Rover Pinpoints ....

Going on the right track

Please stop this nonsence

What a waste

Bad sportsmanship

Bad form

Who are they?

Keerthiratne is boxing President 

Senior SP Jayakumar Thangavelu, LLB, the immediate past President, and U.A.T. Sumanapala of Nugegoda Boxing Club who too had sent in their nominations for the post of president withdrew them in favour of the Minister. 

The Minister was contested by Colonel Jagath Jayasooriya representing The Army, while the Minister received 8 votes his rival too received 8 votes. 

Peradeniya Boxing Club and Vidyartha Boxing Club who were declared as clubs without voting right for failing to provide the minimum number of competitors at major meets as per constitution, last year were given voting rights by the Sports Ministry also voted against the Minister. The Schools Association Secretary also defied the order made by its president too voted against the Minister. The pro-temp Chairman Veteran Boxing Coach and Administrator Donald Munasinghe used his casting vote to tip the scale in favour of the Minister. Incidently Col. Jayasooriya came to the Boxing scene only in 1999, to become the secretary uncontested which he continuted for 1 1/2 months in 2000. He suddenly resigned in May. 

Leading lawyer Luxhman Ranasinghe the former secretary representing Arethusa Boxing Club was re-elected receiving 10 votes while his rival Mahinda Hettiarachchi representing Slimline Sports Club received only 5 votes. Even though Mr. Hettiarachchi's nomination papers were not in order, he was permited to go through the election.

Very senior boxing official and a former prominent National Champion who is also an International Official and former vice president K.V. Dharmad-asa representing Veyang-oda Boxing Club was re-elected receiving 9 votes while his rival Dian Gomas of Slimline Sports Club received five votes. Even though Gomas' nomination papers were not in order he too was permitted to go through the contest. 

Office Bearers:- President: Sarath Keerthirathne, M.P (Veyangoda B.C); Vice President: K.V. Dharmadasa re-elected (Veyangoda BC); Hony Secretary: Laxhman D. Ranasinghe re-elected (Arethusa B.C); Hony Treasurer: Sqn. Ldr. K.V.N.J. Dharmadasa, re-elected (Air Force).

Executive Committee:- Army, Air Force, Navy, Police, School BA Veyangoda BC, BC, Prisons Sports Club, Seevali BC, Slimline Sports Club.

Arjuna the noble son of Sri Lanka cricket

By Supun Perera

There is a possible reflection that if Ranatunga had not been such a great batsman, he might have been an even better bowler. The greatest of all-rounders seldom worry about such things; and Arjuna Ranatunga was one of the very best, being a brilliant fieldsman at any place. Incidentally, Ranatunga's talent is immense and unbelievable. It would be quite inappropriate to suggest that a man who knew the art of batting so thoroughly, who had developed the fundamentals to such a pitch of perfection would be anything less than a champion.

Ranatunga will be always remembered by those who admire courage and skill not only as a great batsman, but as the finest exponent of reliable batting in Sri Lanka. Those who saw and heard about him no doubt will often admire and remember his prowess, resolute defence, running between the wickets by bemusing the fielders, master tactitian and above all as 'Captain Cool", where he led the destinies of Lankan cricket for little over a decade. It may be in attack or defence he stood as a pillar of strength to his team mates by guiding them for success in the cricket field or otherwise. He has the tremendous ability to turn certain defeats to remarkable victories. This became evident once the former Indian cricketing Great Sunil Gavaskar coupled Ranatunga along with former Pakistan's champion batsman Javed Miandad, the two batsmen in the world who can single handedly change a match in to their favour.

Ranatunga was a batsman of high quality who made many centuries and half centuries against the best of bowlers.

