An astrologer warned Jamaldeen

The demise of Late Major Nawaz Jamaldeen has created a great void in the battlefield rather than in the sport of rugby where his participation was for a short period. 

Sorrowful as his untimely death came the sad way he had to die. The younger brother of the famous Police ruggerite, Nizam Jamaldeen, failed to survive a road accident which occurred in December last year. Death caused anyway is unbearable. But when a "soldier" dies off the battlefield the chances of dying a hero is somewhat lessened. 

Nawaz Jamaldeen (31) was known for his smartness, friendliness and the special quality he had as a caring individual. He also possessed a ready and charismatic smile. Nawaz had a lovely wife, a daughter and a job which he liked. In fact it was he who decided to commit himself to the Army even though his parents did not like the idea at first. The happy life he was enjoying was "seen" by a Palmist when Jamaldeen once decided to get his palm read. But a warning signal which the palm reader had given that something bad was on the cards meant little to Nawaz. To this brave man, who was quite optimistic with the life he led, being worried had been a problem. As fate neared on him that cold December morning the Jamaldeen family were preparing to boil fresh milk and settle into a new house they had built. Nawaz's delay in arriving was beginning to be felt when Nizam had got an unexpected call. His father, Inspector Ameerdeen Jamaldeen, had inquired as to what was wrong, but Nizam (33) had left the house with his brother without giving any information as to the gruesome news he had just heard. It was only a few hours before that Nawaz had called it a day after playing with his daughter Shadhiya. The string of events which took place hours before his final nap had been nothing but happy for him. He had helped his folks at home in shifting the goods from the Police quarters to the house in Mattegoda and had later excused himself from attending a function of his father's, since he looked forward to being with Shadhiya. In the wee hours of the morning he left without even informing his wife, Yasmin, who had conceived for the second time. 

Ameerdeen's growing curiosity turned into panic when a stranger entered the house with an identity card belonging to Nawaz. Nizam's father-in-law, Farook Lantra, had signalled to this unknown visitor not to say anything and quietly learned what had happened. Nawaz, who was travelling by bike to Mattegoda, had been run over by a bus, and this stranger, Mr. Kannangara, had spotted him fallen a few feet from his house. Lantra who left with Kannangara to the spot where the accident had occurred could see only a pool of blood. Though very late Nawaz had been admitted to the hospital where the doctors refused to do anything. "It's very late. The brain is swollen. We cannot operate on him now" was what one doctor had said. And when Ameerdeen rushed into the hospital he saw his son gasping for air. "I kept my hand on his chest and then he passed away," said Ameerdeen. The mental trauma caused by the death of Nawaz had an appalling effect on Yasmin. What looked as the final gift from her husband was also lost when it was confirmed that the child who was to be born had died in the womb. 

Nizam still has fond memories of his brother playing on the rugby field. They played as opponents while representing their respective teams, Police (Nizam) and Army (Nawaz), in the Premadasa Trophy knock-out Tournament. "I used to annoy him a little by occasionally trampling his hand," reflected Nizam who went on to add that they had always looked forward to dabbling in the run and pass game since the age of seven or eight. 

"We used to arrange our own game of rugby after club matches and Niyaz (30), who is serving in the Navy, also used to join." Nazeer (23), the youngest in the family and now attached to the Sri Lanka Rugby Referees Union, probably was not born at that time. 

Nizam said that his brother was always eager to continue with his rugby, but he had been constantly deployed to operational areas since his services were best needed there. 

The humble character in Nawaz never eluded him in the face of promotions and in places where he was in charge as the "top man". "He was rewarded with the Purna Bhumi, Desha Puthra and Rana Wickrema awards but nothing went into his head," said Ameerdeen. "He was like a small kid when at home," added Lantra who had to speak on behalf of Nawaz's mother, Jeseema who was emotionally moved when the topic arose about her son. "I have sometimes seen him sleeping on his mother's lap after coming home from work. It's like losing one of my own children," reflected Lantra. 

In an Army death notice it was stated that the Late Major Nawaz Jamaldeen had always shown good leadership qualities in whatever tasks entrusted on him. Being a high-ranking officer he would have had the opportunity to keep company with a certain level of people from the society. But those humble qualities were visible in Nawaz whenever dealing with less influential people. A Corporal had once told Ameerdeen that his son always saw to it that his subordinates ate first before he did. 

It would be one year this December 28 since the death of Nawaz Jamaldeen. His wife, daughter and mother-in-law continue to live with grief stuck in their hearts. As for little Shadhiya she will have to live without a dad for the rest of her life. 

Their only means of existence continues to be Nawaz's pension, which his wife receives monthly. But what's a bit saddening is that Nawaz's place of employment - The Sri Lanka Army - had only given Rs. 10,000 during the time of the funeral. 

Can a soldier's service which he offers to the country be valued by money? 

