Lanka
beat ECB XI in a friendly game
Kumar
Sangakkara and Sanath Jayasuriya running between the
wickets during the match against ECB XI at the Dubai
Cricket Council Ground in Dubai. |
Emirates
Cricket Board, riding on a superb innings of 87 from opener
Arshad Ali, ran Sri Lanka close in a friendly one-day match
played at the Dubai Cricket Council ground on Friday. Chasing
a modest Sri Lankan total of 180 the young Emirates side did
exceedingly well to come within 10 runs of pulling off a suprise
win.
In the
friendly match, a first of its kind, the Lankans won the toss
and skipper Sanath Jayasuriya opted to make first of a wicket
which was full of runs. Together with wicket-keeper Kumara
Sangakkara, Jayasuriya began in his usual aggressive style
playing some superb shots square of the wicket against the
ECB medium-pacers Ahmed Nadeem and Asim Saeed.
Sangakkara
was run out in the fourth over with the total on 17. Marvan
Atapattu joined skipper Jayasuriya and both took the score
to 35 until Jayasuriya (25 off 24 balls with one six and three
fours) mistimed a pull off a short one from Nadeem Ahmed to
be caught by Mohammed Tauqeer at short mid-on. Chief scores:
Sri Lanka 180 (Sanath Jayasuriya 25, Upul Chandana 58, Dilshan
29). ECB XI 170 all out. (Arshad Ali 87)- Gulf News
We
will go flat out, says Jayasuriya
By Marlon Fernandopulle
A confident and high riding Sri Lanka team will take on the
talented Pakistani outfit and a resurgent New Zealand team
in the Sharjah Tri Nation Championship which begins in the
Desert Venue Tomorrow. After recording a Phenomenal success
in Tests where Sri Lanka recorded nine straight victories
skipper Sanath Jayasuriya was looking to transform the teams
success to the one dayers.
"We
have had a very good run in tests recently and are now looking
to build on that success.With the World Cup round the corner
every one day tournament is important and so we will go flat
out in Sharjah", said Sanath Jayasuriya soon after his
teams final practice session. Sri Lanka lost to Pakistan in
the Sharjah Championship final in November last year but emerged
victorious exactly a year ago when the same three teams competed
for the glittering ARY Gold Cup. Speaking of his team chances
in the Limited over tournament Jayasuriya said, "We are
up against two very good teams. Pakistan are always a tough
opposition in Sharjah,while New Zealand look to have improved
in leaps and bounds during the last few months. However we
have the talent to match both these teams.
With the
World Cup round the corner Sri Lanka will be looking once
again to experiment and get the correct combination ahead
of the big event. With this in mind it is believed that Kumar
Sangakkara will open the batting with skipper Sanath Jayasuriya.
If the ploy fails Sri Lanka will be forced to revert back
to their 1996 World Cup opening pair of Jayasuriya and Kaluwitharana.
New boy Pulasthi Gunaratne will also come under the microscope
and is expected to be a handful with both bat and ball.
Pakistan
will be at full strength for this weeks tournament with the
return of Wasim Akram and Saqlain Mustaq which will make the
team as the strong favourites for the championship. Stephen
Fleming's Kiwis who shocked World Champions Australia a few
months ago with some breathtaking performance will not be
easy meat either.
Lanka-Maldives
1-1
The Maldivian football team became the first foreigners to
play in Sri Lanka's war-ravaged northern peninsula of Jaffna
Saturday, local residents said. The match ended in a 1-1 draw,
but there was a huge enthusiastic presence by an estimated
15,000 spectators in entertainment-starved Jaffna town.
Sri Lanka's
Interior Minister John Amaratunga and Rehabilitation Minister
Jayalath Jayawardena were also among the merry-makers, residents
said. The match was made possible because of a truce between
government forces and Tamil Tiger guerrillas, football officials
here said.