His first assignment for Sri Lanka was the inaugural Test match versus Engalnd at the P. Saravanamuttu Stadium in 1982. He made a fine half century and had the distinct honour of becoming the first half centurion for Sri Lanka in Test cricket. At the time of his retirement after the home Test series with South Africa last year Arjuna Ranatunga became the only player in the world to represent his country in its inaugural Test and the centenary Test match. The centenary Test match was played with Pakistan at the S.S.C. Grounds in last August 2000. This was indeed a glorious achievement. This great cricketer blossomed at Ananda College in early 1980's along with his elder brother Dammika Ranatunga with much distinction. Among his contemporary opponents at school were such great cricketers, Ranjan Madugalle, Sumithra Warnakulasuriya, Asantha de Mel, Mahinda Halangoda, Ken de Alwis, Rohan Wijesinghe, (Jnr.), Ashley de Silva, Rumesh Ratnayake, Amal Silva, Vinothan John, Roshan Gunarathna, Keerthie Ranasinghe, among a galaxy of talent in this golden era of schoolboy cricket, where many of them went on to perform national duty with much distinction.

Ranatunga was the prime architect in Sri Lanka victory in 1996, where we conquered "Mount Everest" in one day cricket at Gaddaffi Stadium in Lahore, Pakistan. He became the glamour boy of Sri Lankan fans, who lived here and domiciled abroad.

He was a great captain and even became greater when he stood as the "Rock of Gibraltar in between justice and injustice. He was the cynosure of players, and the viewers all over. Ranatunga is a cricketer who believed in action all round.

So many visiting cricket greats admit and agree that Ranatunga could have easily been a member of any international XI considering his born cricketing skills, which simply thrilled the thousands of spectators.

He always commanded respect in international cricket, or otherwise.

Arjuna Ranatunga can be long rememberd as a rare cricketer who played his heart, soul and weight out. The way he caned such reputed bowlers both spin and pace are very much reluctant to say "good bye" to our memory. This great batsmanship is unparalleled. In accuracy, perseverence and power to achieve his ultimate task "The Triumph". He was second to none in comparison with other international captains.

In conclusion, I salute him as a player, 'captain cool' and above all as a noble son of Lankan Cricket.

Sri Lankan rugby hits rock bottom

By Bernie Wijesekera

Even a school like Embilipitiya MV has taken to the sport, thanks to Minister Mahinda Rajapakse and his wife Shiranthi who are giving them all support. The sport has taken root in Ruhuna and in Sabaragamuwa due to the personal interest taken by Kumar Abeywardena and Arjun Dharmadasa. They continue to do so with their own men and material. There are many others, who are prepared to help but their support is not sought after.

If one looks into our performances at the recent H.K. 'Sevens', it was a total disaster. Newcomers Arabian Gulf and China, too got the better of the Lankans. What has the Rugby Union done to stem the rot. Absolutely nothing. Only indulging in parrot talking. Year in and year out with the same set of officials running its affairs holding different positions and apparently enjoying themselves at home and abroad at the expense of the game.

The Union must make use of people, who could contribute for the development of the sport. They have the game at heart and has proved themselves in the past. Age has no barriers when it comes to skilful administration. They have the experience. To become old its great, but it takes lots of time.

The Minister of Tourism and Sports, Lakshman Kiriella said at a recent media briefing, that he received unstinted support at the Parliamentary budget debate when it came for discussion about his ministry. Even the members from the green corner and the opposition supported him.

It augurs well for the future of the country. Kiriella in the end was a happy man when they back the country thereby eschewing petty politics, which is the cause for most of the problems. Once he told The Sunday Times, "I can't rock the boat at once, give me some time, there are legal snags. Sports have to be indulged in the playing fields, but not in the portals of the Hulftsdorp," he added.

The amiable minister, who is quite aware that everything in life is temporary, including power. He does not want to hurt any one's feelings but wants to act within the law. Already action has been taken against some who were found wanting. Let the men that matter run its affairs for the greater good of the sport and for the country.

Kiriella loves rugby. He should do well to appoint an experienced committee with rugby know-how to probe what ails Sri Lanka rugby at this juncture. Purely with a view to assist the Rugby Union with its findings to uplift its sagging image.

No one will deny that the Rugby Union is being run by men of integrity. The best panacea to overcome its on-going ills is to infuse new ideas and inject fresh blood. Let's forget about the past and work together for a better tomorrow. Otherwise this beautiful sport will fall on the wayside.

