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| Sunday, 29 May 2005 |
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Straight talk by Lal Gunesekera Kelum Gangodawila in payroll of two establishments! The story I am going to unfold, is not only a mystery, but also deserves to be considered to be included in one of Ripley's Believe-it-or-Not publications. Imagine one individual in the payroll of two different establishments, drawing two salaries with EPF deductions etc. This is exactly what has come to light after Seylan Bank made a complaint to the Tournament Committee of the Mercantile Cricket Association (MCA) when they found out that Kelum Gangodawila who represented Nawaloka in the 'B' Division final, was also on the payroll of Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) Cricket-Aid. What more? Both Nawaloka and Cricket-Aid have submitted documents to state that Gangodawila is employed by them (both Nawaloka and Cricket-Aid). What a funny situation this is, for one person to be employed by two different establishments. What action will the MCA take now? The MCA Tournament Committee headed by Ishak Sahabdeen inquired into Seylan Bank's complaint. Former Sri Lanka captain Hashan Tillekeratne has issued a letter to say that Gangodawila is employed at Cricket-Aid. Nawaloka too has produced a similar document to say that this particular cricketer is employed by them and has been representing Nawaloka for the last couple of years. What are the legal implications involved and what decision will the MCA take? Even East-West protested to the MCA on the same subject after losing to Nawaloka in the semi-finals. Knowing all this, why didn't the MCA Tournament Committee inquire into this matter before the final? I understand that the MCA Tournament Committee has handed over their report to its Disciplinary Committee headed by Ramesh Schafter of Janashakthi, who employs Triphone Mirando, the Secretary of the Interim Committee of SLC, which is headed by Jayantha Dharmadasa of Nawaloka. Another member of this Interim Committee is Adel Hashim, who is the President of MCA. Now, do you get it? The talk going around is that this matter is to be "hushed up" considering all those factors. What a shame if this happens! Where is the sportsmanship and the rules and regulations of the tournament? It seems that winning at any cost is what it's all about now and hang ethics. Even a few years back, there was a similar incident involving a former Sri Lanka cricketer, Muthumudalige Pushpakumara. His name was registered with the MCA by three establishments (John Keells, East-West Information Systems and Sri Lanka Telecom). The latter establishment was not given permission to play Mercantile cricket. Pushpakumara now represents East-West. Given the chop? I understand that the Interim Committee of SLC is to give the chop to Sri Lanka born Australian Stan Nell, who is the coach of the Sri Lanka 'A' side for about a year. Roy Dias or Rumesh Ratnayake, both former distinguished Sri Lanka cricketers, are being considered to take Nell's place. Dias was in Nepal, while Ratnayake was attached to the Asian Cricket Council (ACC). Also to be replaced is the Sri Lanka under-19 coach, Sumithra Warnakulasuriya. His place is to be taken by Hemal Mendis, the under-15 coach. Is this the correct time for these changes? The under-19 team is to tour England in July and also the Junior (under-19) World Cup is scheduled for January-February next year (2006). Heads are rolling. Sri Lanka manager Brenden Kuruppu was replaced by Michael Tissera with Anura Tennekoon brought in for Tissera's place in the Sri Lanka 'A' side. Aravinda de Silva was replaced by Arjuna Ranatunga (Deputy Minister of Tourism) in the ICC's Cricket Committee as well as in the SLC's Cricket Development Committee. More heads in various other committees appointed by the Thilanga Sumathipala administration are to roll. Rent now paid The controversial H. U. Silva, who is not only the Secretary of the National Olympic Committee (NOC), but also the Director of the Sugathadasa Stadium, has now been forced to pay 10 per cent of his salary from March this year (2005) towards the rent for his quarters he has been occupying free of charge from the day he was appointed about 10 years back. He has also to pay the electricity and water bills too. I wonder why the Sugathadasa Stadium National Sports Complex Authority (SSNSCA) headed by Gamini Nettikumara does not insist on Silva paying the rent, electricity and water bills from the day he came into occupation of his quarters within the Stadium Complex. What about the salaries of his domestic aids now? Does the SSNSCA pay them or does Silva? What is also happening to the inquiry against Silva after a Treasury official (a member of the fair sex) was abused by him. She was on her way to attend a meeting of the SSNSCA a few months back when this incident happened. Why is the appointment of an inquiry officer delayed by the authorities concerned? Is this another cover-up to protect this individual with political connections? The good, bad and ugly There is the good, the bad and the ugly sides connected with the Boxing Day tsunami that struck Sri Lanka a devastating blow. One of the "good" things that came out of this was that the annual general meeting of the NOC scheduled to have been held before May 31 has now been extended by a year (2006) as the South Asian Games too were postponed from this year to April 2006. President and Secretary of NOC, Hemasiri Fernando and H. U. Silva respectively, took office in July 1997 - eight years back. I also understand that the amendment to its constitution which may permit them to continue in office for a further eight years is yet with the officials of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. Sixteen years is a long period for any person or persons to remain in office, and I wish that Minister Kumaratunga will throw away this amendment. Also, have the accounts been auditored by the Auditor-General this year, and if not, why? Lasantha removed Former national champion, Davis Cup veteran and GANEFO Games medallist, Lasantha Fernando, was unceremoniously removed from the post of Chairman of the Selection Committee for Tennis, after about a couple of weeks. Why? Who was responsible for his removal? P. S. Kumara has been appointed instead. He too is a man with intergrit and honesty. What about the appointment of young Anushka Rajiyah? She has hardly any experience as a player and far too young to be brought into this panel. Very mysterious isn't it? Neighbours see red CR & FC does not seem to care "two hoots" about its neighbours. Now, for several years, when a heavy downpour occurs, the homes of persons occupying residence at the rear of CR's clubhouse gets inundated with water. The reasons are many - all due to the drain that runs behind its club house. All complaints have fallen upon deaf ears. Even the Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) authorities have been informed, but to no avail. Over to you Mr. Ravi Balasuriya, President of CR & FC. Please do not treat your neighbours shabily. Remember that they are your supporters. Duncan White award What has happened to the Duncan White award for the past four years or so? The last personality to win this award and the Rs. 50,000 that goes with it was Susanthika Jayasinghe (she won it twice) after winning the bronze medal in the 200 metres at the Sydney Olympics. Since then, no award has been made. Why? Perhaps there is no person worthy enough to get this award. The past winners included Sriyantha Dissanayake and Damayanthi Darsha in Athletics and Rifle Shooters, Pushpamali Ramanayake and Mali Wickremasinghe. Joker of the pack So now it's a witch-hunt is it Mr. Mohan Balasuriya? By whom? The immediate Past President of the Sri Lanka Rugby Football Union (SLRFU) says its by the present Council. Who comprises this Council? Most of them were even there during your two-year term weren't they? He also blames a former President of the SLRFU behind the convening of the special general meeting. Come, come Mr. Balasuriya, we all know who you are referring to. If you
are not going to name him, may I take the opportunity. Is it not Gamini
Fernando and what is the "long harboured petty jealousy" that you are
talking about? Please do not try to put the blame on others. |
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