| All's
not well with ACUSL - Upali
By Bernie Wijesekera
The Association of Cricket Umpires Sri Lanka has
run into a storm with the ongoing happenings on and off the field.
If the game is to make much headway, then the levels of umpiring
has to be improved at all levels. The additional Director General,
Rupavahini Corporation, Upali Arambewela who is also the present
president of the ACUSL was interviewed by The Sunday Times.
Q:
With the ongoing happenings with the governing body it's like rice
on the boil. Apparently standards have deteriorated especially in
the games officiated by some of your members in the school games
in recent times. In its wake indiscipline too has raised its ugly
head. Any comments.
A: I took over office for year 2004-'05. The standard
of umpiring has not developed to the expected levels. The examination
grading sub-committee chaired by a vice-president has conducted
a few workshops. But could not be sustained due to the non-availability
of electricity at our headquarters at Race Course for the last six
months. No way an excuse. But still the white coat fraternity must
maintain its dignity at all times and act without fear or favour.
This should be at all levels of the game. Junior (schools) or otherwise.
This is vital for the development of cricket. They should be totally
committed. But not merely for money culture. I have personally received
many complaints from schools where some of them were found wanting.
Q:
What is the remedy?
A: To find the funds. 1) The present criteria of recruiting
of umpires should be amended. 2) There should be match referees
to monitor the standard of umpiring in fairness to the game like
in the club games run by SLC. Must use (video cameras) to record
and analyze their performances. After identifying the weaknesses
and take remedial measures.
Q:
Where are you going to find the funds?. How are you going to work
on this project?
A: The ACUSL is not a money-making commercial body. They
must find avenues to raise the funds. Nothing is impossible. What
matters is , one must have a vision to achieve one's mission. I
am confident that the Sri Lanka Cricket which is doing a good job
at present and working in unison, will give us a helping hand. The
hierarchy of the SLC has done in the past to assist the ACUSL in
many ways. They will give their support in our endeavour to raise
the levels of umpiring here. Before we pinpoint our finger at others
we must raise our own levels here.
Q:
Apparently there is much heart-burn over assignments among the umpires.
Who is the assignment secretary? Is the assignment secretary paid
for communication?
A: The assignment secretary is Mr. T.T.H. Junkeer. He
was earlier paid Rs. 3,000 for his telephone bills. But from April
2004 after the Ex-Co took over office it was increased to Rs. 4,000/-.
But he had to submit the telephone bills for reimbursement. The
Ex-Co took a decision that he must submit the bills for payment.
But he has refused to do so. He has been suspended on financial
irregularities. There is documentary evidence. Apparently misappropriation
of funds. This was done according to the constitution. I have the
power to do so. While Mr. Prasanna Ginige, one of the vice presidents
has failed to attend three consecutive Ex-Co meetings. Thereby he
has vacated the post, acting on Rule 17/F of the constitution. In
his place Asoka de Silva was appointed vice president. As for the
assignment of umpires for matches, there has been many complaints
I have received from the membership in the past. I promised to resolve
them at the last AGM. Accordingly I've instructed the assignment
secretary and the chairman assignment sub-committee to submit to
me a monthly assignment schedule at the Ex-Co meetings. I have made
repeated requests to this effect, which they have failed. Had this
been regularly submitted in fairness to assignments could have been
achieved. Mr. Junkeer's place has been taken over by J.W.K. Boteju
until the inquiry is over.
Q:
What about the petition submitted by 13 members against the Executive
Committee?.
A: Five of them have withdrawn and have tendered an apology
- namely S. Sivasothy, J.C. Indrajith, D.L. Weerasinghe, Dilshan
de Silva and Arnold Fernando. The ACUSL will map out a new infrastructure
whilst co-ordinating with the SLC for its future betterment.
There is nothing to hide. My Ex-Co., is transparent and everyone
has the right to spotlight any shortcomings for the greater good
of the fraternity. Quality umpires mean good cricket.
We need the support of the past cricketers to join the body. In
its wake it will help maintain standards. |
