Prokarting changes into top gear at Millennium Park

Bowmankarts have also appointed Colombo prokarts as their sole agent for their entire range of prokarts and other karting equipment in Sri Lanka. 

Colombo prokarts are now able to import these fantastic machines, for those keen on running their own kart at millennium park. 

Platinum Membership

Colombo prokarts are introducing an exclusive platinum membership for regular prokarters who can avail themselves of a state of the art, fully air-conditioned lounge with 2 pool tables, a wide screen TV showing motor sports and live sporting action. All the facilities at the lounge is free of charge for the first 200 platinum members. Prokarters who opt for platinum membership will make tremendous savings as much as 40% off normal prokarting rates. details of membership and application forms are available at the millennium park.

Corporate Races and all island Championships

Corporate racing will commence in mid May with each segment of business such as airlines, bankers, the garment industry, hoteliers, travel trade, embassies etc. will be given a race day, every Saturday. 

The all island championships consisting of six rounds will commence in June to determine prokarting champion for juniors which will be in two age groups, for ladies and an open event. 

Colombo prokarts has set their sights to organise a Royal-Thomian prokart encounter in the finest tradition that the schools are famous for, as a stepping stone to introduce prokarting amongst schools.

Race Bookings open

The Caltex prokart track will be the hunting ground for aspiring racing drivers where a group of 5 to 8 drivers can reserve the track for a period of half an hour and enjoy an actual race complete with briefing, practise for qualifying grid position and the race proper. 

groups of race prokarters who have completed ten races will be given the benefit of a free race.

Lap Timming / Driver Grading

The Caltex race track which will be equipped with roc timming will allow all prokarters to have a print out of their performance in respect of the laps performed. 

This will inspire prokarters keen on motor racing to asses and improve their performances. 

With the ultimate in timing equipment being installed drivers will be graded into four categories and awarded platinum, gold, silver and bronze medals once a year.

Any prokarter who wishes to be graded will have to attend official timing sessions on Sundays between 11.30 am -12.30 pm.

Prokarting the Cradle of Motor Sports

It must be recalled that the drivers in the calibre of Pradeep Jayawardene, Dinesh Deheragoda, Randy Batcho, Nadeera Jinasena started off their racing careers by nurturing their talents in prokarts. The track at millennium park provides the ideal opportunity for those interested in stepping into competitive racing.

Children and for that matter adults who are interested in being shown the finer points in proper disciplined race driving can do so on Sunday mornings under the tutelage of current racing drivers.

Those interested in attending these training sessions are advised to leave their contact name and contact number at the cashiers desk or call 075337050.

Football gets biggest boost

By Annesely Fereira 

However it would be remiss on my part if I do not remember with a measure of appreciation the pioneers who offered their invaluable aid and assistance to keep the sport healthy and vibrant. Amongst the first five were Sir Edwin Hayward, Sir Henry De Mel, Sir Allan Rose, Sir John Tarbat, Sir Denatus Victoria under whose patronage V.A. Julius, G. Vanderspar, H. H. Capper, J. Bremner, L.O. Leefe, N.M. Christeffelesz, P.L. Bathelomeusz, A.A. Perera, H. Beadle, V.S. de Krester and T. Kandiah. 

Equally formidable were the second batch of pioneers, namely, Col. Stanley Fernando, Capt. W.T. Brindly, V.A. Sugathadasa, E. Velayutham, Dr. A.R.M Waffarn, V.K. Arumugam, A.W. Musafer, C. Heenatigala, D.T.N. Nanayakkara, B.G.S. David, Sam Vargeese, R. Jeevaratnam, S.K. Gunawardena, N. Arasaratnam and that glutton for work P.M.S. Wijesunderam who collectively promoted football to be truly a national sport. Thank you all sir's for your sweat and toil!

Nevertheless it is to the eternal credit of the incumbent officials that the long felt need for a 'roof of its own' was accomplished. Ever since the formation of the controlling body for football on 3rd April 1939 to be precise, this great sport was denied a headquarters for over six decades. Hence this imposing building that is to be christened will herald a new chapter in the annals of football in this land - thanks once more to all those concerned. Now that this insatiable need has been met, lets hope our performing competitive standards too will be able to match the new found finances and facilities, at least to reach Asian standards. All those who are genuinely interested in our football must now help to achieve this objectives. 