Lankans
have fire to topple China in key rugby qualifier today
By Bernie Wijesekera
Sri Lanka will have to be at their fighting best when they
lock-horns with China in the Asian Group 'C' World Cup qualifying
match at Longden Place today. BCC Lanka Limited a household
name in Sri Lanka for its soap products has joined the scrum
to sponsor this match.
This was
revealed at a media briefing chaired by the Deputy Minister
of Plantations Industries, Naveen Dissanayake, at the Hilton
Hotel. Dissanayake was associated with Milinda, W. Gunawardena
(Chairman BCC Lanka), Harsha Mayadunne (President SLRFU),
and Nalin de Silva (Secretary) and (Treasurer) S. Kurumbalapitiya.
He thanked BCC for coming forward to support rugby which is
quite popular in the country.
Mayadunne,
commended the youthful deputy minister for gracing the occasion
in the absence of Minister Lakshman Kiriella who had to attend
an important official commitment. He said, late Gamini Dissanayake
his father has done much for the upliftment of sports especially
cricket. He was confident that the son will follow his late
father's footsteps to develop sports especially rugby which
is quite popular in the Hill Capital. Harsha, thanked BCC
for this initial package.
This fifth
World Cup, which was started in 1987 with 16 teams but today
there are over 90 countries in the scrum. Most of the nations
will have the opportunity of staging a qualifying match. Sri
Lanka will be creating history when they host China on Sunday.
Sri Lanka has prepared well ahead for this match and are determined
to give a stirring display against the fast improving Republic
of China.
It's no
pushover for Sri Lanka. In the two Tests played here last
year the Lankans won both matches handsomely in Colombo and
Nittawela. But in the Asiad staged in Japan, Lanka had to
fight hard to the bitter end to nudge China by a solitary
point.
The Chinese team arrived on Friday. They have a set of seasoned
forwards who have the power and strength.
The Lankans,
too could match them in the loose with No.8 Savantha de Saram,
who has no peer in this position. The third-row, too looks
solid - Army's H. Karunaratne, Peterite schoolboy Delantha
Wijesekera and Rajiv Galapathy Up-front has much weight with
the return of Haren Gabriel, Dunstan Silva, Galgamuwa, S.
Wijesinghe with two towering line-out specialists Asoka Jayasena
and Pradeep Dassanayake.
They could match their counterparts in the loose.
The Lankan
back division must run, run with the ball and make gaping
holes in their opponents defence at every given opportunity.
Wingers Indrajith Banda-ranayake and Sanjeewa Jayasinghe has
the speed. Utility player, Asanga Rodrigo, will play from
the pivotal position of fly half, supported by half back,
Milantha Jayasinghe. All-in-all, it should turn out to be
a pleasant game of hard open rugby played in humid conditions
to be enjoyed by all.
Sri Lanka's
next game is against Pakistan, scheduled for April 21 - away.
The liasion officer for the Chinese team, is Shamscer Jaleel
an old Trinitian who has worked in a similar capacity against
Chinese Taipei and India.
Sri Lanka
team (from): Props - Jeea Galgamuwa, Dunstan de Silva, Haren
Gabriel; Hookers - Bucks, S. Wijesinghe; Second-rows - Asoka
Jayasena (Capt), Pradeep Basnayake, Kavinda Jayasena; Flankers.
- H. Kurunaratne, Rajiv Galapathy, Delantha Wijesekera; No.8-
Savantha de Saram; Half backs - Milintha Jayasinghe, Champika
Nishantha; Stand-off - Asanga Rodrigo, H.W. Wijeweera; Centres
- B.D.N. Fernando, J.C.B. Vithanage, Kapila Knowlton; Wing
Threes - Indrajith Bandaranayake, Sanjeewa Jayasinghe; Fullback
- Ranthika Hettiarachchi; Manager - Shane Dullewe; Coach-
Tony Amith.
Jeevan
proves his mettle
Jeevan Mendis, the talented little all rounder, one of the
best future prospects has proved his mettle in the local school
cricket scene. It was a hard and slippery climb for the lad.
