Get together to keep rugby at the top - appeal by Kishu Gomes

By A. C. de Silva

Rugby Football: 'Let us keep Sri Lanka rugby at the top.' This fervent appeal was made by Kishu Gomes - the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Caltex at the awards ceremony of the Caltex - Observer Touchdown Rugby Awards ceremony on Wednesday at Taj Samudra premises.

Kishu Gomes said that the rugby awards were being made for the fifth successive year and judging by the response from all quarters it has been well received by all rugby fans.

He said that there has been an exciting rugby season this year and his establishment has been pleased to have been able to tie-up with the controlling body - the Sri Lanka Rugby Football Union for eight long years in sponsoring various tournaments to keep the game alive in many parts of the country well supported by the ANCL papers.

Gomes said that Caltex will be the proud sponsor of the two premier tournaments until the year 2010.

"This year adding another feather to our cap we extended our support to the Provincial tournament as well. Since we embarked on the journey to encourage rugby football in 1999, the game has progressed and there are large numbers attracted by this game." Gomes added.

However, there is no room for complacency. There is a long way yet to go and painful too. It takes better understanding, true commitment, consistent action, collaboration and co-operation among the administrators, clubs, players and all involved in the game to keep the game going.

The Caltex boss Gomes said that he was particularly happy that for once, the politicians have set an example to the sports bodies leaving behind petty differences for the sake of the country's future. "Let us unite and dedicate ourselves in promoting the game." he requested of all concerned and make sure that every decision taken by all people in charge will be for the betterment of the sport.