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| Sunday, 10 August 2003 |
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| News Business Features Editorial
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Seevali MMV gets new boxing ring by A.C.DE SILVA The Chief Minister of Sabaragamuwa - Mohan Saliya Ellawela said that it was a 'Red Letter Day' for Seevali MMV as the school received a special gift via Caltex Lubricants Lanka Limited. The gift was in the form of a brand new boxing ring worth around Rs. 500,000 for the use of the boxers of the school to further their efficiency in the sport. Chief Minister Ellawela who was the chief guest at the presentation ceremony at Seevali MMV on Wednesday, said that he was particularly happy to be at the function because he was a student of Seevali MMV himself and has noted the fine progress made by Seevali MMV boxers. Somewhat in lighter vein, Ellawela said: "I hope and pray that some people will join Caltex and donate a boxing ring to Parliament because then it can solve many problems that face that place." He said that it was not the first time that Caltex has made such generous offers as a month or so earlier, Caltex came forward with a general offer of Rs. 25 lakhs to repair the damages caused to around 65 houses as a result of the floods that wrought havoc to the poor and destitute people in the Ratnapura district. The sum forked out by Caltex is not a small amount, but a big sum for Caltex, who, however, came forward to help the Sabaragamuwa folk in their time of need. He said that when he and Minister of Defence Thilak Marapana came to Ratnapura to see the devastation caused as a result of the floods, this topic of a boxing ring for Seevali MMV cropped up and he and Mr. Marapana gave an undertaking to Seevali MMV that a modern boxing ring would be got. "However,I had to get through red tape and couldn't act as fast as I would have liked and this issue was somewhat delayed," the Chief Minister added. Seevali MMV comes under the Education Department and not under the Provincial Council and it was a bit difficult for me to get the necessary funds for the school. But I will try my best to see that Seevali MMV is not left behind - the Chief Minister said. However, Caltex Lubricants Lanka Limited with Managing Director Kishu Gomes leading the way, acted fast and got things moving in the right direction and a boxing ring for Seevali MMV became a reality. "Private establishments have no such rules to get matters passes through various committees as such and Caltex beat Mr. Marapana and me in this venture." Mohan Ellawela was bold to admit. 'Bride' - no place The Chief Minister added: "We got the bride, but we have no place for her. We will have to find a place for her." Right now, the boxing ring is in the main hall of the school and Seevali MMV will be looking out for a suitable place to have the ring as it cannot be allowed to go to reck and ruin. The Chief Minister said that Sabaragamuwa has a financial problem and Seevali MMV has been classified as a National School and there are various rules and regulations attached with it, but, he said that he was able to get some of the rules waived for the good of the school not in his capacity of Chief Minister, but, as an old boy of the school. He once again thanked Caltex for the generous gift of a ring. Speaking of boxing at the school, Mohan Ellawela said that student Alexander excelled in boxing even without the basic requirements and Alexander did well when boxers from Trinity, Dharmaraja, Royal, S. Thomas' were calling the tune. He thanked the local press for highlighting the achievements of Alexander and it has done him good. Achievements Seevali MMV's achievements in boxing (Championship Shields): 1995 - T.B. Jayah, 1996 - L.V. Jayaweera, 1997 - Stubbs Shield, 1998 - L.V. Jayaweera, T.B. Jayah, Stubbs Shield, Junior Championships, 1999 - L.V. Jayaweera, Stubbs Shield, Junior Championships 2000: T.B. Jayah, Stubbs Shield, Junior Championships, 2001 - Junior Championships, 2002, L.V. Jayaweera, T.B. Jayah. Kishu Gomes - Managing Director, Caltex Lubricants Lanka Limited said that he wished to express his sorrow for the devastation that took place in Ratnapura recently and he was able to get together donations to the tune of rupees five lakhs in office for the schoolboys and schoolgirls of Ratnapura and another Rs. 2.5 million from Principals in America and Rs. 30 lakhs were presented to the unfortunate ones and the Caltex authorities plan to present another Rs. 25 lakhs. When Kishu Gomes went to America recently, he happened to meet an old friend in Dion Gomes (no relation) and when this thing about a boxing ring was mentioned, Dion Gomes was only too willing to help Kishu. "I will do what I can for you and boxing," assured Dion. The cost of the ring is almost cut by half as a result of this happy meeting. Seevali MMV didn't ask for a ring. "It was an opportunity given to us to have the ring unasked and this whole thing about a ring for Seevali came up at the request of Sri Lankan journalist Ranjan Paranavithane who made the request to me," said the Caltex boss Gomes who added that he worked on the suggestion and it bore fruit. Being in distant Ratnapura, Seevali MMV school authorities have a soft heart for others. Now blessed with a boxing ring of their own, the school authorities are only too willing to let the nearby schools to use the ring. "I am very happy that Seevali MMV has made this offer. Hope boxing will prosper," and addressing the students he said: "I hope that you all will not only develop sports, but take your studies to heart and you will be useful citizens of the country." Caltex boss Kishu Gomes advised the students. Little facilities Seevali MMV's principal D.M. Gunaratne said that Seevali MMV has been associated with boxing for about 9 years, but with inadequate or no facilities at all and the coming of Caltex to the scene, made them happy as much needed funds for the promotion of the sport was made available and the talent of the boys was put to good use. He said that Seevali MMV has reached international level in boxing besides being inter-school and national champions. How many years the ring will be in use no one can tell, but, it will be put to good use, the Principal assured. He spoke in glowing terms of the performances of boxer Alexander who was the only pupil of Seevali MMV to represent Sri lanka at the SAF Games and Asian Games and hoped with the new ring made available, there would be several more boxers from Seevali MMV representing Sri Lanka. "We have opened the doors to others in Ratnapura to use the new ring." the Principal said and hoped that the boys of his school will make maximum use of the ring and bring honour and glory to not only the school but also the country as well. He said that the new boxing ring looks majestic, but, it cannot be kept in the hall because it takes a lot of space and a separate hall has to be built to accommodate the ring and hoped the Chief Minister Ellawela will be able to help them in this venture. Caltex has come forward with their general sponsorship and more sponsors are needed to help the boys. Good students will help to build good nation." Mr. Gunaratne said. Mr. S. Edirisuriya - Vice Principal of Seevali MMV and Vice President of Sri Lanka Schools' Boxing Association said that the association is a prominent body for boxing, but somewhat of a poor association without any funds and is not in a position to help. Boxing at Seevali MMV started in 1994 and in the short space of time,the school has reached great height in the sport. The school has produced many boxers of merit and with the new ring, there should be greater enthusiasm for the sport. Wasantha Kumara was one of the top boxers at Seevali MMV, is the coach, but Wasantha Kumara, who is the President of the Boxing Referees Association of Sri Lanka, will be leaving for Hungary University for three months training as a coach and Seevali MMV hope that during his absence, there will be a suitable replacement as the good work done in boxing in recent years will be able to prosper. |
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