Future bright despite impotent spin

By Aubrey Kuruppu

Watching the opening unofficial Test between the 'A' teams of Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe, one was struck by the fact that the future of Sri Lanka cricket was by an large in safe hands.

The Sri Lanka squad was certainly a powerful one, with eight or possibly nine players having done their duty for the national side either in Tests or in one day internationals.

The player who indubitably caught the eye was the burly Avishka Gunawardena whose batting convinced one that Jayasuriya will not be soely missed when he decides to call it a day. Gunawardene first fifty was indeed a joy to hehold. The shot making was a thing of beauty, the execution, swift and pantherish. If at all, the rest of the innings suffered by comparison.

In contrast, Hewage was subdued, even static initially. However he did the right thing by not trying to match his far more ebullient partner shot for shot. Instead he pushed the single and allowed the more experienced Gunawardena his head. Later one, when he began to execute his neat and precise drives through cover and mid-on, his batting took on a new dimension. That he made the most runs for Sri Lanka was not surprising. After all, did not the tortoise outpace the hare in the fable!

Probably Jayawardena is content to bide his time and wait for Kaluvitharana to slip from his pedestal. (Is it the old school tie?) The former showed that he can be quite superb on some of his leg side takes, standing up to the spinners were classic stuff. He reminds one of the brief but brilliant Mahesh Gunatillaka in that he doesen't throw himself around and cavort unnecessarily. He relies intead on movement. Jayawardena's not a bad batter, too.

Gallage bowled a good line and showed that he had the ability to get the ball up, even on the most docile and grassless of strips. Yet, one wished for a yard or two of pace, Weeraratne seems to have the knack of getting wickets. His lack of experience and maturity was shown up when he was taken to the cleaners on three or four occasions in the first innings when he conceded just over four runs per over. However his talent was obvious. His brisk medium pace, together with his powerful striking, make him a dandy prospect.

So much for the Kudos. The trio of spinners - Herath, Bandara and Samaraweera-disappointed. The Zimbabweans are not the best players of spin around. Yet they handled the local spinners with aplomb (especially Blinaut, and to a lesser extent, Peacock). The spinners failed to contain. Buying wickets seemed a lost art. Where, oh where, are the successors to Fuard, Chanmugam, Sahabandu, the de Silvas (DS and Ajith) and Muralitharan?

Finally, the fielding. It could, and should, have been sharper. On a couple of occasions, one or two fielders found bending a difficult task.

CR on the correct path

Police vs Army - April 21

Game of missed opportunities for Police. The Police Forwards played within their limits. Territorially they dominated play in the first half. They were penalized unfortunately in the first 15 minutes, for 'raising' the scrum, 5 metres flom the Army goal line. The Army, being a relatively light pack, naturally went 'up' on the strong Police shove. Although being led 14-6 at half time, the Police were very much in the game. The Police three quarters need to contribute more in defense. Skipper Chintaka Perera must concentrate and kick effectively - in this department he was lacking. Army Forwards, although light in weight, were energetic and active. The match winners for Army were their three quarters who played a fine game in attack and defense. Kapila Knowlton was always a threat when in possession and his co-centre Vajira Jayatilleke combined well together, the latter being successful at a drop kick at goal. About 10 minutes from full-time, the Police led 16-14. Then, Army, in an all-out assault put Police under severe pressure. Knowlton charged, smothered a kick, collected the ball and crashed over for a try. The score 21-16 in favour of the Army. This could have been avoided had the Police paid attention to my previous Review Report, "... A player who is to receive the ball for clearance, stands deeper than normal and receives quality ball. On this occasion, the ball was late and the receiver was not standing deep enough. The Police then made a desperate attempt in the dying minutes of the game and were awarded a penalty 25 metres in front of the posts. Needing to score a try and get nearer the posts, they took a quick tap to gain this advantage as the Army had not retreated 10 metres. To their disappointment, Army secured the ball and cleared it to safety. With that went their hopes to win the game or even draw it. Spectator-wise it was an exciting game.