In fact this gorgeous head quarters will remain a silent but a constant reminder of the unfailing service or those who made this dream come true.

Determination paves the way

By Tania Fernando

Kavin went out to win the under 17 and under 19 events at the recently concluded squash tournament. This tournament was organized by the Sri Lanka Squash Federation in order to celebrate their 20th anniversary.

"After I was not selected to represent the Squash National Team that went to India for the Asian Junior Championship, I was determined to win these events", said Kavin. 

The incident that stands out in his memory he said was when he was not even allowed to play trials when the Junior National Team was selected to go to India for the Asian Junior Championship. "There was a trial in December, just four days after I had sat for my O/L Examination and I lost by 2 points since I was out of practice", Kavin said adding that after that he was not allowed to even play for the second trials which were held in January.

"After that I was totally motivated and my coach too was encouraging me and that's how I was determined to win the next tournament that I participate in", he said. His coach is Mrs. Yasmin Zarook, who was the Women's Open Champion for five consecutive years. However, even though he was not selected for the team event for the tournament held in India, Kavin did participate at the Individual Tournament and was able to enter the second round. In addition to this he had participated at the Milo Malaysian Junior Open Championship in 1998 when he came into the quarterfinals in the plate event. Sixteen-year old Kavin started playing Squash from the age of 11-years after having seen his father, being involved in the game. "I was interested in the game, but my father was always encouraging and advising me and is my biggest supporter", Kavin said. His father is Sarath Jayawardene, the reining over 45 years squash champ. He might be just 16-years old, but he has got his life mapped out and said that he wants to study medicine at Oxford University, London. But for now, Kavin a student of St. Thomas' College, Mt. Lavinia has his heart set on being the Men's Open Champion. "I have already started training for the Nationals which will be held in December", he said.

He was the winner at last year's Inter-School Tournament, the Le-Kandyan Tournament, and the under 17 at the SSC Open Squash Tournament. He is presently ranked at No. 1 for the under 17's.

'Star Twins' from sos Galle

Making use of all the opportunities available at school, as well as at the SOS Children's Village to improve their skills in sports, Harsha and Hasanka were able to excel in a number of sporting activities.

They have won many trophies and certificates for their performances in Track and Filed events held at their school's sports meets. Last year, Hasanka emerged as the 'Under 11' Athletics Champion, establishing a new school record, while his twin brother Harsha was the runner-up in the 'Under 11' Track and Field events.

Apart from Athletics, Harsha and Hasanka have recently taken up Gymnastics to develop their strength and agility. 

Among children who attended a Gymnastics Course held at the Children's Village, Harsha and Hasanka were the only ones privileged to be invited to be members of the Gymnastics Pool of Sangamittha College, the Sports School of Southern Province. Having identified their talents in Gymnastics, their Coach helped pave the way for Harsha and Hasanka to exhibit their skills at the Southern Province Gymnastics Competition last year, where Hasanka was placed first and second in two events and Harsha was placed second and third in the same events.

Last year the twins were chosen to represent the 'Under 13' Gymnastics Team of the Southern Province at the All Island National School Games Gymnastics Tournament, held at the Sugathadasa Stadium in Colombo. They won fourth and fifth places, competing against more than seventy-five students from schools all over the country. Harsha and Hasanka were the only ones from the whole of Southern Province to win places at this Tournament

After watching their performance, the Principal of their school requested Harsha and Hasanka to display their Gymnastics skills at the annual sports day of their school. These twin stars hope to practice hard under their Coach and come up to national level in Gymnastics in future.

-Anton Narangoda

Cycle races in Matale, May 17

This cycle race is open to men and women, who are permanent residents in the Matale, Kandy and Nuwara Eliya Districts. 

Matale District Volleyball Coach N.W.A. Danapala, who is coordinating this event told The Sunday Times that all the District sports officers of the three districts have already been informed to send in the official lists of the competitors to reach the Matale District sports office on or before 8th May. 

The races will commence at 7.00 a.m. opposite the Matale Municipal Council and it will be flagged off by the Mayor of Matale Rohana Dissanayake. 

Special squad a "must" for sevens rugby - Nazim

By Bernie Wijesekera 

A fine team man he led the CH&FC in the1999-2000 to emerge league champions, defeating CR&FC in the "decider" when he scored a last-minute heart-throbbing try to nudge the red shirts in a thriller. 