Sri Lanka rugby could hold its own in the international 'Sevens' rugby scene. We have the skills and the players in abundance. Lankan rugby has proved it in the past. Sri Lanka won the Bowl under Hisham Abdeen. There are sponsors aplenty for 'Sevens' rugby worldwide and spectator interest even in Sri Lanka, too.

If minister Kiriella decides to appoint a committee, it will be done in good faith to find out what's ailing our rugby at present, but not with an idea of slinging mud. He reiterated at the media briefing, "you gentlemen have the right to spotlight any shortcomings in my ministry. Constructive criticism is vital. 

This in turn will help my officials to take remedial measures", he added. "I will not interfere." 

Rugby football needs a shake up and it should be done without delay.

Sir Don left an indelible mark with St. George

It was at St. George that young Don Bradman in Nov. 1926 as an 18-year-old decided to further his cricket career whilst playing in Sydney Grade competitions. He made a debut 110 against Petersham, one of the strongest clubs at that time.

According to Jon Jobson who is here as tour manager accompanied by his daughter, an ardent cricket fan. Jobson said the fifth wicket stand between Bradman and Target - 197 is still a record for St. George, on his debut. The next season he scored a debut 100 for NSW in his first Sheffield Shield match though living in Bowral but still travelled to Sydney.

Bradman at 20 made his test debut against England and became the first player from St. George to play for Australia. He failed to impress on a wet pitch, and was dropped. But came back in the fifth test with another St. George player, Alan Fairfax. Bradman had a glorious season for St. George 1929-30. He accumulated 549 runs at an average of 109.84. In the same year two St. George players for the first time - Sir Don and Fairfax were picked to tour England.

In 1930-'31 continued to play for St. George. In the West Indies series he made his first test duck. But that season also posted his tenth double 100. I suppose the duck was an indication that cricket is a great leveller...

St. George has a special place for Sir Don for the future players to emulate said Harry Solomons, a close friend of the late legend.

No team thought of making an early declaration against St. George with Bradman to pad up. Ernie Laidler the one-time keeper batting on at 90 still lives in the area. Ernie says Randwick did not declare until 10 to 3 on the second day as they feared Bradman still could do it. It proved correct. Don managed to win the game with a club record score of 246.

Bradman's career with St. George spans seven seasons 444 innings, 3013 runs including 13 100s an Av. of 91.30. Jon Hobson says St. George CC has made a name for producing world famous players including Sir Don. Bill O'Reilly also played with distinction for St George. It's worth noting Bradman's close association with St. George players. He was dismissed in his farewell innings at the Oval in 1948 dismissed by Eric Hollies second ball off an inside edge.

The batsman at the none striker's end was another famous St. George player left-hander Arthur Morris, who made 196 runs in that match. In the previous test at Leeds Australia scored over 300 runs. Bradman and Morris paired for over 300. Don made 170 and Morris over 180. Another great, Ray Lindwall played for St. George.

Then there is Brian Booth, another St. George player who represented Australia with success. At present he is its batting coach.

St. George continues to play a dynamic role helping youngsters to improve their skills and reach the top. Harry Solomons is coutributing his share in abundance - for its continuity, with men and material. His son Hemish too plays for St. George and is a member of the tour party.

-BW

Team Caltex - The winning combination

A pioneer member of Team Caltex, young Aravinda Premadasa began racing from a very young age. He began his spree of wins from the '97 Kandy road races and won the open event. Radella, Mahagastota, Ratnapura road races for 2000.

Aravinda has raced at the '98 Radella, Mahagastota and Ratnapura road races 2000 and was placed at all his events. All Fox Hill races of '97, '99 and 2000 in the Open event and over 2000 CC modified cars, Aravinda has brought glory to Team Caltex. Aravinda will be in action in his Caltex Imprezza this season.

Nishan Weerasuriya: Racing in his Caltex Evolution 5 has specialize in Hill Climbs and won at Mahagastota Hill Climb, Radella, Kotmale, Wace Park Eliyakanda, St. James and Karandupona.

Shanaka Ambrose: Races on a Caltex Pulstar GTIR. Ambrose began racing 10 years ago and his most recent win was winning the Open event at Fox Hill 2000 becoming the 'Fastest Fox for 2000'. Shanaka has been a member of Team Caltex for 4th year.