Navy vs Kandy - April 22

What a first half it was! Navy played to a 'plan'. They were unfortunate not to score on a kick-ahead over the Kandy goal-line. They also fluffed 2 penalties in this half which were 'sitters'. Had they been successful, the lead would have been 16 points. In the 2nd half, after holding on for 15 minutes. they conceded a try. Thereafter they lost their own line-outs and plenty of possession came Kandy's way. Kandy made good use of the ball and were able to score freely with the Navy tiring out, being deprived of possession. Navy shouldn't be discouraged. Skipper Panda Wijeratne brought off some terrific tackles so did other forwards. Navy Fly-half, Malewana read the game well and played a crucial role in their game-plan. Centre Navantha de Silva, missed easy penalties and was not adequate. I had another discussion with their enthusiastic and knowledgeable coach, Inam Ahamath. A few tactical replacements, adjustments and ploys should see the Navy do well in the matches ahead. This was Kandy's first outing in Colombo, but they were ruffled. With such a talented set of three quarters, it is the duty of the Forwards to endure good ball to them. Kandy need to plan game by game, by first understanding their opponents and their general style of play. Kandy Forwards need to be more cohesive, but this should come as the season progresses.

Havelocks vs CH&FC - April 22

Speaking to Tony Amit, CH coach, the day before the game, he said, "I have the game in my pocket!" Was this over-confidence? Maybe not. The Havelocks have a fine set of three quarters on whom they depended to deliver the goods. But it was not to be as Amit ensured that Havelocks were deprived of the ball. The line-outs of the CH were more or less uncontested but CH troubled the Havies on their line-outs with success. CH even dominated the scrums. Defending for too long is no fun and tired out the Havelocks. Controlled play by the CH put them comfortably ahead. In the 2nd half the CH 'relaxed' and this was when Havelocks made a late rally to put some points on the Board. Nalin Dissanayake no doubt had an off day. Place-kicking is vital. No one can remain a 'star' on his past achievements. Constant practice is the secret of success. For the Havies, a lot can be learnt from this game to plan future strategy. The CH are improving steadily.

Air Force vs CR&FC - April 23

Unfortunately the writer could not cover this game. When he turned up at Longden Place at 4.50 p.m. he was told that the game is being played at Katunayake! However, from reviewing the reports on the game and having spoken to a couple of people who witnessed the game, the Air Force came up with an improved performance.

Once again, performing well in the first half and then unable to maintain momentum in the 2nd half needs to be analyzed. This happened with the Navy when I coached them years ago and we overcame this weakness. Key players need to 'rest' during a game. One cannot run at a fast pace for 40 minutes - rest for 5 minutes and then run at the same pace for another 40 minutes! Who needs to 'rest', how and when do they 'rest'? Also, in today's context of the game we have the advantage of 'replacements', which coaches Tony Amit of the CH and Yatawara of Kandy make use of very effectively. These, two aspects are key areas which should be carefully studied and action taken. The writer used this to great advantage with teams he has coached. At present the CR are on the correct path but the Services need to make some adjustments in their game-plan and strategy, which I believe they are concentrating on now.

Club Intersport Open Squash

The new squash season will commence with the Bentota Club Intersport sponsored Open Squash Tournament which will be conducted by the Sri Lanka Squash Federation from Saturday 6th May to Sunday 14th May 2000.

The preliminary rounds up to semi-finals will be played at the Hotel Ceylon Intercontinental squash courts and the semi-finals of the senior events and the finals of the junior events will be played at the Club Intersport squash courts in Bentota. SLSF plans to work off most of the preliminaries during the week-end 6th and 7th May and the remaining preliminary matches during the week days.

The tournament will then transfer to Bentota where the semi-finals will be worked off on Friday evening and continued on Saturday. The finals will be played on Sunday morning.