But he was born lucky, but not rich. But he was fortunate
to have his parents to guide him, whilst playing softball,
in the backyard field with his brother Tarajeeu in Madiwela.
From Susiamawardena Vidyalaya Borella to the traditional school
by the seaside in Mt. Lavinia is itself an achievement.
Made
a trek to Madiwela to meet the lad who lives in a home that
too whilst drawing water from a well, a very good exercise.
If I am fit today thanks to this, which I am still indulging.
Due to an overseas commitment, he had only a few opportunities
of playing for S. Thomas'. The hierarchy of STC helped me
in every way to polish my rough edges and further improve
my skills - to learn my books and to learn to play the game.
Jeevan has passed his A/L well with two credits in Commerce.
Besides playing cricket, he wants to continue with his studies.
He wants to enrol himself at the Open University.
His father,
Jagath, is attached to Walkers Tours, headed by another Jagath
Fernando, a versatile sportsman from Royal. His parents were
there when he signed off his school career with a memorable
103 not out in the Lemonade Trophy Limited over final against
St. Peter's. STC were in trouble 6 for 2 in five overs. But
took control with fresher Shamilal Mendis who too batted with
authority. Shamilal playing copybook cricket raced to his
50.
Jeevan
playing second fiddle, later broke loose. Timing the ball
with magnetic precision and finding the gaps arrested the
bowlers, with the ball constantly running to the pickets.
15 runs for victory and for his 100 but made 15 in one over
- a memorable 171-run unbeaten stand for the third wicket,
had all SSC aglow.
The proud
parents were there to watch their son's grand finale in school
cricket, who was the beacon light. Have seen quite a number
of left-handed batsmen in school cricket - Michael Wille from
Royal, who scored a 100 against STC, Nalandian Sarath Silva,
Clive Inman, David Heyn, later Varuna Waragoda etc., in school
cricket. They were a class by themselves and had power play
in their armour, but Jeevan is a beautiful timer of the ball.
He scored
88 in the Big'un, followed by 78 in the historic one-day tie.
He smacked 78 for Sri Lanka 'A'. He toured with the Lankan
Under-19 World Cup tour to New Zealand. A fine all rounder
- pick of the tournament. Mendis was offered a chance of playing
for the Middlesex 2nd XI last year by the old boys of STC
in London. But he turned it down as he wanted to pursue his
studies and play for the country.
He said
he was grateful for their gesture. Former Sri Lanka's Chairman
of the Cricket Board (branch in London), Sarath Abeysundera,
who was here to watch the Royal-Thomian was prepared to help
Mendis to play in England - including accommodation. Sarath,
an old Royalist from down South is doing much to help promote
and develop Lanka's image.
Many youngsters
have benefited from his helping hand in recent past. At this
juncture the lad is prepared to serve the country whilst eating
a crumb rather than roasted beef away. His aim is to achieve
his objective to serve the country and do proud to his humble
family. Finally he thanked his first coach at junior level,
former Nalandian S.S. Jayawickrema, who taught me the fundamentals.
He has already joined Bloomfield C&AC. -BW
Ishara
7/29 routs Airmen
The Sri Lanka Air Force sent in to bat on a rain-affected
pitch were all at sea against the wily left-arm spin of Debarawewa
MV lad, Ishara Ratnaweera, (7 for 29) in 13.4 overs in a key
Div. Two 1st round last match helped SSC to dominate play
in their two-day game played at Rifle Green yesterday.
The airmen
despite a gallant 55 by Chaminda Galappathi (with 8 fours
in 96 balls) were bowled out for 125. SSC in reply after losing
an early wicket at 9, made 89 for 1 at stumps, thanks to an
aggressive and attractive unbeaten second-wicket stand of
80 between two old Nalandians of yesteryear opener Sukitha
Peiris, a sedate 26 n.o., (with 3 fours) and Mevan Porage
a stroke-fileld 51 n.o., (with 7 fours and a six in 53 balls),
put the visitors in control. Play got under way at 1.40 p.m.
due to a damp pitch. It will commence at 9.30 a.m. today.