Yoga Perera: Began his racing career in 1981 and his best has been in the All-India Motor Races for which he won the Mini events and recorded the fastest timing in the Minnies.

Rizvi Farouk: Started racing in 1990 and have taken part in all major events including Speed Car Racing, Rallies, Hill Climbs and Super Cross Events. Driving a Honda Caltex V-Tec 1600, Ford Formula and Peugeot 205 GTI 1600, Rizvi currently holds the Class records for Radella and Karandupona.

Dilshard Hamdoon: Races in a Caltex Ford Lazer in the category of Group A 12-14 KG/HP cars. In this category he won the recently concluded Colombo Super Cross in a most convincing manner. His speciality is rallied and raced at all SLARDAR 1000 rallies for the past 10 years.

Javidh Wahab: Will race with the 'big boys' in his Caltex Subaru Legacy in the Open modified event over 1665. While racing in the pack in 2nd place Javidh had engine trouble and had to retire from the race. But will be in full form for this year's Fox Hill.

Zaki Ismail: Is the Yamaha Class Go Kart champion for 2000. He will be racing his Caltex Honda VTI in Group 'A' 8-10 KG/HP Class and Modified cars up to 1665CC. In this category Zaki was the winner at the Colombo Super Cross 2001 while wheel drive in the over 2000CC category at this year's Fox Hill Caltex Super Cross 2001.

The Havoline Skoda and Havoline Prelude is what Shanthilal Abeyratna, a man with 13 years' experience races with Team Caltex. He joined the Team in 2000 and won the Kotmale Hill Climb while being placed at Radella, Eliya Kanda, Talduwa, Koggala, Karandupona Hill Climb etc. Shanthilal has 17 wins to his credit with.

Sajaad Zuhair: A newcomer to racing will be seen in action on his Caltex Ford Lazer competing in the Group 'A' category events.

Caltex supporting new talent will see Anil Seneviratne race in his Ford Lazer 12-14 KG/HP cars.

Udesh Wedisinghe: Second in the family of the popular Wedisinghe's from Kurunegala needs no introduction to racing. Pioneering motorcycles for quite a few years with many course records to his name, saw his interest grow in motorcars last year. His dynamism on his motorbike has also ventured into cars and driving a Caltex Starlet Special, poses a major threat to his competitors.

Damien Goonathileka: A versatile rider in his 125cc, Caltex Yamaha Special competes mainly in road races, and Katukurunda. Running in at least three classes in each event, always assures him three wins. His most recent victory was in Katukurunda, where he won one first place and two third places.

Nalin Perera: Or better known as Dilpriya, joined Team Caltex this year. Nalin adopts a wide scope, with the ability of competing in four events. Nalin has been dominating his pet event with his powerful Caltex Renault and Havoline Cynos and now has entered the big event, that of the Super Cars and is sure to make an impact in that too. Nalin has won in all areas of racing from Super Crosses, road races to Hill Climbs winning his events at Talduwa Super Cross, Ratnapura road races 2000 and the Kotmale Hill Climb.

Winner of Ratnapura Road Races 2000, Anil Jayakody in his Caltex Daihatsu Charade was winning all the modified Daihatsus upto 1400CC races from 1992 to 1994. Thereafter stopped racing at Fox Hill to give young blood a chance. But is back in action starting this season.

Prasanna Ranasinghe: Also races with a Caltex Havoline Charade along with a Ford Lazer. Ranasinghe has been winning events at Fox Hill, Mihintale, Karandupona and Colombo Super Cross.

Sisira Gunasekera: A Navigator for many rallies has his eyes fixed to road races. Gunasekera began racing in 1993 and was in full form towards the latter part of the nineties. He won the Open event in the Nuwara Eliya road races for the years 1999 and 2000 respectively. This season Gunasekera will be seen in action in his 1300 Caltex Ford Lazer.

Rasika Prasad Chammika: A fresher to racing won the Novices event in his Caltex Grand Civic hatchback last year. In this same category he gained victory at Fox Hill and won 2nd place at the 2001 Karandupona Hill Climb.