Club Intersports has sponsored this tournament on a regular basis for the past few years providing an opportunity for the game of squash to be taken to the outstations.

The Squash Federation is expecting the schools in the southern district to make use of this opportunity for interested schoolchildren to witness these matches played at the Club Intersport Bentota and introduce the game to their schools. The SLSF feels that the southern district is famous for producing excellent badminton players who would find no difficulty in taking up to squash.

The SLSF has distributed entry forms for this tournament to all the squash playing hotels, clubs and the armed forces. With the Men's and Women's national pool currently training for the Asian Senior Championships in July, very high standards of sqash is expected to be seen at this tournament. Closing date for handing over entries is Wednesday 3rd May 2000.

Turned Blind Eye

Be it a trial or a meet conducted to the rules and regulations of the parent body FINA, one wonders whether the local association is following same. If so, how come a swimmer who has entered for the events is allowed to skip one, and is allowed to swim in the others.According to FINA rules one faces a suspension or fine or both as the case may be. Were they under pressure from certain quarters to turn a blind eye in this instance.

In Brief

Sri Lankan Air Lines Sponsor Tennis.

The Fisher-Hilton JAIC Tower tennis - championships 2000 will be held at the Hilton JAIC Tower Sports Centre Courts from May 6 to 14.

The main sponsor is SriLankan Airlines, who will be providing four air tickets to the Maldives for the winners of the men's and women's doubles.

The co-sponsors are Fischer of Austria and ANZ Grindlays Bank.

The main events would be men's, women's and mixed doubles. The championships are for members of the Sports centres of hotels, expatriates and foreign missions.

A large number of entires are expected.

Entry forms are available on the Third Floor of the Hilton JAIC Tower Sports Centre, and will close on May 2 at 5 p.m.

Mumbai take Ranji Trophy

Mumbai clinched the Ranji Trophy for the 34th time in history when they comprehensively defeated Hyderabad by 297 runs at the Wankhede Stadium. The home team scord 376 and 409 to which Hyderabad replied with 195 and 293.

The victory, this season was a huge boost for Mumbai who failed to even enter the Ranji Super League last year. Led by Sameer Dinghe, coached by Ashok Mankad and inspired by some spectacular perfomances by super star Sachin Tendulkar, Mumbai were a cut above the rest of the competing teams. Tendulkar who scored a blazing century in Mumbai's second innings surpassed 1000 runs for the season and finished on a 100 plus average.

For Mohamed Azharuddin's losing Hyderabad team the only redeeming factor was the batting of opener V.V.S. Laxman. The opener completed a fine season with the bat to notch his 8th first class century for the season.

This year's Ranji Trophy season also marked the end of the road for former Indian medium pacer Abey Kuruwila, a veteran of 10 Tests and 25 One-dayers Kuruwila bowed out of first class cricket with the Ranji Trophy final. The medium pacer had the honour of leading the victorious Mumbai team off the field soon after their triumph. (MF)

Benson and Hedges

It's not unusual for rain to intervene during the start of the English Cricket season. However for over 40% of the games to be effected by rain may be a very unusual phenomenon. 19 of the first round games out of a possible 45 were washed off due to rain at this year's Benson and Hedges Championships.

Despite the adverse weather the eight quarter finalists were found in the Benson and Hedges tournament which kicked off the English Summer this year. Australian Micheal Bevan had the honour of scoring the first century for the season (157 n.o. for Sussex) and also had the rare honour of not being dismissed in the first round after he scored an unbeaten 65 in his only other appearance.

The Benson and Hedges Quarter final line up reads, Glamorgan-Hampshire, Lancashire-Durham, Yorkshire-Surrey, and Sussex-Gloucestershire. (MF)

Hockey in May

The Andriesz and Pioneer Shield hockey tournaments conducted by the Colombo Hockey Association will be held from the second week of May.

Entries for these two tournaments will close on April 29 with the Secretary, Malik Zahir at No. 17, Park Road, Colombo 5.