Air
Force - 125 in 39.4 overs (A. Jayaratne 12, C. Galappathi
55, S. Bandara 28; Ishara Ratnaweera 7 for 29)
SSC
- 89 for 1 in 17.2 overs at stumps (Sukitha Peiris 26 n.o.,
Mevan Porage 51 n.o.; S. Bandara 1/21).
-BW
Not
a ploy to keep Arjuna out
By Chandani Kirinde
Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Johnston Fernando reiterated
in Parliament yesterday that no politicians will be allowed
to hold office in sports bodies. Speaking on votes of his
Ministry, Mr.Fernando made the remarks in reply to criticism
leveled by several opposition MPs that this was a ploy to
please certain businessmen connected to the government.
"We
will not allow sport bodies to be dominated by bookie owners
of businessmen as the opposition members allege," he
said. The Minister also said that this was not a ploy to keep
the former Sri Lankan cricket captain Arjuna Ranatunga from
being elected to the Board for Control of Cricket in Sri Lanka
(BCCSL).
He said
he was also not in favor of interim committee to run sports
bodies but wanted democratic elections to be held for them
soon. He said this was a trend started by the previous government
and said that leaving politicians out of the sports bodies
would mean an end to the ugly incidents that took place during
a previous election at the cricket board.
Arjuna
Ranatunga- Gampaha district PA MP - who spoke earlier accused
the government of listening to advise of bookie owners and
bankrupt businessmen and warned the Minister that this was
where things could turn sour for him. He said that at least
three of the person named for the cricket interim committee
were those removed by the former Sports Minister Lakshman
Kiriella. He however said he was pleased to see the inclusion
of former Test cricketer Roshan Mahanama in the committee.
He said
with the glory of winning the World Cup, an evil had also
entered the cricket world in Sri Lanka in the form of money.
"Why don't you ask these bookkeepers and businessmen
to contest for other sports other than cricket. I am sure
there will be no takers," he said.
Mr.Ranatunga
also tabled in Parliament several documents which he said
revealed the corrupt practices that had taken place there
in the past two years including documents relating to the
awarding of tenders for the construction of the International
Cricket Stadium in Dambulla and the selling of television,
radio and title sponsorship rights for matches.
Sri
Lanka invited for two 7s rugby internationals
Sri Lanka Rugby 'sevens' squad will have a heavy international
programme for the year 2002, according to the Secretary of
the Rugby Union Group Capt. Nalin de Silva.
The Union has accepted invitations extended from the Singapore
Rugby Union and the Malaysian RFU to participate in their
tournaments which is part of the International Rugby Board
(IRB) Asian region calendar.
De Silva
said that they have agreed to play and the letters have already
been sent. The Rugby Union is awaiting their letters of confirmation.
The Singapore 7s will be staged on April 21 and 22; while
the Malaysian 7s will be from May 27 to 28. The SLRFU with
a view to giving that much needed exposure will be sending
a young national team. In all probability will be sending
two teams.
The Lankans
will be hosting the Republic of China today, Round one, Group
'C' World Cup 2003, qualifying match and are scheduled to
play their next match against Kazakhistan (away) on April
21. None of the players in the 15-a-side will be included,
but the 7s squad has sufficient talent to make the 7s teams,
Nalin de Silva said.
- BW
Sri
Lanka win second indoor Test by 206 runs
By M.Shamil Amit
The Sri Lanka indoor women cricketers registered an easy 206
runs win over the Indian indoor women's team in the second
indoor cricket Test played yesterday at the Austasia International
Indoor Cricket Stadium in Thalawathugoda.
India
taking first lease of the wicket scored minus 59 runs in their
alloted 16 overs. None of the batswomen were able to make
a good score. In reply the Sri Lankans scored a healthy 147
in their alloted 16 overs with Chamika Bandara 25 and Chamani
Seneviratne 23 doing the scoring. Sri Lanka won the first
test too by 339 runs.
The third
and final test will be played today at the same venue starting
at 2.00 p.m.
