Minister Cooray. (4) Sanjaya Wijayabandara — Co-ordinating Secretary to Jeevan Kumaranatunge, Deputy Minister of Sports. (5) Derwin Perera (Assistant Director and National Coach). (6) Yogananda Wijesundera (Lecturer Sports School). (7) Malini Edirisuriya (Sports Ministry). (8) K. G. Badra Gunawardane (Assistant Director). (9) B. R. Wickramasinghe (Coach — Weightlifting). (10) Jayatilleke — Weightlifter. (Names of these two were never released to the press). (11) Jayani Pinnawela (Assistant Director). (12) A. Punchihewa (Additional Secretary). (13) Tony Jayawardane (President Sports Council). (14) Dr. Lalith Ratnayake. (15) Dr. Wimal Alwis. Sugath appeals ‘don’t punish
soldier’ Sugath Tillakaratne, the Commonwealth Games Bronze medalist in a true sporting manner requested the Sri Lanka Army top officials not to punish the soldier who allegedly harassed him. Sugath on his return from Kuala Lumpur Malaysia with the Bronze medal was stopped at a Army check point in Norten Bridge for a routine check. Sugath who spoke to ‘The Island’ last night said that he showed his national identity card and went to the extent of showing his baggage as well. "But after doing all this Army officials abused me. I had no option other than to complain to the Police" he said. The Medalist, later sought the intervention of the Sports Minister S. B. Dissanayake. Several Army personnel visited Norten Bridge to obtain first hand information. "When I heard that the Army was to punish the person involved I felt sorry", he said. "I do not wan’t this matter to go so far", he said. It was very distressing to note that Sugath has to look for public transport unlike other affluent sportsmen who have luxury cars. When the ‘The Island’ contacted him on the cell phone Sugath was travelling on a private bus to Maharagama on the 138 route. Meanwhile the Ministry of Sports has richly rewarded the athletes and the coaches who excelled at the recently concluded 16th Commonwealth Games by granting them nearly half a million from the National Sports Fund. Herdles Silver medalist Sriyani Kulawansa was awarded Rs. one hundred and fifty thousand while Sugath was presented Rs. one hundred and twenty five thousand. Damayanthi Dharsha who was placed fourth in the 400 metre event and earned a diploma award was presented Rs. one hundred thousand. The three coaches who were behind their success Derwin Perera, Anura Bandara and Sunil Gunawardene were each awarded Rs. 10,000 each. These awards were presented at a gala ceremony last Tuesday night at the Stadium Hotel. However it was disappointing to note the absence of members of the Commonwealth Games Cricket and Netball team members who were absent for reasons best known for them. Thomians confront Richmond today S. Thomas College, will play their fist inter school fixture today against Richmond College, Galle at Mt. Lavinia. Thomians have the edge over Richmondites. Last season Thomians recorded their first victory against them. The strong Thomian side is led by paceman Naren Ratwatte while Richmondites are skippered by third year Dilantha Sumathipala. Last year’s Thomian skipper Upeka Fernando is the most senior player of the side and could be a match winner for his side. Suranga Pieris the deputy skipper who bowls orthodox leg spinner Meshul Pieris, Zakir Karala, two Fernando’s Gihan and Lakmal are the key players for Thomians. Fifteen year old all rounder Omesh Wijesiriwardana id capable of posing threat to Thomians. Umesh who opens the bowling attack could trouble the strong Thomian batting line up. Nuwan Ratnayake the deputy skipper, Oshad Sumathipala, brother of the skipper are the other key players for Richmond side. Both teams are under the new coaches, Dinesh Kumarasinghe, S. Thomas, and C. K. Hewamanne Richmond. Doon School (India) in three wins Doon School (India) the only foreign school to participate at the Pizza Hut Invitation Basketball Tournament for the Brig. S. D. N. Hapugalle Trophy defeated Wesley College 69-32 in their match played at Alethea International School Courts yestrday. Doon School dominating the first half led 37-14. Meanwhile British School defeated Wesley 42-34 while Doon School (India) again made a thrilling victory over host Alethea International School 59-40 at the same courts yesterday. Doon School gained their third victory over De Mezenod Colleg, Kandana 55-47. Richmond College Galle created biggest upset beating Nalanda at Seminary Courts. At half time Nalandians led 17-16, Richmondites fought hack strongly to finish the game 48-38. St. Michaels College Batticaloa who are the favourites to win this event, thrashed