Blows galore at Athletics AGM

By Namal Pathirage

Maj. Gen Palitha Fernando

Though the contest was only for the posts of six vice presidents, the Annual General Meeting of the Sri Lanka Athletics Association had the looks of a real battlefront.

The Garden Party to host the re election of its president – Maj. Gen Palitha Fernando – was in progress, when the announcement of the VP results was made, changing the atmosphere.

Sunil Jayaweera

The story goes as athletics veteran and former President Sunil Jayaweera who generally heads the VP list only scraped through by a slim majority of three votes. But, the veteran claims that there was a strong move to oust him from the Association by a certain section, but, at the end of it they had failed.Jayaweera said that after the election, he had confronted Maj. Gen Fernando and told him that he had failed to oust him.

Jayaweera said that at this juncture, some people there had pounced on him and he claimed that they were army officers. According to the media who were present, there were some persons in black gear guarding the place.

However, Maj. Gen Fernando claimed that Jayaweera could not handle the result because his popularity had diminished and the low poll proved it. However at the same time a person who was videoing the incident on his mobile phone was requested to delete it.

Maj Gen Palitha Fernando -- President, Prema Pinnawela – secretary, Shantha Silva -- treasurer were re-elected without a contest. The six elected vice presidents were Brig. Parry Liyanage (93), Col. Sudath Madugalle (91), Anil Weerasinghe (88), T.M. Devendran (72), P.H.D. Vaidyatilleke(70) and Sunil Jayaweera (52).