Oh! Those glory days
View(s):By Bernie Wijesekera
If you want to understand the present, look into the past; if you want to discover the future, look at the present. Before 1948, Sri Lanka, then Ceylon, was recognized as a calm island known only for its fine flavoured tea. That was until Duncan White broke new ground by running the race of his life to win a medal at the 1948 London Olympics and put the country on the world map while opening the door for disadvantaged youth from all over the country.
But instances such as these have reduced over time, and at present things in Sri Lanka have remained stagnant with all sports being infiltrate by big money and corruption. Sports personalities like White, M. Sathasivam, Mahinda Aluvihare, Julian Bolling, A.S.M Khan, Albert Perera and Eddie Gray to name a few are now forgotten by the current generation.
They did much for the growth and development of their respective sports taking nothing in return. Today, with the advent of things like Twenty20 cricket, the focus has shifted to making money and winning at all costs.
In the past Sri Lanka has been a magical nursery which has harnessed hidden talent far and wide, from city folk to rural youth. It is time we returned to that glorious age.
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