Football to be tackled at grass root level
by Sajeewa Jayakody
New Sports Minister Dayasiri Jayasekara has called for a link between
his ministry and the Education Ministry to formulate a plan to unearth
sporting talent at grass root level.
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New sports minister Dayasiri Jayasekera gets his first
insight into the activities of the Football Federation as he
is presented with a gift by its president Anura de Silva |
He made the revelation during an inspection tour of the Football
Federation of Sri Lanka (Football House) last Friday. “We need to have a
close connection with school players. There’s no better place to find
budding sportsmen and women than the school”, said Jayasekera.
“I have called on Provincial sports ministers, sports directors and
school directors and I hope to have a close link with them to find good
players and nurture them before they leave school”.
Contrary to how the public views the controversial Football
Federation, minister Jayasekera said he had no issues with the way the
sport was administered and praised football officials for having a
“clear structure”.
He assured that he would take measures to make available the
Sugathadasa Stadium for football practices for the national team for
upcoming international competitions, the South Asian Football Federation
Games and the South Asian Games to be held in December and February next
year.
“Our challenge is the SAF Games and medals are what matters”, said
Jayasekera.
He told football officials he will give them all the assistance to
sort out problems and will ensure no one played any tricks.
“I am here to help you, not to pull your legs,” he said. |
