Roy Dias lives at the Taj Samudra with the young Sri Lankan cricketers who are playing against the Australian Cricket Academy managed by Rod Marsh. He said he was deeply hurt by the accusations levelled against him, Duleep and D.S.De. Silva by Bandula Warnapura in an interview with the Indian Express which was reproduced by the Sunday Times last week.
Roy had this to say to Bandula Warnapura: I was approached to go to South Africa with a rebel side. Taking into consideration that almost everybody who was playing for the Sri Lankan team at that time had decided to go on the tour, I too decided to join them, but at no stage was I involved in organising the tour. The local organisers were Tony Opatha and Flavian Aponso. I never met the foreign party concerned. All the contracts were signed at Tony Opatha's house. After a few days I was approached by a senior member of the Board and was requested not to go on the rebel tour for the sake of the country. I was also under tremendous pressure by my family and friends and decided to pull out. I informed the tour party that I was pulling out for personal reasons.
The Sri Lankan team led by Duleep Mendis went to Zimbabwe. In Zimbabwe a lawyer masquerading as a reporter came to our hotel and requested me to join the rebels, but I told him that I was not interested.
I must say again that I did sign to go to South Africa and pulled out. I have never ever denied that. I wonder why Warnapura at this stage, decides to bring these things out as our cricket does not need this type of controversy. We are the champions of the world.
Bandula was appointed Director of Coaching for BCCSL and he held the post of Cricket Manager of the Sri Lankan team. Last year he was nominated as the beneficiary from Sharjah. He was paid a sum of US$ 20,000 which amounts to over a Million SL rupees. I was in line as the beneficiary, but the Board decided to give it to Bandula and I supported it and nobody grudged that. I do not know why Bandula is pointing out that I am a national selector after having held more important positions. Why is he slinging mud at us?
I was appointed a national selector three years ago.
There was no reason for me to stage something, to become the vice captain of the Sri Lankan team. I was in line for the vice captaincy. My performance will prove that.
I refer to the article that appeared on page 15 (Sports Page) of The Sunday Times, dated 7 September 1997 under the heading "Brains Behind the Rebel Tour - Warnapura".
You have published an article that had appeared in the Indian Express on 22 August 1997 relating to an interview given by Mr.H.Natarajan, with Mr. Warnapura.
The article containing the statement made by Mr. Warnapura to the effect that I was to join the South African Rebel Tour was utterly false.
I was unaware of the rebel tour until the paper carried banner headlines. The tour was hatched in utter secrecy. I was never approached by any person, nor did I approach any of the cricketers, organisers or any other person connected with the rebel tour. I challenge Mr. Warnapura to produce any agreement or documentation that I, according to Mr. Warnapura had allegedly signed to be part of the team to South Africa.
It is extremely unfortunate that Mr. Warnapura is trying to tarnish my name with malicious statements which would be detrimental to my integrity, since presently I am a National Selector and the coach of the champions, Bloomfield Cricket Club. This causes me immense prejudice, pain of mind, and affects my standing in the sports world and damages my reputation.
If Mr. Warnapura does not substantiate his allegation by documentation or if he does not publicly apologize to me I would not hesitate to take legal action against him. Therefore, I kindly request you to give the same publicity to my statement. Old Wesleyites to conduct invitation cricket sixes
The fifth schools invitation knock-out six-a-side cricket tournament conducted by the Old Wesleyites Sports Club and sponsored by the Ceylon Cold Stores will be worked off on Saturday and Sunday (Sept 27 and 28) at Campbell Park.
The popular curtain raiser for the schools cricket season will see for the very first time all matches being played on turf with a white ball, black sight screen and coloured shirts - all provided by the sponsors.
Twenty two schools have been invited for the contest. They are: De Mazenod, Isipatana, St. Sebastian's, St. Benedicts's, Nalanda, Dharmapala, St. Joseph's, Royal, S.Thomas', St. Peter's, Thurstan, Prince of Wales, Wesley, Kalutara MV, Richmond, D.S.Senanayake, Joseph Vaz, Maris Stella, Siri Piyaratne MMV, Sri Jayawardenapura MV, Lumbini MV.