Ananda College in their first match at Depot Police Courts yesterday. Roshan Mahanama bags TOYP ‘98 award The Junior Chamber Sri Lanka (Sri Lanka Jaycees) which is affiliated to Junior Chamber International (JCI) USA announced the winners of the Ten Outstanding Young Persons Awards for1998 (TOYP’98) at a press conference held recently. The awards ceremony will take place on October 11 at the Transasia Hotel. Among the ten were Sri Lanka’s OneDay & Test star Roshan Mahanama who was nominated for the area of Personal Accomplishment by the Wellawatte Jaycees who are celebrating their 25th Anniversary. According to the Wellawatte Jaycees: Roshan has proved himself both at One Day & Test levels. We cannot forget the World Record he established with Sanath Jayasuriya against the Indians. Following were his achievements: World record — Test Cricket In September1997 against India he established a World Record for the highest partnership for any wicket 576 runs with Sanath Jayasuriya. He is only the 4th Cricketer in history to hold 100 Catches, others are Mohammed Azharuddin, Allan Border and Viv Richards(101 Catches). Represented the World Team against India in 1992. Rated 9th in Coopers & Lybrand World Ratings in 1997. He was the Man of the Series in the Asia Cup in 1988 & Sharjah Cricket Tournament in 1995 and has been the Man of the Match in nine occasions. He was awarded the National Honour of Deshamanya in 1997 in recognition of services rendered to cricket. Upset wins put Hirantha and Ravichandran into
semis Hirantha Goonasena and E. Ravichandran made upset victories to enter the semi-finals of the Signature Colongne Squash Championship now in progress at Otters Aquatic Club courts yesterday. Hirantha Goonasena (Staford International School) defeated bottom seeded N. S. Jayashantha. Goonasena made this upset victory in a four setter. Goonasena won the first set with 9-8 and also the second set at 9-1. Jayashantha won the third set at 9-1. Goonasena fought back to win the final set 9-4 to enter the semi final. Ravichandran who won the first set over third seed Anura Hewage 9-8 lost the second set at 9-1. But in the final two sets Ravichandran playing with more courage won 9-6 10-9. Gehan M. Fernando a ranked player in England who is on holiday here defeated L. K. Manjula in straight sets 9-1, 9-1, 9-3. Gehan Fernando the National champion defeated Prince of Wales school boy Kavinda Cooray 9-5, 9-5, 5-9, 9-5. Finals will be played on Sunday at International courts commencing 4.00 p.m. Results:- Quarter finals (boys Under 16 - Eranjan Kempitiya beat N. R. Dunuwila 9-0, 9-2, 9-0, Eranga Amunugama beat Kyle Conrad 9-0, 9-0, 9-2, Malindu Sugathadasa beat Navin Wijemanne 9-1, 9-0, 9-0. • Men Open - Gehan Fernando beat Kavinda Cooray 9-5, 9-5, 5-9, 9-5, E. Ravichandran beat Anura Hewage 9-8, 1-9, 9-6, 10-9, Gehan Fernando beat L. K. Manjula 9-1, 9-1, 9-3, Hirantha Goonasena beat N. S. Jayantha 9-8, 9-1, 1-9,9-4. Murali
and St. Anthony’s... St. Anthony’s College, Katugastota nestled in the hills and salubrious climes, in the ancient Kandyan Kingdom, has produced many an outstanding cricketer. The present generation might not have heard of that great Antonian Cricketer, the legendary Jack Anderson, whose memorable innings of 291 not out against St. Thomas College, Mt. Lavinia, stood as the highest individual score by a schoolboy cricketer. Among the greats was that elegant batsmen A C. M. Lafir, whose strokeplay was a treat to watch. Opening batting for Ceylon as it was known then, against a strong English side, in one of their whistle stop matches at the Colombo Oval, he stood up to the fiery pace of Tyson and Statham, who were the fastest bowlers at the time, he collected a well compiled 34 runs against this hostile attack. It was only recently that we read about the sad death of Charlie Joseph in Australia. He was a giant among the shoolboys cricketers of that era. He had the distinction of been selected ‘Schoolboy Cricketer of the Year’ two successive seasons. In Mahes Goonetilleke, the College produced a wicket keeper of international class. The other names that come to my mind are, Marlon Von Hagt Premaratna, Ruwan Kalpage, Piyal Wijetunga, and Sajith Fernando, to name a few. Then from the hills in Kandy to the plains in Colombo came the greatest of them all. That cricketing genius, Muthiah Muralitharan. He took the cricketing world by storm with his magnificent bowling performances, in all the Test playing nations in the world. When he was called for chucking by D. Hair and quite recently by the English coach David Lloyd. All that humiliation