Sanath opens new innings in politics

by Dinesh WEERAWANSA

Sanath Jayasuriya needs little or no introduction. A household name as a sporting hero in Sri Lanka and worldwide, the veteran Sri Lanka cricketer and former national captain will strengthen President Mahinda Rajapaksa's vision and serve the people in the South.

The 'Matara Mauler' is gearing to take strike in a new game and is already receiving overwhelming support from the people in the Matara district. Still a member of the national cricket team and being selected to play for Sri Lanka at the forthcoming Twenty20 World Cup in the Caribbean Islands, Jayasuriya will ontest the forthcoming parliamentary general election under the ruling United People's Freedom Alliance (UPFA) from his native Matara district.

Jayasuriya told the Sunday Observer that he was highly impressed by the President's contribution to the nation during the past five years and decided to support the President and his vision on the Mahinda Chinthana. It was the First Citizen who invited Jayasuriya to 'play a new innings' in politics.

"I campaigned for the President during the presidential elections. I guess he would have noticed my flair for politics and serving people in the South. He invited me to contest the general elections. Hence, I decided that I should enter active politics and make my contribution to support his vision," Jayasuriya said.

'I took to politics on the request of the President for whom I have the highest regard and respect. I have always been a great admirer of him because of his integrity and his god given ability to do things for the masses and my country," said.

'What is outstanding and an example in the President is that he delivers what he promises. There is no hollow talk in him. He scored the winning goal for the citizens and the country when he gave admirable leadership to end the three-decade-old war that was dragging the country to ruin," he said.

Despite going places and projecting Sri Lanka prominently in the world sports map, he is the very same humble schoolboy who travelled to Colombo by bus to play cricket. This was clearly evident when Jayasuriya said his victory was in the hands of the people in Matara.

Although the celebrated Sri Lanka cricketer has been receiving unprecedented support during his election campaign, Jayasuriya is not willing to take things for granted. When asked whether he could secure a seat and become a parliamentarian, a humble Jayasuriya said it is in the hands of the people of Matara. "But I must say that the voters of Matara are wise people. The people from the South have played a significant role in Sri Lanka's independence struggle. Even during the recent humanitarian operation, was the youth from South who were in their numbers to strengthen the Security Forces. I am proud that I have got an opportunity to serve them," he said.

When asked whether he was eyeing a ministerial position after the election, Jayasuriya said he was not after any position or personal glory. "I didn't come to politics, greedily looking to hold Ministerial portfolios. My sole aim and purpose of entering politics is to serve the people in Matara, see to their needs, work for their well-being and to develop Matara as the President makes Sri Lanka the wonder in Asia," Jayasuriya said.

"I have already made elaborate plans, which I do not wish to disclose at this early stage. Once I am voted into power I will show my capabilities and work towards that goal to assure a better future for people, the people in the South, especially those who are in Matara district," he said.

Jayasuriya said he will not mix his political and sports careers and expressed confidence in sharing them to meet the demand. 'I don't have to bring pressure on the selectors to pick me just because I am a politician. I could always earn my place in the team on merit by letting my bat to do the talking," he said.

He hit back at a few critics who dismissed his dual role. "Just because I am a cricketer, there is no rule to deprive me from entering politics. Those who are frustrated and missed the bus, and have no place even in the footboard are now barking that cricketers should not take to politics. That is nonsense. I will show them how to perform both and be a success," Jayasuriya said.