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Kalu
bats for nets Among the many familiar faces who will be there will be a cricketer who has spoken out in support of the concert’s mission. That dynamic wicket-keeper and explosive opening batsman Romesh Kaluwitharana is also a philanthropist may come as a surprise to some. “The national team’s success has earned us peoples’ trust. I value and treasure it and want to give something back,” he says. Kalu, as he is affectionately known, is actively supporting the ‘Million Mosquito Nets for Million Children’ project, an initiative of Arjun Krishnaratne, the musician with a cause. The Country Music Foundation, organisers of the Country Road concert, will donate the proceeds of this year’s show to the Million Mosquito Nets fund. Kalu first heard of the novel project from Krishna and fully backed this worthy cause. “I had a tough childhood as my father died when I was seven and my brother was six,” he recalls, explaining his reasons for supporting a child-centred project. With their mother working outstation, they spent most of their time with their grandfather and aunt, seeing their mother only on the weekends. Success, however, did not come to him overnight. Speaking of the hard work and dedication he had to put in, Kalu says, “It was my father’s dream that I play for the Sri Lanka cricket team, and so I worked hard to fulfil his dream.” Currently working for Sri Lanka Insurance, Kalu has more time to spare and is aware of the many poor children, especially in the outstation areas, who suffer without proper food. “A mosquito net is the least of their priorities when they live a hand-to-mouth existence without basic necessities,” he says. The cricket star believes that providing marginalised children with mosquito nets will save them from mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue and malaria. “Mosquito nets are the best solution that would ensure at least a good night’s rest for them.” Kalu says he will be visiting various places to urge people to donate to the cause. He considers it vital not only to create awareness among the people and secure funds but also to ensure that the nets are given to the deserving children. It appears that humanitarian work is not new to this much-loved cricketer. He has participated in tsunami-relief and charity work in the North-East and other parts of the country. Not long ago, accompanied by world famous cricket commentator Tony Greig, Kalu visited Jaffna to take part in an International Children’s Day programme — “Bonding with youth through sport”. With success also come certain responsibilities, Kalu believes. On a personal note, he is extremely grateful to God and constantly conscious of those in need. “I always tell my seven-year-old son Ramith that he should not waste food and that he should bear in mind that millions of people around the world go hungry each day. We cannot do much but we need to think of them and help in any small way that we can,” he says. As for social responsibility, he feels that cricketers should take on roles that make them positive role models. On his life after cricket, he says, “It is good, different and I am happy.” Kalu says he is still in touch with the game as he continues to coach the Colts Cricket Club. To aspiring young cricketers he says, “You should have self-confidence and motivation to do well. If you have faith in yourself and respect yourself and others, you will never fail in life.” |
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Copyright © 2001 Wijeya Newspapers
Ltd. All rights reserved. |
On
Sunday, April 2, country music fans will be heading down to the
Cinnamon Grand to enjoy a concert that has for many years been famous
for providing great music and more importantly a message of caring
for children in need. Country Roads, the 14th concert in the series
this year too has a mission — a mission with a difference.