With the closing date of entries - five schools - namely: St. Peter's, St. Sebastian's, Isipatana, Richmond and Kingswood have yet not confirmed their participation. The past winners of this tournament are: 1993: Royal, 1994: Kalutara MV, 1995: Thurstan and 1996: Nalanda.
Live commentaries will be given over SLBC Commercial Service on Saturday (September 27) and on Rupavahini on Sunday (September 28).
Other than the trophies for the champions, awards will be made to the best batsman, best bowler, best fielder, man of the tournament and man of the final.
Since Wesley College will be celebrating their 125th anniversary in March next year, they hope to conduct this tournament, probably over three days, with more schools participating.
The draw will take place on Monday (September 22) at 6.30 pm at the club pavilion.
One of the world's oldest golf courses, the Royal Colombo Golf Club, will be the venue of the AirLanka Golf Classic on November 15 and 16.
AirLanka is offering golf enthusiasts both in Sri Lanka and abroad, the opportunity for classic golfing on this challenging par 71 course. The tournament will be on stableford basis for amateur golfers and will be played in accordance with the rules of golf adopted by the R & A Golf Club of St. Andrews and the local rules of the match committee. The selection of winners will be based on the stableford points scored.
Over 150 local and overseas players are expected to participate in this Golf Classic.
Prizes in various categories include first class return air tickets on Airlanka, trophies and a holiday package, Airlanka will offer mementos and many surprises to participants at the tournament. further, every participant will receive free membership in Serendib Club, AirLanka's frequent flyer programme - for one year. Existing members will receive a bonus of 50 points.
AirLanka intends to offer participants from overseas the exciting prospect of classic golfing together with a holiday in an exotic tropical island. They will also have the opportunity of sampling the country's other asset - the superb par 70 course in Nuwara Eliya.
AirLanka together with the tournament's official travel agent Walkers Tours has designed an attractive, economically priced Golf Classic holiday package inclusive of an economy class air fare with 3 nights accommodation at the Trans Asia Hotel and airport transfers. An extended holiday in Colombo or Nuwara Eliya could be obtained at very little extra cost. The package to Nuwara Eliya also includes a tour of Kandy.
The package provides for special programmes for non-golfers and accompanying persons. - (AF)
After many years, the Travel Trade Sports Club will conduct its annual Athletics Meet on September 21 at the Shalika grounds Narahenpita commencing at 8 am. Despite conducting a very heavy calendar of sporting events for the members of the Travel Trade each year, the Sports Club could not accommodate an Athletics Meet due to logistical reasons. However this year, under the aegis of Lanka Sports Reizen, the meet has been revived.
Conducted under AAA rules, the meet will accommodate entries for 9 events in the Men's section and 8 events in the Women's section while 6 team events will also be held. A points system will be implemented in order to determine the ultimate winning team of the meet.
A total of 344 entries have been received from the member firms and it is expected that all 23 events will be held as scheduled. A record 32 entries have been received for the 100m (Men's) and 1500m (Men's) events while the 200m(Men's) and Walking Race 800m (Men's) events have received 29 entries each. A Tug-o-War contest for Men and Women will also be held to bring an element of fun to the meet.
The meet is the brainchild of the Managing Director of Lanka Sports Reizen, Mr. Thilak Weerasinghe, who undertook to sponsor as well as organize the meet on behalf of the Travel Trade Sports Club. Given the success of other sporting events conducted by the Travel Trade Sports Club, this event too is expected to draw a large crowd.
It was the one that got away for Italy's Guido Cappellini.
There he was, running away with the 1996 U.I.M. Formula One World Championship, having won the first six races. And now the F1 powerboat circus found itself in Campione on the beautiful Lake Lugano, site of his national race, the Italian Grand Prix.
Needless to say, it was a doubly sweet victory for Jonathan Jones of the Gold Leaf F1 Racing Team when he interrupted Cappellini's march to perfection by winning the race.
''It was special, when you think that everyone wanted Guido to win,'' Jones says. What was most surprising was that Cappellini was never really in the race, even though he had taken the pole position when strong winds compressed qualifying into a five-minute window.
Jones was third on the grid, behind Anton Van Heerden, but gained the lead after a restart and fought Finland's Pertti Leppala to the wire for victory.