Mohamed was interviewed by The Sunday Times for his comments pertaining to the deteriorating standards in "sevens" rugby in the last few years when the Lankans were held in high esteem in the Asian region. 

Q: With so much of 7s experience behind you what have you got to say about our performances in 'sevens' tournaments? 

A: Sad to mention during the last 10 years the Lankans have won only one game at the H.K. 'sevens' in 1994. 

Q: Any comments for this downfall? 

A: Well, facts are stubborn. Firstly, due to mismanagement and lack of knowledge in 7s rugby and proper planning. The Lankans possess abundant "sevens" skills no doubt. What the players need is proper guidance. I will elaborate further for this downward trend. At present the schools are indulging in 10-a-side rugby in the Under-19 and 17, which is not helping 7s rugby at national level. Upto the '90s it was 'sevens' rugby at school level. Is there any logical reason to play 10s rugby instead of 'seven's, which is the nursery for the future he added. 

There is only one club tournament organized by the Rugby Union. The SLRFU must organise and play more 'sevens' tournaments and giving playing opportunities for the youngsters to improve their skills. Take countries like Malaysia and Thailand playing more 'sevens' tournaments in their calendar than Sri Lanka who have been playing rugby since colonial times. The Lankans could be tagged as one of the most senior teams in the Asian region. But today Sri Lanka rugby is among the last in the ladder. 

Augurs well

The Western Province Rugby Union, plays Under-24 10-a-side and 15-a-side rugby. But I am happy to note that today they have shifted from 10s to 'sevens' rugby which augurs well for the future 7s at National level. They must strive to run a 'sevens' tournament for Under-21 along with the 15-a-side.

Its heartening the WPRFU had a Under-24 'sevens' tournament. Put petty issues aside, Kandy SC should be commended when they organise an intentional club 'sevens' tournament which proved a roaring success. They did a fantastic job and put Sri Lanka Rugby in the world map. 

The local players and the fans have an opportunity of playing and watching 'sevens' with an international flavour he added. 

What is the remedy? There should be a development 'sevens' squad along with the National squad. I feel there should be two different coaches to handle them. This squad should be a feeder to support the National team. This squad should be in continuity. The reason for a separate squad - Sri Lanka take part in a 'sevens' tournament away after one month everything is forgotten overnight and await for another tournament to get organised. it attributes to lack of planning. 

Even during the off-season the 'sevens' squad should be in training. This in turn will help pick a team at short notice. The players will be fit and focus in their task to deliver the goods. They may lose but not found wanting in their endeavour. 

There should be a special committee to handle them. The onus will fall on them and will be answerable he added. 

Michael Jayasekera, Hisham Abdeen, Chandrishan Perera, Rohan Abeykoon, Grahame Raux and Priyantha Ekanayake among them. 

The clubs look after the players better in their hour of need, than the national body. Imagine when a player gets injured in a national game, he is forgotten after the match. But its not so with the clubs. They look into his needs until he gets back to his own. This I could say apparently due to poor administration. I say this with no malice. Facts are stubborn. I love rugby and serve this sport in an honorary capacity, when they are found wanting in their respective areas? Though they are doing in an honorary capacity it's their duty to make a sacrifice and deliver the goods. 

Otherwise bow out and make way for others than hanging on. As a result their presence have not helped the game on the longer run. 

The vote and the right to appoint officials to the controlling body lies with the provincial unions. They have the responsibility to appoint the people, who has the vision to achieve their mission. 

I think the selectors are correct with the appointment of Sanjeewa Jayasinghe as captain of the 7s team, with an eye for the future. Jayasinghe on 22 has many more years of rugby before him. But it's amazing to note how come pick four scrum halves for the H.K. 7s. I have my doubts the selection panel has the expertise to do the job. In addition they have played a player in a position where he has never played in his entire career at the Mecca of H.K.'sevens'. 

Sri Lanka crash out of World Junior Tennis

By Annesley Ferreira

Sri Lanka's top boys' player Franklin Emmanuel performed to expectations as he beat India's No 1 player Anshuman Dutta 2/6, 6/3, 6/1 to draw level at 1 all.

Earlier Joseph Roy of India snatched a one - nil lead winning his singles match by defeating Amrith Rupasinghe in straight sets 6/4, 6/4.

