Courageously and confidently you started the game
On to the series - you came back to fame
Not bothered were we of the torrential rains,
Gathered at the stadium to watch you play the game.
Ranatunga - The cool and contended captain,
Aravinda - The champ who made it this season.
Thillekaratne, Kalu, Murali and Jayasuriya
Upul Chandana, Mahanama, Dharmasena, Vaas and Gurusinghe
Loyally played a game so thrilling and sincere.
Aussies, poor Aussies - that was too bad!!! - but
True spirit you had - when
Ian Healy proved to the world -
Our beloved cricketers have reached their goal
Now lets march forward to the turn of the century,
Sri Lankan cricketers you have our blessings to create history!!!
A tribute to the manager, coach and all our beloved cricketers
As well as those whose names have not been included in this poem.
During the past few months ever since the spectacular and scintillating performances of our Cricketers and Sri Lanka emerging worthy World Champions, the media has been inundated with bouquets and tributes to our Cricketing Heroes. Their performances have been and are continued to be praised and acclaimed in prose, verse and song.
The success of our Cricketers has been attributed essentially to the individual brilliance of a few players astute captaincy and to a lesser degree to a team effort. While no one in particular aspect can be determined as contributing to the remarkable success of our Cricketers, virtually confounding many a Cricket Pundit, the success is attributable to a combination of factors.
Handsome tributes have also been paid to various Cricket Administrators past and present, for their dedication enthusiasm, commitment and perseverance. While no ardent follower of the game and Cricket lovers will grudge the accolades showered on our Cricket Administrators, what about Dave Whatmore - the coach?
Regrettably, the Administrators and Players have apparently forgotten the significant contribution made by this Gentleman or is it that he is intentionally ignored and his contribution relegated to the background.
The fact the Dave Whatmore, virtually transformed the team, with a new approach which has even baffled the Architects of limited over cricket, worked out new strategies for the Team changed the batting order strengthened the batting line up, instilled a high degree of discipline and gave much weightage to physical fitness, cannot possibly be disputed. The new approach, new strategies, discipline and enhancing the physical fitness of the Players among other factors did help to build a well knit, formidable and Winning Team. Regrettably, the contribution by this modest gentleman has been ignored. Why?
Recongnising the contribution made by Whatmore, surely does not retract or undermine the brilliance of our Cricketers, the skills of Captaincy or the untiring efforts of the Administrators. While Dave Whatmore avoids publicity and has so far not even referred directly or indirectly to his contribution, is it not timely, though belated to Officially Compliment him for his contribution. While admiring him for his modesty, reiterating the famous words of John Rusking "I believe the first test of a truly great man is humility" in the same context it is appropriate to quote the immortal words of William James "The deepest principle of human nature is the craving to be appreciated".
Appreciation of his contribution will inevitably be an impetus and motivation to pursue his efforts with greater commitment and dedication.
One wonders why this apparent reluctance to appreciate the contribution made by Dave? Surely what more can Dave expect from us and What more can we ask from him?
The UNP-controlled administration of the Moratuwa Urban Council is in a deplorable state and is not the least concerned about its obligations towards the citizens. The authorities are unaware of the danger that is posed by the non-clearance of garbage piled up on the roads for weeks and weeks. Efforts made by the people to get the garbage cleared fall on deaf ears. These garbage spots have become an eye-sore to the public and a haven for mosquitoes. It is common knowledge that the dengue virus is rampant throughout the country, including Moratuwa. Parents are in a frenzied state of mind about the health of their children fearing that the children would succumb to this dreadful disease, for the indifferent attitude adopted by the UC authorities.
To cite one area, the Chairman with the ward member for Moratuwella should walk along Watson Peiris Mawatha, which is not far away from the Council, to get a first-hand knowledge of the state of affairs.
In order to get the garbage cleared, I telephoned the Secretary of the UC on four occasions and the stock reply was that he would look into the matter and get the garbage cleared. As no action was taken, I telephoned the Chairman and when I explained to him, he too assured me that the garbage would be cleared on the following morning. But alas, the garbage is still there. Just go round, Mr. Chairman, on any road and then only you will see the truth of what I have stated.
Let this be an eye-opener to the Councillors who will face the hustings in a couple of months. The people are really disappointed and disgusted due to the apathy and callousness on the part of the authorities. The citizens have a right to insist on the authorities on this aspect of the matter as they pay rates and taxes for the services rendered by the Council.
Let not the wrath of the citizens be on the Councillors, for they would ultimately be the recipients due to the callousness of the administrators, including the Chairman.
Apropos recent letters appearing in the press, I support wholeheartedly any move to abolish the Central Environmental Authority and handing over the duties which it is supposed to perform , to Police stations in the area.
I am an unfortunate resident of Nawala Road, Rajagiriya. Every day houses in this area get filled with smoke from a bakery situated in the middle of this residential area at Nawala Road, Rajagiriya. To compound this nuisance and health hazard, garbage including pieces of plastic, cellophane bags etc. are burnt almost daily in the premises, the wind blowing the noxious fumes right into our houses.
The owner of the bakery has set up a mini 'industrial estate' in the bakery premises. The noise of workmen working round the clock and the clang of metal against metal and the din of machines operating throughout the day and night is maddening. When there is no smoke the acrid smell of burning firewood and garbage is ever present continually irritating the eyes, nose, throat and lungs leading to God knows what diseases. The C.E.A. to whose attention this serious health hazard was brought times out of number almost religiously requests us to take the matter up with the Kotte U.C. The Kotte U.C. turns a blind eye to all such complaints so much so that the Kotte area is fast becoming the most polluted area in the country and this is supposed to be the New Capital of the country.
How can the relevant authorities be so deaf to our appeals?.
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