had no impact on his spirit or morale. He was a man made of sterner stuff. On his triumphant journey, through the streets of Kandy, his home town, people lined up in their hundreds to pay homage to a man who had brought honour and glory to his country. His magical smile touched the hearts of everyone, who just had a glimpse of him. Apart from his cricketing ability, he is a great sportsman and a gentleman par excellence. When he returned to his country, his thoughts were very much. With his "alma mater" and his coach Sunil Fernando, who guided him on the correct path to make him what he is today. He never forgot his roots. Gratitude is golden in human nature, and Murali knew the meaning of it. His wonderful gesture to present a cheque to his coach for Rs. 50,000, and a handsome donation to the Principal of the school to promote the game in which he had excelled. This act of his is as great as what he achieved in the playing fields of international cricket. The college bestowed on him the highest honour the Double Eagle. All Sri Lankans are proud of you. As for the Antonians whom I happen to be one, there is a special pride in our hearts. Women’s
Soccer on Sunday The first ever Women’s Soccer Championships conducted by the Football Federation (FFSL) will be kicked off on October 3rd, Police Park, Bambalapitiya. A good number of 14 teams have entered for the competition which will be worked off on a knockout basis. According to Mrs. Larine Perera, Acting Chief Minister North Western Province this tournament will be followed by a 11-a-side Championship. ‘’Free gift packs awaits all competitiors’’, she said. G. A. K. Abeysekera, Chairman Competition Committee said that they would have a Bowl, Plate and Cup Championship, at this event. Chryshantha Perera, Secretary FFSL said that plans are under way to train women referees as well. ‘’We are also planning to field a team for the Asian Women’s Championship next year’’, he added. Following are the first round fixtures: Round 1 Winners S.C. Kotahena Vs SL Police SC. Tri Star Apparel SC vs SL Airport Aviation SC, Nuwara Eliya FL vs Kegalle FL, Thunders Wattala SC vs St. Andrew’s SC, Gampola, Anuradhapura FL vs SL Army FL. Matale FL vs British Ceylon International School SC. Round No. 02 Winners SC match No. 01 vs Match No. 02. Hatton FL vs Winner of match No. 03. Velapura SC Kalutara vs Winner of match No. 04. Winners of Match No. 05 vs Match No 06. (12.15 p.m. to 1.00 p.m. lunch and rest). Arjuna, Aravinda Captain and V. Capt. upto World Cup Arjuna Ranatunga and Aravinda de Silva have been retained as Captain and Vice Captain respectively up to the World Cup next year. Following is a press release issued by the Chief Executive, Board of Control for Cricket in Sri Lanka (BCCSL): "The Executive Committee of the BCCSL met on July 11 to discuss appropriate measures needed to be taken in order to create a conducive environment for our team to achieve full potential in time for World Cup ’99 to be held in England. At this meeting the Executive Committee decided to make a request from the national selector to appoint a Captain and Vice Captain who would retain their positions up to the World Cup. Consequent to this request the National Selectors at a meeting on 14th July, has appointed Arjuna Ranatunga and Aravinda de Silva to the posts of Captain and Vice Captain respectively. This follows a string of decisions made by the Board, one of which was to appoint Roy Dias as the National Coach, and forms part of the strategy evolved to help the Sri Lanka team retain the World Cup." Aidex Sports Festival attracts over 275
participants Aidex 98 the Annual Sports Festival for the Disabled by the Colombo Friend In Need Society is to be held on 25 October at the Sports Ministry Grounds Colombo. Prof. A. H. Sheriffdeen, Chairman Aidex 98 and Vice President of C.F.N.S. addressing a press-briefing in this regard yesterday said over 275 entrants have registered to participate in items including Cycling, Track and Field events and Archery during this sports festival. This Aidex Sports Festival which was begun in 1990 has been successfully conducted during the last eight years with majority of the participants being persons who are provided with Jaipur feet and artificial legs manufactured and distributed free of charge by the society. It was disclosed to the media that the Colombo Friend In Need Society has been supplying artificial limbs to amputees since 1985 with the majority of them being victims of landmines and other related mishaps. The Colombo Friend in Need Society reportedly manufactures upto 80 to 90 artificial limbs