Windsurfing

A new windsurfing training course for beginners will be commenced on April 29 comprising 6 lessons, which will be held every Saturday from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. and on Sundays from 10 to 12 noon. The Bolgoda Windsurf School has trained over 100 windsurfers so far. The beginners will be able to windsurf successfully after the course.

Apart from the training on water, training off video's will be available to beginners to further simplify the scheme. Life jackets will be provided to all beginners and their safety is guaranteed.

The course will be conducted at the Windsurf School premises at Aqua Pearl Villa, Bolgoda.

Open Pairs Bridge

D.P. Senaweera and Fritsz Perera won the Open Pairs Bridge event sponsored by W.A.P. Fernando conducted at the Bridge Federation Headquarters at the Race Course.

Mrs. Srihari Saravanapavan and M. Chelliah finished as runners-up followed by S. Molligoda/Nihal Silva, Dr. Dilangan Soysa/Asoka Jayasinghe, Mrs. Cera Fernando/T. Shanmugalingam, Brian Rodrigo/Bernard Silva, H.A. Weerasuriya/T. Thillanianadarajah.

Fourteen pairs participated.

A team event sponsored by Chandra de Alwis will be held today at the Headquarters at 9.15 a.m.

Trinity triumph

Trinity College scored a 41-run win over the visiting Fern Tree Gully D.C.A. team in a 35-over match played at the Asgiriya Stadium on Thursday (April 27).

It was a keenly contested game played in ideal conditions. The schoolboys electing to bat first totalled 161 for 9, with Chaminda Alutge top scoring with 34.

The visitors in reply made 120 in 29.3 overs. S. Patterson rattled a breezy 32 with 3 sixes and a four.

Trinity 161 for 9 in 35 overs. (Chandran 28, Rodini Rafayal 20, Rajaratnam 11, P. Weeraratne 31, C.Alutge 34. M. Senarath 14, S. Arnell 2 for 37, J. Colee 2 for 19).

FTGDCA 120 in 29.3 overs. (J. Patterson 32, S. Walter 19, P. Evans 17, R. Gamage 2 for 15, Rajaratnam 2 for 24) (B.W.)

Kelibima featuring Sanath on May 2

This week's Kelibima will feature Sri Lanka's Cricket Captain, Sanath Jayasuriya.

The programme will consist of Sanath's school life and his cricketing past until he became the Captain of Sri Lanka. This programme will be aired on 2nd May 2000 from 9.00 a.m. to 11.00 a.m. and is produced by Sanjaya Dissanayake.

The trio talks to the national cricket squad...

Betting should only be on horse races

By Bernie Wijesekera

Today the talking point among the club circles where international cricketers are involved is about match-fixing and betting scandals. It's not an isolated one. The money-greedy disease has spread worldwide.

Every citizen be it in sports or otherwise has the right and the responsibility to know how it came about. In the process, it has tarnished the image of this traditional game started in England. But the weeds are even now spread to the meadows of England, too.

Rare is the person, who can weigh the faults of others, without putting his thumb on the scale as the saying by - Byron J. Lingfield goes.

The Cricket Board Int.-Committee, headed by Rienzie Wijetilleke, Mike Tissera and the Chairman of the Selection Committee, Sidat Wettimuny were quick to act and give a pep-talk to the national cricket squad to be aloof and refrain from the ongoing disgraceful scandal. Today due to the misconduct of a few, it has created an eyesore among the cricketing fraternity.

Tissera and Sidat have played the game at the highest level - be it unofficial or official. They are highly respected and never indulged in professional cricket even at the height of their career. Both had the strength to talk about honesty and integrity. At times they had to face setbacks but never moaned.

In the first World Cup in 1975, Mike was deprived of the captaincy which was his due. But still played under fellow Old Thomian Anura Tennakoon.

