Ex-athletesto declare war on corruption

by Sajeewa Jayakody

An organizationcalled the National Champions of Sri Lanka Athletics (NCSLA) with the motto "onefor all and all for one" has been formed by a select group of former nationalathletic champions for the betterment of the island's Track and Field sportswhich is in a most unhealthy state.

With thecountry's athletes producing some appalling performances on the internationalstage in recent times, the NCSLA believes it has more reason to come into existenceor perhaps take the bull by the horns to pave the way in eradicating injusticeand corruption that has ruined most of the country's sports.

Theassociation intends to make use of the knowledge, experience and awareness themembers of NCSLA have to develop and promote Sri Lankan athletes to achievetheir goals by winning medals at international level which is now only a thingof the past.The NCSLA'sprimary objective is the development of Sri Lanka athletics and athletes enablingthem to reap the benefits of what they wish to foresee as new vision.General Secretaryof the association, former national long jump champion Gregory de Silva contendsthey have the willpower to face any obstacle or difficult situation with a freemind.

"We havemade a start to go forward as a very independent body and point out the wrong.What we want is to establish a base and then offer advice with the experienceand knowledge we have gained by living overseas", said De Silva who wasdomiciled in the USA.De Silva,who claims to still hold the National long jump record added: "Through thisnewly formed association the members wish to raise a voice against all corruptpractices within the circle of track and field sports in Sri Lanka."

The NCSLAwill keep in touch with ex-national champions living overseas and unite them tohoist what they call the 'flag of victory'.

The associationalso expects to provide a chance to one of the most deserving NCSLA members towitness important international athletic meets in which Sri Lankans participatein the future.

They will alsotake every opportunity to felicitate past national champions, trainers, coachesand even sports media personalities annually. Formernational champion and Asian Games gold medallist Lucien Rosa was appointedpresident of the NCSLA with Janendra Fernando as the treasurer for the ensuingyear.

ASM Khan,Wimalasena Perera, Kosala Sahabandu, Surangani de Silva, A Premachandra, DelimaPetersen, Mallika Sachithananda and many past national champions attended a preliminarydiscussion and subsequently had their inaugural sessions at the SportsMinistry.

Past nationalchampions who wish to be part of the NCSLA and make a difference can join theassociation by enlisting with Gregory de Silva on 0775639359.