The tie was a decider in the doubles with Franklin Emmanuel and Oshada Wijemanne taking the fight to the Indians Anshuman Dutta and Rupesh Roy in a cliffhanger before going down 7/6, 6/4.

With this loss Sri Lanka finished in 10th position - one position better than last year. Emmanuel having lost the first set at 2/6, found his timing and played remarkable cross court passing shots to defeat Dutta, the singles winner at the ITF South Asian and East Asian singles finalist. 

Much is expected of Emmanuel who will have to work on his services.

Earlier Sri Lanka beat New Zealand and Chinese Taipei.

In the girls' section Sri Lanka did nor fare well at all going down badly which saw the No 8 seeds Australia and top seeds China qualify to clash in the final fixed for today, while Indonesia will meet either Hong Kong or Korea in the final.

China, Thailand, Korea and Australia have qualified to play in the World Group girls' finals in Czechoslovakia while Korea, Hong Kong, China and Indonesia have booked their berths into the boys' final.

City sports round-up

Jason in form again

By M.Shamil Amit

At the breather the Thomians led 22-0. Science College had no answer to the Thomians in the end succumbing to a massive 63-0 defeat. 

The Thomians made up their points through four goals and seven tries, winger Jason Jayasekera(four), hooker Adel Munna(two), flanker Jeevan Gunathilake(two), winger Suraj Rajapakse(two) and stand off W.Thajudeen(one) scored the tries. W.Thajudeen converted four of these.

Referee: Rohan Nishantha.

In the match preceding this the Thurstan Under 17 team beat the Thomians Under 17 team by 17 points to 15. The tries for Thurstan were scored by Janaka Athukorale, Gayan Sisitha and Rakhitha Wijeskera with G.Ronald converting one. This match was blown by Kamal Jayawardana.

Trinity in hard fought win

Skipper Thisal Jayasundara, winger Subatileke and full-back Anushka scored for Trinity and Gothabaya scored for Vidyartha.

Referee:N.Rankothge.

Trinity juniors routed Vidyartha 29-0 -(A.K)

First innings win for Moors

Moors-148(Manoj Fernando 21, Chandika Hathurusinghe 34, Dilshan Vitharna 52; R.Priyadharshana 2 33, S.M.Ramzan 3 for 8) and 208 for 8 wickets at close(Shafie Sampan 24, Dhammika Rajapakse 41, Chandika Hathurusinghe 56, Nilantha Cooray 38 not out; R.Pritadharshana 3 for 27, A,Jayasinghe 2 for 43, N.C.Komasaru 3 for 52.

Matara-113 (A.Jaya-singhe 34; Nandika Ranjith 5 for 42, Charinda Fernando 2 for 16) 

-MSA 

18 teams for hockey sevens

Nondescripts poised to take Premier League cricket title ?

By Marlon Fernandopulle

After bowling out CCC for 246 NCC slumped to 63 for 4 wickets before skipper Hashan Tilakaratne(48) and Ajantha Weerapulli (44) put on 86 runs for the 5th wicket. However with the departure of Tilakaratne and Weerapulli in quick succession NCC were left with a daunting task. But a spirited 57 run stand for the 7th wicket between Ruwan Kalpage(41) and Malinga Bandara (32) helped NCC to once again take the fight to their opponents. The dismissal of Ruwan Kalpage in the penultimate over left NCC still needing six runs for victory with their last wicket pair Akalanka Ganegama and Ishara Amarasinghe at the crease.

CCC -246 all out

NCC -241/9 at close(Rally Tissera 26 Ajantha Weerapulli 44 Hashan Tilakaratne 48 Ruwan Kalpage 41 Malinga Bandara 32 Chamikara Mudalige 2/58)

TU Spinners rout BRC

In reply to Tamil Unions 314 all out the Havelock park club needing a victory in this game to win this year's title were bundled out for 217.S Silva top scored with a fluent 53. Upul Chandana picked up 4 for 31 and Bandaratilake captured 3 for 58.