Sidat, who still looks good to play, was seen as a silent observer at the recent tour made by Sri Lanka to Pakistan. Wasim Akram, seeing the little opener, at Pindi said, "You look still fit to play. In the evening Sidat focused much attention at Pearl Hotel than the Kite Festival.

Fittingly, both addressed the players along with Wijetilleke about the game on and off the field. The players were told about the do's and the dont's game and not to get involved in match-fixing and betting scandals, thereby tranishing the country's and their own image.

Apparently, Sri Lankan cricketers are not involved at present in this dirty scandal. They are the pride of the country.

Lankan cricketers, are highly respected wherever they play. Players like 'man of steel' Arjuna Ranatunga, Aravinda, Sanath, Roshan Mahanama, 'Kalu', Marvan and Vaas have a following even in the streets in Pakistan for their exploits.

In one of the columns in the Sunday Times sports page, it was mentioned that the ongoing episode could be attributed to weak management.

But the hierarchy of the Int.-Committee, should be commended for this meaningful discussion initiated by them in advising the players at national level not to leave room for any loose talk that will tarnish the country and theirs at the expense of bookmakers and betting. Money is the cause for all evil.

There may be pros and cons about the running of its affairs by the Interim Committee. It's a temporary job. But still has done the correct thing by bringing to the notice of the players that money is not everything in life nor it could give a peace of mind on the longer run.

Betting should be confined to the Race Course but certainly not on the playing fields where 22 players, are involved.

An official of the Int.-Committee when contacted, confirmed to the effect that national players were given a briefing pertaining to match-fixing and betting on Poya Day ( April 18).

Three players bag tennis doubles at Trans Asia open championships

N.S.Paramanathan, Shalini Pereira and Maheesha Senevirathne bagged a doule each at the 15th Trans Asian Open Tennis Championships sponsored by Qantas/British Airways played at its Hotel courts.

Paramanathan, a Davis Cup poolist won the boys' under 18 singles and the mens' singles, Pereira won the women's singles and Mixed doubles while Seneviratne won the under-14 and 18 girls' singles.

Paramanathan and Seneviratne missed winning a triple. The outstanding performance of the final day was the veteran combination of Ganendaran Subramaniam and Arjan Perera downing Paramanathan and Chamara Wijesinghe 6-3, 6-3.

In the mens' singles final also completed on the final day Paramanathan the number 5 seed beat the top seed Dinuka Ranaweera in a three setter, 2-6, 7-5, 6-4.

In a major upset, Tushan Hemachandra and Shehan Abeygunawardena toppled the top seeds Harshana Godamanna and Rasitha Perera 6-3, 3-6, 6-3 to win the boys' under-18 doubles title.

Results

Girls under 14 singles final: Maheesha Seneviratne bt. Erangi Dias 6-0,6-3. Boys' under 14 singles final: Sasith Wickremasinghe bt. Shyamalan Sabanathan 6-3, 6-2. Girls' under 18 singles final: Maheesha Seneviratne bt. Dushinka Subramaniam 6-2, 6-2,. Boys' under 18 singles final: N.S.Paramanathan bt Dinuka Ranaweera 3-6, 6-3, 6-3. Boys' under 18 doubles final: Thushan Hemachandra / Shehan Abeygunawardena bt. Harshana Godamanna/ Rasitha Perera 6-3, 3-6, 6-3.

Mens' singles final: N.S.Paramanathan bt. Dinuka Ranaweera 2-6, 7-5, 6-4. Womens' singles final: Shalini Pereira bt. Dushinka Subramaniam 6-3, 6-1.

Mens' doubles final: Arjan Perera/Ganebdran Subramaniam bt. N.S.Paramanathan/Chamara Wijesinghe. 6-3, 6-3. Mixed doubles final: Shalini Pereira/Chamara Wijesinghe bt. Maheesha Seneviratne/Sasith Wickremasinghe 6-0,6-4.

Lanka for Jnr. World Tennis

Sri Lanka will participate at the Regional Qualifying World Junior Tennis Competition 2000 which will be held in Thailand from May 2 to 7.

