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Slum Dog Millionaire the film that was the hit in this year’s Oscars has earned much praise and attracted critics and the media too .The film, which won the best picture Oscar, is about the unlikeliest classic hero: a ragamuffin in Mumbai who becomes a contender on the Indian version of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire.
In recent days rugby in Sri Lanka has drawn the attention of the public and the media mainly aimed at those were once thought of as the heroes of the game. While attention has been focused there has been little praise to the main actors in the episodes of rugby that have unfolded in the recent past. The story thus started to get unwanted attention and ended catching the eye of the decision maker by law: the Minister of Sports.
If one expected that this game that which has an ardent group of supporters will turn a new leaf such hope was short lived. With the hope of currying favour some started to feed the interim masters with more mud to continue the fight. Then it seemed there was a factory defect and the mud started to fire backwards. This is while the game is getting stuck with a short distance to travel to the Asian 5 Nations series to be played in Dubai in the third week of April. Before that Sri Lanka is to take part in the Hong Kong Sevens in the third week of March. What hope do we have to meet these challenges?
I say this as I believe there is no way ahead that I see from any plans that have been made public leaving alone the intention of having a Strategic Plan. What’s happening in the world today calls for strategic improvising in an economy that is facing turbulent times. Pundits call for new and revolutionary thinking to meet challenges of recession. In this scene if the act is not polished will sponsors continue with this wonderful game. Not possibly as we see the sevens run on with no major sponsor nor a recovery from the gate.
Rugby in its present scenario is facing times that have never been experienced in its 100 year existence. Yet the methods that are adopted are as same as has been in the recent past. That is one of confrontation and or inspired leaks for tarnishing the image. The provinces that form the union are no doubt a worried lot as they believe the continuation of what they perceive is the good work seems to be coming to a halt. To solve this issue one needs to commence a dialogue. In essence what happens is an exchange of verbal diarrhoea addressed to the caretakers. The vicious circle starts again and we go on slinging mud and raking up stories asking question on ones pedigree while the job that needs to be done takes a back seat . While we preach that the game has been politicized and that is what has brought about the present situation you do not hesitate to add spice to the argument bringing in Hambantota to the equation even though your intention is for it to be a parting shot.
While those great administrators of the game are itching to be back the newcomers are not short of reading material of accusations, and insinuations which are made public. The leaks inspired or not point to a source of who has custody to the documents. Circumstantial it might be but such possibilities will not do any good, .Particularly when the attack is on people who were once there. The irony of the situation it seems that the right hand does not know what the left does. Take the case of the former CEO Dilroy Fernando who has been at the receiving end. The information I have is that the present administrators have written to the governing body, the IRB, that Fernando will be in charge of development and the funds expected from them will be put to good use. That I believe is the faith and acceptance the Interim had and the hope for support it had to continue with the game. Unfortunately the public is dished out another story and thus the paradox. Then cans one have any hope.
On the other hand Lewke the immediate past president must ask himself whether it is his kindness or an oversight that has led to him being bitten by those whom he fed. The administrators have to be equally careful of those who gather around them and are motivated by personal agenda than the good of the game. Well it is you who bring out questions of eligibility.The provinces to me have a role in this scenario. That is to what the constitution wanted it to do. This is neither improvising nor revolutionary but just doing what you have rise from slum dog to be millionaire.
= Vimal Perera is a former Rugby Referee, coach and Accredited Referees Evaluator IRB |
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