Tamil Union - 314 & 25/2 at close

BRC- 217 all out (S. Silva 53 V. Waragoda 32 C. Jayasinghe 49 C. Handunhettige 38 U. Chandana 4/31 N. Bandaratilake 3/58)

SSC set for outright win

After bowling out Bloomfield for just 88 runs on friday,SSC hit up 300 runs in their first innings.Trailing by 212 runs Bloomfield were 51 for the loss of skipper Sanath Jayasuriya,still needing a further 161 runs to avoid an innings defeat.

Bloomfield -88 & 51 for 1 at close

SSC - 300 all out( Marvan Atapattu 25 Malintha Perera 51 Mahela Jayawardene 57 Hemantha Wickremaratne 32 Thilan Samaraweera 65 H Alles 2/58 S Abeynaike 2/18 R Paliyaguru 3/45)

SLCTB, People's Bank bag TT titles

In the men's A Division final SLCTB beat National Savings Bank while in the women's final People's Bank beat Sri Lanka Insurance Corporation.

The champion SLCTB men's team comprised: H. Gamage, H. Sarathkumara and R.N. Sameera while the women's champion team of the Peoples Bank consisted of : Ira Ruwanpathirana, Sadharma Mallawarachchi and Mela Pushpakumari.

Government Press won the men's B Division title with Sri Lanka Insurance Corporation as the runners-up while Ports Authority won the men's C Division title with Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation as the runners-up.

BCC Lanka Limited won the women's B Division title with Export Development Board and National Apprentice and Industrial Training Authority finishing as joint runners-up.

BCC Lanka Limited bagged a double by winning the mixed doubles crown defeating Sri Lanka Insurance Corporation.

In Brief

Sports Festival for Disabled

The first will be the Powerlifting championships on May 19 at the Ranaviru Sevana at Ragama followed by Crutch football at the Army Grounds, Diyatalawa on May 26th, Volleyball on May 29 at the National Youth Council Courts Maharagama, Table Tennis on May 30th at the S.Thomas Indoor Stadium, Mount Lavinia. 

Swimming will be held at the SSC pool on June 8th followed by Archery on June 15 at the Sugathadasa Stadium Complex, Cricket at the Shalika grounds, Narahenpita on June 20, Tennis at the SLTA at Greenpath on June 23 and Athletics on July 2&3 at the Sugathadasa Stadium. 

The dates for Shooting has not been finialised yet.

Archery titles for Dudulie Silva

Dudulie Silva won the girls under 16 - 30 metres, tye girls under 18 - 30 metres and womens novices 30 - metres titles aggregating 225, 261 and 269 points respectively. 

Results

Girls under 16 - 30 metres: Dudulie Silva, Thenusha Udani Leelasena, Sachie Fernando. Boys under 16 - 30 metres: Manesha Marambe, Sajuna Fernando, Sarith Edema. Girls under 18 - 30 metres: Dudulie Silva, Udani Leelasena, Sachie Fernando. Modified Olympic Round - Woman - 70 metres: Sajeevi Silva, Manjula Tennakoon, Swandi Jayaweera. Woman Novices - 30 metres: Dudulie Silva, Sachie Fernando, Kanchana Jayaweera. 

Modified Olympic round, men- 70 metres: Kesara Serasinghe, Prasad Fernando, Muditha Thotogamuwa. 

Boys under 18 - 30 metres: Chatura Nawarathna, Bhagya Silva, Praveen Edema. Men's Novices - 30 metres; Chathura Nawaratna, Muditha Thotagamuwa, Praveen Edema.

Court of Appeal wins Southern Derby

From Channaka de Silva in Matara

The dynamic thoroughbred clinched the most coveted title, 'The Southern Derby' at the beach horse races organised by the Southern Motor Sports Club and the Sri Lanka Turf Club with a final spurt in the final 50 metres.

Coming to the final stages, almost on level with Gamini Jayaratne's Crowning Star, Court of Appeal ridden by Mathee Alagan hit the finish by over a body length in front after a stunning late burst.

Embrace owned by Nigel Austin finished third. 

The races held on the Matara beach for the second year is claimed to be the only Beach Horse Races in Asia. 

Once again it created history yesterday when for the first time in Sri Lanka, electric starting gates were introduced for horse racing.

Ministers Mahinda Wijesekera and Mangala Samaraweera were present at the races. 

Air Force 33 Course get-together

The Organising Committee requests members to contact Hilary (Tel: 438161), Rohan (Tel: 035-67510) or Asoka (Tel: 331689) for details.

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