India - 59 in 16 overs (Madhuri Dhokane 7)
Sri
Lanka - 147 in 16 overs (Chamika Bandara 25, Chamani Seneviratne
23, Hiroshi Abeysinghe 21, Randika Galange 20)
Saracens
217; CCC 30/2
Saracens SC taking first lease of the wicket made 217 with
Dinesh Weerasinghe scoring 69 and Harsha Cooray 55 in the
Donavan Andree cricket match against CCC which began at the
CCC grounds yesterday. CCC were 30 for 2 at close.
Saracens
SC - 217 (Dinesh Weerasinghe 69, Harsha Cooray 55, Upul Indrasiri
30, Malinga Perera 20, Dinesh Lasantha 21; M.Totawilage 2
for 35, I.Weeraratne 2 for 30, Y.Silva 2 for 0) CCC
- 30 for 2 at close (Pradeep Nishantha 2 for 11) -MSA
Sajith's
XI make 235
On the second day's play in the trial match between Indika
de Saram's XI and Sajith Fernando's XI played at the NCC grounds,
in reply to Saram's XI score of 332 for 8 declared Sajith's
XI were bowled out for 235. The trial is being conducted to
select the final team to represent the Board Development team
for the BCCSL invitation triangular tournament due to begin
shortly.
Sajeewa
Silva batted with confidence to score 53 and undaunte Dilruwan
Perera too made 53. Dilruwan Perera chipped in with 50 while
Ranga Dissanayake claimed four wickets for 48 with his on-the-spot
bowling.
Dissanayake
re-ceived good support from Nandika Rankith and Jayasundare.
This trial match will be continued today.De
Saram's XI
- 332 for 8 declared.
Fernando's
XI - 235 (Sanjeewa Silva 54, Dilruwan Perera 53, Muditha
Ma-duwantha 50, Malintha Perera 20; Ranga Dissanayake 4 for
48, Nandika Ranjith 3 for 49, Praneeth Jayasundara 2 for 9)
-MSA
Lankans
were not up to their real soccer standard
By Annesley Ferreira
Sri Lanka's two wins against Pakistan is nothing to boast
about as our opponents are lying one before the last in the
FIFA Asian region's points table, while we are in the 27th
position. But some consolation could be had by the performance
of our Under-20 youth team who beat Pakistan by 1 goal to
nil.
But nothing
could be a plus mark for our seniors who played in fits and
starts, which should make our authorities put on their thinking
caps with the hope of setting our seniors to play as a team,
with the SAF games rescheduled to be played in Pakistan this
year.
Mahela
was a treat to watch
By Ranil Abeyanaike
The best of batsmen fall into three categories. Power hitters
who spend most of their innings blasting deliveries around
the park are one. Those who time and caress the ball with
ease are the second. The workhorses who squeeze out and value
every run make up the third category.
Vivian
Richards, Javed Miandad, Sanath Jayasuriya, Adam Gilchrist
are the type who will smash anything given even slightly by
the bowlers. David Gower, Sunil Gavaskar, Brian Lara, Mark
Waugh are in the category who makes batting look easy and
graceful. Geoff Boycott and Alan Border, both record holders
for the highest number of Test runs could be termed workhorses.
This is a dying breed, with limited over cricket frocing batsmen
to be instinctively more attacking in their mode of play.
Mahela
Jayawardena is a combination of this first two categories.
He can hit the ball with tremendous power, seemingly using
hardly any muscle. He has plenty of time to get into position.
There is always positive foot movement, forward, back, across,
as each delivery demands. The head is almost always still,
watching the red blur and the arm came down to strike the
ball at the precise moment.
The great
Sachin Tendulkar is in that mould. Proven without doubt that
he is the best in the world. He has had his share of success
againt all opposition, in all condition and on all types of
surfaces. Aussie Ricky Ponting is the other in this category
of player.