In order to qualify for the finals, Sri Lanka will have to secure a place within the first four nations in this Asia/Oceania qualifying zone, said Suresh Subramaniam, Vice President, SLTA.

The selection of the teams for the finals will be made through regional qualifying events to be organised from April-July, according to the following allocation for boys and girls events.

Africa 2; Asia/Oceania 4; Europe 6; North/Central America and Caribbean 3; South America 3; Czech Republic (Host Nation) 1; To be confirmed, later 1; Total 20.

Sri Lanka will be sending three girls and three boys under-14 and a non-playing Captain for this event. Boshan Dayaratne ITF Level 11 qualified coach will Captain the side. The boys' under-14 side will comprise of Nishan Rajakaruna, Sasith Wickramasinghe and Amrith Rupasinghe. The Girls' under-14 team comprises of Mahesha Seneviratne, Erangi Dias and Nawchali De Silva, Mrs. U. Ratwatte has been appointed manageress of the contingent.

We have shown our interest to the International Tennis Federation in hosting the next Asia/Oceania Regional Qualifying event in Sri Lanka, said Suresh Subramaniam. What our youngsters need is exposure to top quality tennis and hosting such an event is ideal for this purpose, he said.

Asian Tennis Federation Annual General Meeting

Maxwell De Silva, General Secretary SLTA attented the AGM of the Asian Tennis Federation which was held recently in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. At the AGM Maxwell De Silva discussed the possibilities of assistance from the ATF to stage a few regular ITF tournaments, including a Futures tournament, which would give our local players the much needed exposure. He also discussed the possibilities of joint collaboration with India. In this presentation about formulating of strategy, Mr. Suresh Menon, ITF Development Officer paid a glowing tribute to the SLTA for preparing a comprehensive document on Strategic Planning for Tennis in Sri Lanka. He also requested other countries to follow Sri Lanka's footsteps and prepare a Strategic Plan for their own countries.

Inter-Club basketball after 25 years

Twenty mens' teams and six women's teams will battle for supremacy in the Inter-Club League Basketball championships conducted by the Colombo District Basketball Association. This championships will be held from May 6 to September 16 and will be played at Wattala, Piliyandala, Maharagama, Katunayake, Kotahena, Kochchikade, Bambalapitiya, Thimbirigasyaya and Narahenpita. All matches will be played at 4.30 p.m. The teams participating and their groupings are:

Men -.Group A: Airport & Aviation, Royal BC, Police BC, Old Wesleyites BC, National Youth Services Council BC.

Group B: Hatton National Bank, Kochchi–kade, Dehiwela, Old Bens, Garudas.

Group C: British School of Colombo, Colombo BC, Moratuwa BC, Lions Seylan BC, Army, Wattala.

Group D: David Peiris BC, Army Whites BC, Old Peterites, Air Force, AirLanka BC.

Women - Ramblers, David Peiris BC, National Youth Services Council, Shepherdians, AirForce, Airport & Aviation Services BC.

Royal in three finals

By Annesley Ferreira

Royal, with already one title in the bag, will go out favourites in making it three-in-a-row when the boys' under 16 and 20 tennis finals are played today in the Boys Schools Tennis Championships at the National Tennis Centre Courts at Green Path.

Royal beat Colombo International School by 18 points to 17 to win the Under 18 title.

Earlier Royal beat St.Peter's 35-nil and Colombo International School beat S. Thomas' by 18 points to nil in the two semi-finals.

In the quarter-finals, Royal beat Dharmaraja 18-17, St.Peter's beat D.S. Senanayake 25-10, Colombo International beat St. Benedict's 35-0, S. Thomas' beat Nalanda 18-0.

Royal will meet St. Peter's in the boys' under 16

Lanka third at Fed. Cup tennis

Sri Lanka did well to finish third in Group Two, Pool B at the Asia-Oceania Federation Cup tennis competition in Osaka, Japan, ahead of Pakistan, Jordan and Syria.