May he attain Jannathul Firdouse! 

Local playing conditions 

(a) Extra time 

In 3 or 4 day matches either Captain can request to play 30 minutes extra time at the end of any day, other than the last day if, in the Umpires' opinion, it would bring about a definite result. If the Umpires do not believe a result can be achieved, no extra time shall be allowed; 

(b) Under the Law regarding fieldsman leaving the field, the time allowed to him to be away from the field has been reduced to 8 from 15 minutes; 

(c) Ball lost or becoming unfit for play 

In the event of a ball during play being lost or in the opinion of the Umpires being unfit for play and needs to be replaced after 110 overs, it has to be replaced by a new ball; 

(d) No Ball penalty 

A penalty of one run shall be scored for any No Ball plus any runs scored from the delivery; 

(e) Beamer  

If a bowler bowls a 'Beamer', the Umpire will call 'No Ball' and give the bowler the first and final warning. After this warning if he bowls another beamer, 'No Ball' will be called and after the ball is dead, the Umpire will instruct the fielding Captain to take the bowler off and the bowler will not be permitted to bowl again in that inning; 

(f) Wide-Penalty 

A penalty of one run for a wide shall be scored plus any other runs scored or awarded. In Limited over matches normal penalty rule for a wide will apply; 

(g) Unfair Play  

Any significant movement, off line or in depth, by a fielder once the bowler commences his run-up will be considered unfair and either Umpire can take action Under Law 42.3 Unfair Play by calling 'Dead Ball' and warning the fielder. The Umpires have to make the judgment taking all the circumstances into account; 

(h) Players damaging the pitch 

In the event the batsman damaging the pitch willfully, will be cautioned and on the next occurrence a Final warning will be given. If these warnings prove ineffective the Umpires will intervene without appeal by calling and signalling 'Dead Ball', disallow any runs scored and return the batsmen to their original ends; 

(i) Teams reporting late for matches 

The Tournament Committee of the BCCSL has requested the Umpires to call off the match if a team has not turned up at the Ground by the end of one hour from the starting time and report the matter to the Tournament Committee who will penalise the offending team. 

Focus

Dharshika Jayakody continues, to collect centuries at will. Playing against Maris Stella in a third term fixture he notched up an unbeating 171, with 23 hits to the ropes and 3 sizzling sixers. 

This century takes his tally to eight in 1997 and 1998 

His earlier centuries are as follows: 

In 1997 he scored 116 vs St. Joseph 's, 131 vs Kingswood, 110 vs Trinity 136 vs Richmond. In 1998 he scored 125 vs St Thomas, 126 vs Carey, 101 vs Nalanda, and 171 not out vs Maris Stella. 

He began blossoming in the under 15 as captain in 1994. His coach Mr. Kodituwakku was of great assistance in moulding Jayakody in the formative stage. His father, a former Bank executive gave him all the encouragement that he needed. 

Jayakody has now come under the watchful eye of Bandula Warnapura former Ceylon Captain. Jayakody is available to play in 1999. One can expect several more centuries from his bat. 

Lalin aims for Gold 

Sri Lanka made its intention quite clear on their medal prospects with the inclusion of Lalin Jeerasinghe and Navy’s K.H Janaka in Yachting for the 13th Asian Games from December 4 to 20 in Pattaya, Thailand. 

Lalin with his sailing experience accounting to over 15 years and K.H Janaka will be trained by the World’s number 2 Richard Esto this week at Bolgoda and at the venue itself in Thailand from November 25 until the races on December 8. 

Lalin and Janaka will have the added advantage in sailing in the Enterprise of the World’s No 2 itself. 

The Sri Lanka’s national champion Lalin started his sailing career representing Sri Lanka at the age of 17 at the South Asian Reggata(SAYR) and thereafter participated in the Asian Games in Bangkok in a OK class dingy. 

In 1982 at the Asian Games in Bombay he finished in fourth place, the best performer amongst the 52 Lankan participants and thereafter went to the Olympics in 1984, the Asian Games in 1986 and to China in 1990. 

Lalin has been sailing in the Enterprise section on the last five occasions. Asitha Tennnekoon who crewed up with Lalin at the1978 Asian Games in Bangkok will go as manager. 

Asitha Tennekoon, Ranil Dias, Joseph Kenny and K. Jeremy Bolling will train along with Lalin under Coach Esto. 

Meanwhile the approval of Thushal Gunawardene and Lalin Lalindra to represent Sri Lanka in the Boat Sailing class is awaited from the National Olympic Committee (NOC). 

Statistical highlights  

England’s David Shepherd was appearing in his 73rd LOI match. Australians Steve Randell (88 matches) and Tony Crafter (84 matches) have officiated in more matches as an umpire in LOIs. 