Perhaps
he thumps it a shade harder than Tendulkar. Mahela Jayawardena
has four tours coming up, to England, South Africa, Australia
and South Africa again for the 2003 World Cup. We look forward
in excitement and expectation, he should continue on the steady
climb, to be amongst the very best of international batsmen.
The past
three weekends saw the best of Jayawardena in domestic cricket.
His batting was master class, on the adjoining turf strips
of Maitland Place. In the last league match for S.S.C. against
C.C.C. the genius of Jayawardena emerged. The opposition had
scored a substantial 313 and it was at 38 for 2 that he entered
the arena. When he departed the score was 278, his team assured
of victory. He made the C.C.C. attack look mediocre playing
every stroke in the book and pick up runs at ease.
The following
weekend provided an even more taxing leather hunt, this time
for the Tamil Union minus Muttiah Muralitharan. This time
the target was even more steeper - 386 and Mahela was in early
with the score of 30. He absolutely plundered the Tamil Union
bowlers giving them no breathing space. When he was dismissed,
ninth SSC had reached 552 and his personal contribution was
274. There have not been too many better knocks in club cricket.
The pattern
continued at the final. This time on his home pitch and a
green, quick bonny, seaming one at that. The S.S.C. Vice Captain
was in early again with the score on 12. He was up against
Vaas, Liyanage, Upashantha and Weeraratne. All Sri Lanka caps.
One an internationally top performer and three other good
bowlers. Jayawardena played each delivery on its merits, did
not let the conditions or the opposition bowlers unruffled
him.
He was
beaten on a few occasions but then put that to the back of
his mind and faced up to the next delivery, all hallmarks
of a top player. Once again he proceeded to make his bat do
the talking. He was the ninth to be dismissed when the score
was 198. SSC succumbed to 216 all out and with that all but
surrendered the match. Jayawardena came back to hit 99 runs
in the second innings. It was a game when the man stood out
amongst the boys! Well played Mahela. -
Foxhill
Supercross to help disabled soldiers
By M. Shamil Amit
The much looked forward to Foxhill Supercross which is held
in the cool climes of Diyatalawa will be held on April 19
(Friday). The meet organised by the Sri Lanka Military Academy
(SLMA) of Diyatalawa with the support of the Sri Lanka Association
of Racing Drivers And Riders (SLARDAR) has gone from strength
to strength since it had its beginning in 1993. It will be
held over two days.
On April
18 there will be a time check of the participants with the
main events scheduled to be completed on April 19. The Commandant
of SLMA Brigadier Niranjan. A. Ranasinghe speaking at a press
briefing held at the Army Headquarters in Colombo said that
the Supercross has made great strides since its inception
with the participants and the spectators in general enjoying
a good day of spectacular riding by the riders and drivers.
The main aim of the Supercross is to help the disabled soldiers
and also to improve the standard of motor racing in Sri Lanka.
He also said that they would welcome sponsors for the event.
Hans Ralf
the adviser and the live wire of motor racing in Sri Lanka
from recently said that he is proud to be involved with motor
racing in Sri Lanka. Motor racing at Diyatalawa was done for
the fun but he noticed that a racing track could be built
as it had land and the surroundings were ideal for this type
of sports. With the support of the SLMA and SLARDAR he was
able to put up a racing track. The spectators too can witness
the event from any side of the track which is one advantage.
He further said that since the laying of the track we have
had nine Supercross successfully.
From this
year motor racing will be opening a new leaf as SLARDAR have
introduced a points system for the competitors (both riders
and drivers) with the intention of selecting the champion
of the championship. The leaders of both category will be
declared the national champion. With this change we intend
making motor racing more competitive and the spectators too
could expect high quality racing.
To qualify for the national title the competitors will have
to participate in six racing championships.
They are
the Katukurunda race which was held recently, the Radella
Hill Climb, Foxhill Supercross at Diyatalawa, Karandupona
Hill Climb at Kegalle, Gajaba Supercross at Anuradhapura and
again the Katukurunda races. Points will be given to the riders
and drivers who come within the first six of these meets.
The winner will get ten points second place will receive eight
points while the third place will get six points.