Cappellini elected to start on the back of the grid, perhaps expecting to overtake the field during the race, but misfiring problems had him in the pits several times and he finished out of the points.
The Cricket crazy people of Ratnapura and Kegalle will be able to see Sri Lanka Test players of the calibre of Sanath Jayasuriya, Roshan Mahanama and Marvan Atapattu in action as National selectors have named a 14 member squad to play in two exhibition matches on 20th and 21st of this month. Both the teams will be captained by Roshan Mahanama
The team to play in the match at Ratnapura on 20th: Roshan Mahanama (captain), Sanath Jayasuriya, Marvan Atapattu, Romesh Kaluwitharana, Lanka De Silva, Ruwan Kalpage, Kumar Dharmasena, Chaminda Vaas, Ravindra Pushpakumara, Muttiah Muralitharan, Sajeeva Silva, Upul Chandana, Hemantha Botheju and Dilhara Fernando. For the match at Kegalle on the 21st the only change will be Upul Chandana replacing Ravindra Puhapakumara
The Board of Control for Cricket in Sri Lanka has named 13 wicket keepers to undergo a wicket keeping programme which will be conducted by former Australian wicket keeper Rod Marsh at the P.Sara Stadium today. Rod is here in Sri Lanka as the manager of the Australian Cricket Academy.The programme is scheduled to start at 8.45am
The folowing players are requested to be present at the P.Sara Stadium: Romesh Kaluwitharana, Lanka De Silva, Pubudu Dassanayake, Indika Galagoda, Sampath Perera, Prasanna Jayawardena, Dilshan Vitharana, Rally Tissera, Jerome Fernando, Chamara Dunusinghe, Piyaasaf Senaratne, Sanjeewa Gayan, Buddika Ekanayake
The inaugural soft ball cricket sixes organised by Gulf Air will be played today at NCC grounds.There will be 34 teams in the fray The tournament will be played for the Gulf Cup.
The tournament is co sponsored by DHL The world wide Carrier Gulf Air is hoping to make this event an annual one in the aviation industry's sports calendar.
There will be attractive prize money on offer for winners and runners up of the tournament.The tournament will see teams from Passenger/cargo, Hotels and other Industry related organisations participating.
There will be over 2000 junior boys and girls seen in action at the junior school athletic championship, School relay Championships, Inter club relay Championships and seventh and tenth pentathlon which will be held from Sep 17 to the 20th at the Welagedera Stadium Kurunegala.
The Championship is organised by the Sri Lanka Schools Athletic Association.The Championships will see boys and girls in the age group of under11 and 13 taking part.
The relay championship will have age groups of under 15,16, 17 and 21 taking part. 47 and 45 competitors would be participating in the seventh and tenth Pentathlon respectively.
Foreign players participating in local tournaments have served local rugby in many ways to improve the local game and the skills of the local players. Unlike in the past the local players have made vast strides - where the back division showed abundant skills - by way of fearless tackling and indulged in open rugby, that has drawn much spectator attention - the cornerstone for the clubs and the local players to make an impact in the local tournaments with close competitions.
In the past only a few clubs were in a position to indulge in this type of play. But today, there is consistency among the participating teams, thanks to the foreign players who have strengthened the respective club teams to come on equal terms where the local players have improved their skills.
The clubs are called upon to foot the bills of the foreign players, but it has proved to be a worthwhile investment for its improvement to the local players to indulge in open rugby - the mode of play in the international scene.
This skills of the local players at national level has made vast strides.
This was evident when Sri Lanka team skippered by Priyantha Ekanayake for the first time won the quadrangular tournament getting the better of Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore, with an all round team effort.
The participation of foreign players in the local tournaments have been the cynosure. They have given of their best to their respective teams and also inspired the local players too, to indulge in fast open rugby which is the showpiece to draw much spectator attention and help fill its coffers, to foot the bills of the foreign players.
Armchair criticsIn some quarters earlier armchair critics opposed the inclusion of foreigners in the club scene. Their participation has made a tremendous impact in the local scene at club levels and the skills of the local players, too has made vast strides.
This was evident when they represented the country at international level.
Even the schoolboys, too have improved their skills, by watching the foreign players, who have inspired the youngsters to indulge in fast and open rugby, by watching competitive club rugby at higher levels.