Nuwan Zoysa made a comeback for Sri Lanka after missing 42 matches. He last appeared at Sharjah against Zimbabwe on 3.4.1997. 

Sri Lanka’s Mutthiah Muralitharan was appearing in his 100 LOI match. He becomes the seventh Sri Lankan and the 78 player on LOI to do so. 

“Arjuna Ranatunga set a new record by winning the toss for the 87th occasion in his 169th match as captain. He bettered Australian Allan Border who had won the toss 86 times in his 178 matches as captain. 

New Zealand’s total of 188 (all out) batting first was its third lowest total against Sri Lanka in a 50 over match. Incidentally the other two instances came while batting second. 

Sanath Jayasuriya who recorded his 12th duck in his career was dismissed for the 5th occasion off the first ball. His first ball ducks were against Pakistan (three occasions ) and India (once) 

It was Aravinda de Silva’s eleventh duck of his career. 

By scoring 48 runs in 76 balls (Strike rate 63.16 runs per 100 balls) Romesh Kaluwitharana scored his slowest innings of his career while scoring 20 runs or more. Further, only twice before his career he has played a longer innings in terms of balls faced (100 in 89 balls) vs Pakistan at Nairobi on 28-9-96 and 68 in 77 balls v England at Lords on 20-8-98 

For the third occasion in his career Arjuna Ranatunga reached 90. It was also the first 90 by any Sri Lankan batsman against New Zealand. 

The fourth wicket partnership of 127 runs between Kaluwitharana and Ranatunga is the best for Sri Lanka against New Zealand in LOIs the previous best being the 71 runs between Ranjan Madugalle and Duleep Mendis at Bristol (England) on 13-6-1983. Incidentally the Kaluwitharana - Ranatunga partnership is also the best at this venue. It betters the previous best of 125 runs between New Zealand Stephen Fleming and Adam Parore, in the first match of this tournament on 24-10-98. 

By winning the match with 51 balls to spare, Sri Lanka achieved its largest victory in terms of balls over New Zealand at the neutral venue. 

The man of the match award was Ranatunga’s 24th of his LOIs career. Only Aravinda de Silva has more awards (25) by a Sri Lankan. 

- Mohandas Menon 

ICC accepts four Sri Lankan proposals

By Marlon Fernandopulle

At the annual meeting held this year ICC Cricket Committee decided to amend the laws relating to: 

a. Extra Time b. Ball lost or becoming unfit for play c. Fielders changing positions after bowlers start their run-up and d. delayed and interrupted matches. 

According to ICC Umpire K.T Francis all these changes initiated by the Sri Lanka Cricket Board together with a few other changes that were decided at the ICC meeting have already come into effect in the international circuit. Sri Lanka will also implement these changes with the commencement of the Division Two tournament next week. 

The detailed changes to the standard playing conditions are as follows: 

The bowler taken off will not be allowed to bowl again in that innings. 

Military Police champs 

At the breather the winners led by 36 points to 21. 

Military Police team playing with superb co-ordination ran riot against the hapless Armoured Corps defence to go on a scoring spree. Susil Dias and Sumith Harasgama were the most outstanding players for the winners. 

With better courtcraft MP took the lead from the tip-off and the outcome was never in doubt. 

The Armoured Corps fought back, but couldn't match the skills of their opponents and went down tamely. For the losers R.B. Chaminda and A.K.A. Roshan stood out. 

In the women's final the One Women's Corp defeated the Two Women's Corps ( Vounteers) by nine points to nil. 

Lt. Gen. Rohan de S. Daluwatte a former basketball star of Sri Lanka was the chief guest and gave away the awards. 

Among the invitees were the president of the Sri Lanka Basketball Association, Malsiri Perera, Maj. Gen. C. Thurairaja and Sam Lovell (past stalwarts) to grace the occasion. 

Lt. Col. Vicum Siriwardene Chairman of the Army Cager section told The Sunday Times that he was doing his best to revive the sport among the soldiers with the support and encouragement given by the hierarchy. 

In the past Army produced some of the best players for the national team. Among them were Lt. Gen. Daluwatte and Maj. Gen. C. Thurairaja added Siriwardena. (B.W.) 

Seethadevi BMV take girls' hockey title

Twenty-eight schools participated in this tournament in four groups with two Kandy schools entering the finals. 

The finalists were Seethadevi BMV and St. Anthony's BMV., Katugastota. 

In the run-up to the finals, Seethadevi BMV beat Museaus 11 nil, Chathurangani Inosha scored 8 goals supported by Skipper Shyama Kumari Ranasinghe, Dilhani Pushpakumari and Buddhi Yauvani one a goal each. 

In the second match Seethadevi BMV beat Wattegama BMV 8-nil. Chaturangani Inosha scored 4 goals with Shyama Kumari Ranasinghe and Buddhi Yauvani scoring a goal each. 