Twenty
three events will be worked off at the Foxhill Supercross
and entries will close on April 2 with the SLARDAR, 128 'Amara
Nagaraya', (3rd Floor) Highlevel Road, Nugegoda. No late entries
will be entertained.
The
list of events scheduled to be conducted: Motor Cycles:
1. Group P- Motor Cycles Standard/Modified upto 125cc.2. Group
P- Motor Cycles Standard/Modified over 125cc upto and including
200cc. 3. Group MX- Racing Motorcross Bikes upto 50cc (Under
10 years). 4. Group MX- Racing Motorcross Bikes 80cc. 5. Group
MX- Racing Motorcross Bikes upto 80cc (Under 16 years) 6.
Group MX- Racing Motorcross Bikes 125cc (Race 1). 7. Group
MX- Racing Motorcross Bikes upto 125cc (Race 2). 8. Group
MX- Racing Motorcross Bikes 125cc upto and including 250cc.
Motor Cars: 1. Group A- Cars over 12.0 kg/hp. 2. Group A-
Cars over 10.0 kg/hp upto and including 12.0 kg/hp. 3. Group
A- Cars over 8.0 kg/hp upto and including 10.0 kg/hp. 4. Group
A- Cars over 6.0 kg/hp upto and including 8.0 kg/hp. 5. Mini
Saloon 998cc. 6. Group M & T- Cars Modified & Turbo
upto 1050cc. 7. Group M & T- Cars over 1050cc upto and
including 1350cc. 8. Group M & T- Cars over 1350cc upto
and including 1665cc. 9. Group M & T- Cars over 1665cc
upto and including 3500cc. 10. Group T & J- Truck and
Jeep Diesel upto 3000cc. 11. Group T & J- Truck and Jeep
Diesel upto 4500cc. Turbo and Petrol upto 2000cc (Non Turbo).
12. Group T & J- Forces Jeep class (Diesel normally aspirated)
13. Group T & J- Truck and Jeep Open. 14. Motor Cycles
open event. 15. Motor Cars open event.
Air
Force downed
The battle for supremacy for the top post in NAASU ended with
the Naval Man downing the former top official of the Air Force
with a clear cut majority.
Pleading
Worked
An Interim Council member for cricket has allegedly used his
influence to stay for another three or four months, which
was granted.
What
a mockery
Recipients were not present to receive the awards at the SSC
as the plate final match was in progress at the NCC last Sunday.
What a mockery !
Herath
re-elected as SLHF President
The Annual General Meeting of the Sri Lanka Hockey Federation
for 2002/2003 was held recently at Police Park Bambalapitiya,
Colombo 05. Mr. Jayatissa Herath, DIG Police has been elected
as President this year too for the second time. He was the
captain of Kandy Dharmaraja College, Peradeniya University
and Police Hockey Teams and also a best all-rounder. At present
he is very keen in promoting Hockey in Sri Lanka.
Mr. Gamini
Jayasinghe, Chief Jailor, New Magazine Prison, Colombo has
been elected as Hon. Secretary of Sri Lanka Hockey Federation
for the year 2002/2003.
He was a National Pool Player and National Umpire and Chairman
of Umpires Committee, S.L.H.F.
Tehani
grabs gold in Japan
Fourteen-year-old Tehani Guruge of Musaeus College displayed
all her experience and superior court craft and crushed all
opposition to grab the gold medal for the U-15 category at
the Japan Junior Squash Championships held for the 15th successive
year as a part of the Asian Junior Circuit.
The Pioneer
Corporation of Japan sponsored the Championship, for the 2nd
year running. Significantly this is the first time that the
Japan Junior Squash Open was held as a part of the Asian Junior
Circuit and naturally points would be awarded to the players
for their Asian/International rankings.
A total
of 187 boys and girls from Japan, India, Singapore, Taipe,
Hong Kong and Sri Lanka competed in the U-11, U-l3, U-l5,
U-17 and U-l9 categories. In the U-15 category Tehani waltzed
her way to the finals from 3rd round onwards as none of her
opponents could reach her technique. In the finals Tehani
beat the top seed E.
