Sports scribe Vernon Gunasekera turns author

Veteran sports writer Vernon Gunasekera launched his maiden book titled Jaalaye Jolly Katha last week.

"It is based on interesting jokes on Internet. It is all humour and for every one to laugh and refresh their minds," said Gunasekera who has been a sports writer for nearly three decades.

"We face various challenges in life and when we fail to go for our goals there is no point in regretting. I thought we should get rid of that negative mentality. I thought of putting a smile on their faces and help them to think positively," he said.

Asked as to what made him to switch on from sports journalism to this type of area in writing his first book, Gunasekera said that too is one of his major interests.

"Humour is part of our lives and gives our mind the break that is needed after a strenuous day. It is all light reading for people of all walks of life" said Gunasekera who is currently the Sports Editor of Dinamina, the ANCL's Sinhala language daily.

Gunasekera has already proved his versatile character, having produced a successful audio cassette Atharamanwela (In Wilderness).

"Music too is part of my life and I thought to make use of my ability to sing. It was a great satisfaction. After a little break, I though I should work on another different area and this book is the result of that," he said.

Gunasekera also edits the Dinamina weekly pullout Api Happy (We are happy) issued free with its Saturday edition.

"Sports writing is my first love and I would like to continue that", emphasised Vernon Gunasekera in his concluding remarks.