In the third match Seethadevi BMV beat the hot favourites Mahamaya Girls School Kandy with the winning goal being scored by Imalka Samarasinghe. 

St. Anthony's entered the final beating Sangamiththa BMV Galle 12-nil, Vijaya College, Matale 1-nil (off a penalty stroke). Gothami BMV 3-nil and Pushpadana BMV 1-nil. In the final Seethadevi BMV beat St. Anthony's 4-nil after leading three-nil at the half. 

Playmaker Chaturungani Inosha scored 2 goals in the final to bring her tally of the goals in this tournament to 13 while Shyama Kumari Ranasinghe, Dilhani Pushpakumari sounded the boards once. 

The champions, Seethadevi BMV were coached by M.A.Ashraff. 

Schoolboy cricketers excel in Hong Kong

The schools team beat the Hong Kong Colts by 121 runs, Kowloon CC by 134 runs, Hong Kong CC by 161 runs and the Presidents XI by 9 wickets. 

The century makers were Jehan Mubarak 123, Tilini Kandambi 109 and Ian Daniels 126 not out. 

Chamara Lasantha Perera scored two half centuries supported by Mahesh Perera who also knocked two half centuries and Tilini Kandambi a rollicking 93. 

Chief scores 

Sri Lanka beat Hong Kong Colts by 121 runs, Sri Lanka 247 for 7 in 43 overs. Ian Daniels 37, M. Pusphakumar 27, Jehan Mubarak 26, K. Weeraratne 26, Chamara Lasantha Perera 56, Adrian Watermeye 2 for 17. 

Hong Kong Colts - 126 for 7 in 43 overs 

Tabaruk Dar 29, Adrian Watermeye 20, M. Choudry 20, M. Pusphakumar 2 for 12, Chamara Lasantha Perera 2 for 15. 

Sri Lanka beat Kowloon CC by 134 runs. 

Sri Lanka 333 for 5 in 43 overs. 

Jehan Mubarak 123, Thilini Kandambi 93, K. Weeraratne 31 not out. L. lama 3 for 69 M. Zubar 2 for 47. 

Kowloon CC 199 all out in 42.2 overs 

D. Green 62, Sujanani 53, M.Zubar 21; Thilini Kandambi 5 for 42; Nirmal de Silva 2 for 34. 

Sri Lanka beat Hong Kong CC by 161 runs. 

Sri Lanka 334 all out in 45 overs. 

Thilini Kandambi 109, Mahesh Perera 62, Chamara Lasantha Perera 61, D. Pathirana 25, S. Hawinkalas 3 for 70 Adrian Watermeye 2 for 7. 

Hong Kong CC 173 all out in 42.2 overs Nazeer Ahmed 30, S Hawinkalas 29, S. Atkinson 27 not out; Chamara Lasantha Perera 3 for 19, M. Pushpakumara 2 for 21. 

Sri Lanka beat Presidents XI by 9 wickets. 

Presidents XI - 241 all out in 49.5 overs. 

Salim Malik 125; M. Zubar 29; Thilini Kandambi 3 for 43; Ian Daniels 2 for 28; Arshad Junaid 2 for 40 

Sri Lanka 243 for 1 in 35 overs 

Ian Daniels 126 not out, Mahesh Perera 93. 

Countdown begins

Sri Lanka will celebrate 50 years of Independence with the Bristol Freedom Cup football tournament which will kick off on November 15 and conclude at the Sugathadasa Stadium on November 21st. 

The President of the Football Federation of Sri Lanka, Manilal Fernando said it was honoured to organise this championships involving four countries. 

He said that he was glad that India, Malysia and the Maldives had accepted the invitation to participate in this prestigious tournament. 

He also said that he was grateful to the support extended by the Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, S. B. Dissanayake and to the support given by the Federation of International Football Association (FIFA) and the Asian Football Confederation for their approval and guidance. 

The AFC have nominated match officials from Malaysia and Singapore and Sri Lanka to officiate in this championships. 

Manilal also said that they of the Football Federation of Sri Lanka value the financial support given to this championships by Ceylon Tobacco Company Limited who have associated with the promotion of the game from 1987. 

Ceylon Tobacco also sponsored the last international - the Bristol SAARC Gold Cup in 1995. 

Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation will telecast these matches live. 

Gotfried Toma, the Chief Executive of Ceylon Tobacco said that they were proud to be the main sponsor and were willing to promote football in Sri Lanka and who knows that someone with the skills of the legendary Beckenbaur or Ronald could emerge from Sri Lanka. 

Golf Classic draws 125

Hill, stated it was started in 1994 but was not held in '95 and '96 due to reasons beyond their control. Last year it was teed off with foreign participation and was keenly contested. 

For this year's Classic they expect about 125 golfers from abroad drawn from India, Pakistan, the U.A.E. Malaysia, S'pore, England, and from the States.

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