Takemoto
in straight sets 9/6, 9/4 and 9/0. A total of 32 players competed
in the U-15 category while 40 players competed in the girls'
U-17 category. Tehani's unique victory is the first ever by
a Sri Lankan Squash player on foreign soil in any category.
Suresh
new SLTA President
Suresh Subramaniam, a former Davis Cup Captain and Davis Cup
Coach was elected uncontested to head the Sri Lanka Tennis
Association for the year 2002/2003. Subramanim, a successful
businessman is responsible for substantial resources flowing
into the SLTA which gave the Association the much- needed
funds to carry out its Junor and Outstation Development Programme.
After
many decades, the member Clubs have selected a top player
to head the Tennis Association. Subramaniam has won many 'National'
titles and Captained the Davis Cup team in 2000. He also excelled
at coaching.
Popularly
known as Sri Lanka's "Nick Bollettieri" due to his
strict disciplinarian approach on the court. Subramaniam took
Sri Lanka to its "greatest height" when they beat
Malaysia and Taiwan to reach the semi-finals of the Davis
Cup Group 2 in 1990. As a retired "Tennis Star"
commented, Subramaniam being a top player and coach knows
tennis like the back of his palm. Therefore, decisions made
will be more tennis-oriented, he said.
Subramaniam
in his maiden address praised outgoing President Lalith Withana
for promoting outstation tennis, improving the infrastructure
at the SLTA premises and developing junior tennis in the country.
It is my task to now produce a champion, he said.
DSSMV
Jnr. pool ready in May
D.S. Senanayake MV, after a slow beginning is in the forefront
on and off the field, as a leading public school. The school
has developed fast producing professionals and some of the
leading sportsmen, who have done well at the national level.
A long felt need for the schoolboys to indulge in aqua sport
will become a reality with a swimming pool. There will be
two pools for the juniors and seniors.
The President
of the OBA, Anuruddha Wijesekera, was interviewed by The Sunday
Times. The all important grandiose project - the pool, a long
felt need has become a reality. The present Principal, Asoka
Senani Hewage's personal interest got off the pad. Since Mr.
Hewage took over the mantle, he has never looked back to further
uplift the school's image.
Funds
proved the problem - Rs. 30 million for a 25-metre pool, with
all facilities to cater to the needs of the children. Support
and encouragement was given by the former Minister of Sports,
S.B. Dissanayake. Later, Lakshman Kiriella continued to help.
He released the funds. The present Minister, Johnston Fernando,
has agreed to further assistance. The senior pool will be
ready before the end of year 2002.
Must
not forget
But the junior pool will precede. It will be ready by May
30. One must not forget the founder Principal of DSSMV, Mr.
Ralph I. Alles, who paved the way for the school to go from
strength to strength. He had the vision to make it a leading
institution in the country. Fittingly, the project commenced
on October 3. This pool is meant for all children to learn
swimming. Secondly to uplift aqua sport in the country. It
will also give opportunities for the less affluent schools
in the vicinity to make use of the pool. It's a pool for all
school children.
How are
you going to find the funds, besides Sports Ministry assistance?
Nothing is impossible with several hands joining to help the
project including well-wishers. The OBA Secretary, Rizvie
Farouk, is the Chairman of the project and personally supervising
it. Farouk will be organising a "DSSMV Walk" in
May. Besides, the OBA is planning to enrol a limited number
of "Golden Life" members for a life-time. Once this
membership is filled, there will be no new "Golden Membership",
afforded to the old boys, Wijesekera added.
Already
the school has a re-developed playing field. A well-equipped
gymnasium, basketball and tennis courts. It's not only for
the present boys, but also to the family members of the OBA,
too. These projects were in the offing. But the present Principal
Hewage was quick to move in and got the act together. Once
the senior pool is ready, DSSMV will be a force to be reckoned
with in schools Aqua Sport too, Wijesekera said.
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