Philippines finished on top of this pool with Tajikistan second.

In yesterday's tie against Philippines, Sri Lanka lost three-nil with Samanthie Wijesekera losing the first singles 6-0, 6-1 and Manisha Abewardena lost in a three setter 7-5, 3-6, 6-3.

Japan will meet China in a play-off for the World Cup while Philippines will meet Pacific Oceania and Uzbekistan will take on Tajikistan in the play-off for Group One today.

Rover pinpoints....

Gate crasher

The Committee sitting to inquire into the drug charges against hurdler Jayasundera, quite rightly ordered out Sunil Gunawardena for gate-crashing into the meeting which he had no power to attend. Reason being, he is the President of the AAA and the coach of Jayasundera!

Meanwhile Rover learns that the AAA has proposed that if anyone is found guilty of taking drugs, the coach also should be suspended. How come he gate crashed into this meeting? Was it because he has a clout with the Minister? Furthermore how did a Vice President of the AAA sit in this Committee? Was it to curry favour with the Minister and his golaya.

Heavy canvassing

The NOC elections are due in June. Rover learns that a person with a strong political clout is going on a canvassing spree with two others very much known in sports fields or top posts. It looks as if the carpet is being pulled from under the present senior officials feet by those who enjoyed much under his term.

Cricket Board elections?

Rover learns that history will be made with a notable female promoter of the sport, likely to contest the post of President in elections due on June 28. She has been told that she would be a better bet to this post someday by the late Gamini Dissanayake, when he was the President.

Making money?

A football tournament is to be conducted by a few persons with the intention of making money at the expense of the poor players. Rover learns that permission has not been sought either from the Kandy or the Gampola District Associations nor the parent body the Football Federation. Money has been collected and plans are being made to conduct such a tourney.

The FFSL has infact called those responsible to a meeting to clarify matters as far back as April 8, but they did not turn up.

Already decided?

Before the athletes could be picked for the Olympics Games in Sydney in September, the husband and wife combination attached to the Ministry of Sports have got themselves picked as Chef-de-Mission, and Chaperon, while their pupil has been made captain ahead of the seniors while to cover up their sins due to the lack of knowledge of English they have picked another AAA official as Manager.

Only time will tell with the countdown to the Olympics, who they are.

Drowning?

The National Amateur Aquatic Sports Union is in a mess and seems to be drowning themselves with a load of accusations as:

1. Eleven stop watches were reported missing from their office at the Race Course from the 20 and a complaint was made to the Cinnamon Gardens Police, who brought pressure on the person making the complaint and they were found.

2. Swimmers to the recently concluded pentathlon are those who can swim in it if they have finished first, second or third at the Novices meet. But it was not so.

3. How come the women's 800 metres and men's1500 free style events were struck off in the ongoing short pool nationals now in progress at the OIS pool at Battaramulla.

4. Why no replicas were presented with the trophies at the Pentathlon meet.

5. Why no monthly accounts for November/December while accounts were issued for August, September, January and February.

6. Who is this senior official who was seen addressing the swimmers with a drink in hand which had drawn protests from a senior female coach who has done proud for the sport in Sri Lanka. No action has been taken.

7. Who swam in first at the recently concluded first trial in the women's 100 metres free style. Was the electronic system on or was it hand-clocked which has drawn many eyebrows.

8. Who is this swimmer who was caught shop lifting for a second time from a stall of the venue of a foreign meet. He was suspended for 1 year for local meets and two years for foreign tours. What a shame.

9. The Manager on a foreign tour was paid all allowances with expenses, but how come the Chef-de-Mission and an official made the Assistant Manager too being paid off their funds, when swimmers are being told to collect money for tours. Who is trying to hoodwink whom?

10. How is it that a parent of a swimmer was charged of sending a cheque which bounced and an accusing finger was pointed at the wrong person and matters were solved after many apologies.

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