Nishan Wasalathanthri: A racing enthusiast turned to professional racing will be in action in his Caltex Ford Lazer in the category 1500 Group 'A' Class 12-14 KG/HP. Wasalathanthri was placed 4th at the Wace Park Hill Climbs and Ratnapura Road.

Salutha Adasuriya: Began racing a year ago in his Caltex Ford Laser and has proven that he is not new to racing by placing himself 2nd at Wace Park Hill Climb and Ratnapura road races 2nd. He broke the course record at Karandupona Hill Climb and also won his category at the Katu Members day race.

Dhammika Peris: Races in his Caltex Honda Civic in the 10-12 KG/HP category and his 1992 Ford Lazer in Group 'A' 12-14 KG/HP. Peris has been away from racing for the last 3 years but has held the course record Mahagastota and Radella.

Dushan Dinamithra: Began his racing career in the Standard Cars event in Katukurunda 1994. Currently Dushan races in the Standard Group 'A' Cars and won the 1665 modified class and 2nd place in the 1350 modified class at Fox Hill 2000. Also he was placed at Talduwa Auto Cross, Ratnapura road races and Koggala.

Upulwan Serasinghe: Began racing from 1997 in the 12-14 KG/HP category and has raced over 42 races out of which he has won 38. His Caltex Ford Laser has sped through this category to be placed in most events he races. Apart from this car he also races his Caltex Diesel Starlet with all the petrol cars at Foxhill and Nuwara Eliya road races. Daring to challenge new events he will race a Gallent 4.

Katukurunda Race Meet, that was

The Meet organised by the two governing bodies for motor sports in Sri Lanka - The Association of Motor Sports and The Federation for Motorcycle Sports is indeed a topic of discussion among all Interested motor-sportsmen. This is the first time in the history of the sport that the two authorities jointly organised a Meet. Earlier, motor sports events were restricted to Clubs. The Association for Motor Sports consists of members appointed by the Minister by way of an Interim Body, having dissolved the earlier democratically elected body. A number of persons hold office in both associations. 

The Meet, meant as a show for Clubs to copy, was however, full of gaps and holes and in most aspects lacked the thrills and interest seen at some of the better organised club events. Alarmingly, there were hardly any spectators. 

Some of the points which the organisers could well answer are: 

Safety: a) This was a major event as far as the controlling bodies were concerned. How come that only one ill-equipped ambulance sans a competent medical team and doctor was thought to be enough to cover the Meet? The ambulance was parked at the "goose-neck" corner, and as happened injured persons had to track the length of the course to get there. Having got there, a competitor who was injured in the eye complained that he was unable to obtain attention as there was no competent medical personnel available. 

b) Unlicensed and non-competitors were allowed to practise and test their bikes in the paddock area. No marshal took action to stop such activity, resulting in one motor cyclist knocking a competitor, and himself sustaining severe injuries and having to be hospitalized. 

c) Having only one ambulance meant that after an incident when the ambulance had to transport patients, the Meet had to be held up till its return.

d) Incompetent Flag Marshals: As a particular incident, it was noted that the Westfield car sprang an oil leak at the "goose-neck", causing a dangerous situation. The corner Marshal stationed here had to be shouted at by concerned spectators to display the relevant flag to indicate an "oil spill" on the track. It could have led to a serious accident. Also, at this corner the Marshals failed to indicate to the back markers that a faster car was about to overtake. This resulted in blocking and also one competitor had to break hard causing him to spin out of control.

e) Whilst a race was in progress, a passenger van was seen darting across the centre lawn and crossing the track right in front of a competing vehicle. This was indeed a dangerous act. None of the officials took any action to stop the van - indicating that they were not prepared or knowledgeable to tackle emergency situations. Conduct of Meet: The Sri Lanka Association of Motor Sports (Interim) SLAMS (I) is in possession of very valuable timing equipment, imported from the USA. The money for this equipment was passed under a Ministry vote. However, there is no competency to operate the equipment and timing is done manually. Much criticism was levelled at the manner in which timing was done, and the grid positions given. Every competitor was charged Rs. 500.00 as a deposit for a "transponder" to be fixed to the car - however, this unit was not fixed.