Some of the leading clubs are dominating the local scene - thanks to the foreign players, who have given of their best for the respective clubs to dominate. This has also helped the clubs in a big way with their ardent supporters rallying round to help them with men and material.
The last of the major tournaments for the season - the President's Trophy final between Kandy S.C. and CR and FC (played on Sept.7) roused great spectator attention at Longden Place.
It was a keenly contested game, where the well-knit team Kandy SC won the third cup for the season, when they outplayed the CR and FC after a keen contest. The Hill capital team was greatly helped by their foreign players, and were able to defeat the red shirts for the fourth time this season thanks to an all round team effort.
Though Kandy S.C was inspired by their foreign players, they still had immense local talent, who could act without fear or favour, namely Priyantha Ekanayake, Asoka Jayasena, Haris Omar, Nalaka Weerakkody and Skipper Lasantha Wijesuriya, who had immense rugby skills to match any opponent.
Foreign players played a major role in some key games, but there was no doubt that the local players, too showed their class, which in turn inspired them to represent the country.
Good managementIf any sport is to compete at international level, then there should be closely contested club tournaments. To achieve this objective it needs a strong management, which could act without fear or favour. It will also make an impact, if the officials holding office have played the game at the highest level.
This will also help stress on discipline and control the games according to the rules. Are trophies more important than the game? But in the longer run it's the game that will play a vital role. Of course the trophies play a decisive factor for the success of the clubs concerned. In the end, sportsmanship on and off the field, will give the clubs more strength and support for the clubs on the longer run and improve its image.
Crowd plays a decisive role in any sport for its success. But at the same time must not bend to vociferous crowd behaviour. This could be overcome through a strong management at both club and national level.
But the present SLRFU management has the guts to work as one unit on and off the field.
There may be shortfalls here and there.
But one must not try to take away the credit for a job well done and keep it out of politics at all levels.
Priyantha Ekanayake one of the best forwards, who could match at international level, led the Sri Lanka team to win the quadrangular tournament by getting the better of Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore.
But in some quarters critics may say that even a Sri Lankan school team could have achieved it. Seeing is believing. But certainly not at national level.
The Minister of Sports S.B. Dissanayake a glutton for work, is doing a fine job to uplift sport all round, thereby helping the rural youth to match their skills, with the support and encouragement afforded to them by the Ministry. Minister Dissanayake had a word of praise for the Rugby Union, under Dr. Maiya Gunasekera, who has done a fine job.
SponsorshipThe game could be improved at national level, provided if the local players are afforded the facilities for their personal well being on and off the field. A senior official of the SLRFU told the Sunday Times that they are paying much attention to improve the financial section, by way of sponsorship, thereby skills of the local players could be improved.
In other countries foreign players, who are playing for local clubs are eligible to play for the country, unlike in Sri Lanka.
There is difference of opinion regarding this crucial decision, which has been discussed at the highest level.
At this juncture two foreign players are eligible to play for a club but still barred from representing the country at national level.
Then only one player should be allowed to play for a club instead of two.
This will also give an opportunity for the local players to match their skills with their contemporaries to achieve success instead of depending on the foreigners to achieve their objective.
This will also help to give more assistance to the local players to gain much strength on and off the field. This in no way deprives the clubs concerned of reinforcing their teams with foreigners. They are eligible even to register more than two players, but only one player will be allowed to play in any competitive match.
This is a vital dicision that has to be taken by the governing body. But to become a reality it needs support. Otherwise they must strive hard to get the greenlight for the foreign players to represent the country at national level as some of them have the country at heart.
SpinelessWith a united effort nothing is impossible.
This will also help the local players to maintain a high standard of discipline and maintain fitness in preparation for the matches ahead.
CalendarThe matches drawn for the rest of 1997-September 27 and 28-Inter-club 'sevens' organised by the SLRFU- at Longden Place:
October 4- Denzil Kobbekaduwa Trophy- at Nittawela. Central Province -Western province ( only local players are eligble to take part). This will also be a trial to pick the national team.
October 15- NT Australia Vs, Sri Lanka at Nittawela.
October 17-N.T. Australia Vs. President's XV- at Longden Place.
October 19 -N.T Australia Vs-Sri Lanka- Longden Place.
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