per month. The Society’s major donor being United States of America which has given grants to the Society as well as the Department of Social Services. Also among the many generous sponsors who have come forward to sponsor Aidex 98 this year are The Commercial Bank, Lanka Orix Leasing Company, Freudenberg & Company Ceylon Ltd., and Tissa De Silva Trust. The chief guest at the Aidex 98 which will get underway at 9.00 a.m. will be Ms. Lisa Chiles Director USAID. Vidyartha-Antonian match a draw Vidyartha College cricketers coming out for the first time this season had a good workout, against St. Anthony’s College in their inter school cricket match at Katugastota turf wicket which ended in a draw. Vidyartha taking first lease scored 186 runs losing 9 wickets in 81 overs. Dasun Jayakody scored a fine 48 runs. Antonians in their turn were shot out for 130, Ranil Bandara, who bowled to a good line and length, pocketed 4 wickets for 36 runs and Sanjaya Nanayakkara took 3 for 27. Vidyartha declared their second innings at 125 for 6. Dasun Jayakody stroked a fine 53 runs stumps. Antonians, set to make 182 to win, were 32 for 2 at stumps Vidyartha College 186 for 9 decl. in 81 overs. (Dasun Jayakody 48, Daminda Ranaweera 32, Gayantha Jayakody 32, Harsha Nanayakkara 18 not out, A. S. Pinnaduwa 2/21, K. Jayaratna 2/11, Nafes Nizam 2/32 (and 125 for 6 decl). (Dasun Jayakody 52 not out, Daminda Ranaweera 28). St. Anthony’s 130 all out (R. Deen 36, A. Amunugama 21, B. Pavaz 22, Ranil Bandara 4/36, Sanjaya Nanayakkara 3/27, Gayantha Jayakody 2/23) and 32 for 2. (R.Wickremapala 18, K. Jayaratna 10, Sanjaya Nanayakkara 2/19). Another shuttle title for Antonians All conquering Schools badminton champions St. Anthony’s college, Kandy further extended their invincible run in Sri Lanka’s school badminton sphere when they clinched the All Island Inter school under 14 team badminton championships for the sixth straight year, last week at S. Thomas’ gymnasium in Mount Lavinia. They beat Dharmasoka 3-1 in the finals. It was the 21st "A" Division school shuttle title for the indomitable Antonians since 1993 when their string of victories began. Antonians have underlined their supremacy this year by earlier winning the under 19 title for the fourth consecutive year and then annexing the under 16 title for the third consecutive year. They also bagged the National School Games title for the second successive year. Antonians began their Under 14 title defence in dominating style with easy victories over Mahanama ‘B’, Royal ‘B’ in the group matches and then whipped Ananda 3-0 in the quarter Finals. Continuing their imperious winning style, Antonians scored another smashing 3-0 win over S. Thomas’, Bandarawela in the semis to move into the finals as the firm favourites against Dharmasoka, Ambalangoda. However they began their final challenge with a hiccup losing the opening singles when D.C. Liyanage lost to Thimira Gihan 4-15, 5-15. However, reliable Devaka Ekanayake emerged victorious in a nerve tingling second singles match over Anusha Lakshman to equalise the rubber. Ekanayake who began well, wining the first set 15-5, lost his concentration in the second set to lose it 3-15, but again got his act together to win the decider 15-13 in a tough battle. Then the in-form Under 15 junior National Champion Amila Wijesekara did short work of Hasitha Chanaka winning the final singles match in straight sets of 15-8, 15-5 to gain a 2-1 lead over the rivals. Junior National doubles champions Ekanayake and Wijesekara then got together to post a crushing 15-5, 15-4 victory over their opponents in the first doubles match and seal the victory. Have Your Say All cricketloving public in the country should be grateful to the SLBC for their uninterrupted coverage of cricket. This was quite evident when the Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation, despite their usual promises, had made a hash of things in their coverage of cricket during the Commonwealth Games. Another sad point in the SLRC coverage is that a viewer does not get the opportunity to watch more than 4 deliveries in an over due to poor scheduling of commercials. In contrast the SLBC has endeavoured to relate live commentary where the listener could visualise every action on the field of cricket. There is no doubt that the entire cricketing public will join me in saying a big thank you to the SLBC for a job well done and to Mrs. Satalight of Wattala better known as Samantha Algama for making it possible. Well done gentlemen, keep up the good work. Ebert Silva |
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