A BACKGROUND NOTE

Amendments to the Sport Law

Today we have to consider the following factors which was not so relevant when the Sports Law was introduced as far back as 1973. 

(a) As in the case of other areas of activity in Sri Lanka, such as the Judiciary, Police, Elections, Media and Public Service, where there is now widespread agreement to depoliticise its respective functions, administration of sports is also in need to be depoliticised. The Minister of Sports has such wide powers under the sports law, he could make or break not only individual sportsmen/women but also the sport itself. This danger is real in Sri Lanka, as most of the Ministers of Sports in our country had neither the sports background or the interest in sport to be effective Ministers of Sports. In come instances their interest is confined to a single sport. 

Lord Killanin, former President of the IOC said, "It is not possible to divorce sports and politics, but it must be possible to protect sport from political exploitation". 

Depoliticisation of sport is essential. But the Ministry of Sports is essential to regulate sports in developing countries. The discretionary powers he possess under the sports law must be reduced in technical aspects of sports and his power even increased in the financial and administrative aspects of sport. (

b) Sports worldwide has assumed such an important place in people's daily life due to the vast technical development in media coverage, sports now has the ability not only to build the image of a nation but also be an immense source of revenue to its sports stars and to the nation as well. Sport can no longer be administered at National Level with Ministry Officials who have neither the love or the know-how of sports.

(c) Equally worrying is the election of persons with questionable motives to position of power and authority in Sports Bodies. This is detrimental to the development of sport. Very often elections are rigged, and the victor emerges on the basis of his money power, muscle power or political power. The process of election and those qualified to seek election should be reviewed. 

(d) Sports Law applies to all sports equally. But today different sports have developed to different degrees of excellence. Some sports have now assumed international importance, while some sports remain purely of domestic interest. Sports Law should be so amended to allow different sports to grow at different speeds and according to their respective needs. 

(e) Historically schools are the nursery for almost every sport in our country. But today there is hardly any interaction between the schools and the national Sports Associations. This must be rectified. 

* To develop sports in this country, the Sports Ministry should take a more direct responsibility to monitor the administration and financial management of all National Sports Associations, while the National Sports Council should be the last word on technical matters.

* There should be a distinction between "Established" sports and other sports. National Sports Council (NSC)

NSC should have greater powers, responsibilities and independence. It should be the final arbiter in all technical aspects of sport and to achieve this, they should be able to decide independently and its decisions carried out by the Chief Executive of the Department of Sports - the Director Sport. 

The NSC will decide on any disputes within any NSA on the interpretation of rules and also intervene and rule on any dispute between two National Sports Associations.

The NSC of 12 Members including the Chairman will be appointed by the Minister for a period of 3 years and they cannot be removed by him as at present. A Member can be removed only by the NSC itself on a 2/3rd majority of those present and voting. 

The Members should comprise only individuals who have played at National level for at least 3 years. Major sports like Cricket, Athletics, Football should always have representation, while other sports should be represented as a group. This is because if each sport is to be represented it will be unwieldy. The NSC should comprise 12 Members including the immediate Ex Director of Sports for continuity and the present Director Sports as a non-voting Chief Executive and a lawyer (with about 10 years experience in the Bar from a list recommended by the Bar Council of Sri Lanka) Total 12 + 1 = 13 Members. 

Accordingly the NSC will comprise 10 National level sportsmen, a Lawyer and the Ex Director of Sports, with the current Director of Sports as a non-voting Chief Executive of the NSC. 

Members of National Sports Associations, Politicians, and those functioning as Coaches, Selectors, Players, Sports Advertisers, Sports Goods Agents, Bookmakers, Journalists, Publishers and Commentators cannot be members of the NSC. 

NSC can formulate its own rules for conduct of its business, determine its own rules for non-attendance and payment for attendance and co-opt advisors/experts as and when necessary. 

The NSC or the Ministry will have no role to play in the appointment of Selection Committees, selection of National Teams and selection of National Coaches in respect of established sports.

To be continued 

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