Rodrigo looking to clear hurdles
Former FFSL President Ranjith Rodrigo and his team is keen to create a new culture in Football
After clearing the initial hurdle and getting his names cleared by the Ministry of Sports to contest at the upcoming elections of the Football Federation of Sri Lanka (FFSL), Ranjith Rodrigo and his team’s explained on how Football should be managed in Sri Lanka.
Rodrigo, a former President of FFSL revealed that he has obtained all clearance to contest for the top position once again, with the backing of an energetic team that has a mix of well-known, experienced administrators as well as energetic newcomers to the set.
“We are well aware that Football in Sri Lanka was paralysed during the past six months. The present administrators are just focused on the FFSL elections and they have forgotten the country’s domestic and international playing commitments. Anyone may come and go but the game has to go on, and that is our main concern,” Rodrigo stated.
Rodrigo’s camp will have 10 candidates, including him as the nominee for the President’s position with renowned football administrator Trevor Reckerman as his Secretary General.
Jayasinghe Mendis comes in as the candidate for the post of Treasurer, while K.P.P. Pathirana, Jayantha de Silva and present General Secretary, Balendra Anthony, are contesting for the positions of Vice Presidents.
M.R.M. Sinnan will contest as Deputy Secretary General in charge of Administration while U.L.M. Latheef has put his name forward as the nominee for the Deputy General Secretary in charge of Technical. Indika Thambavita, has been already elected uncontested as the Assistant Treasurer.
Rodrigo’s main rival will be the incumbent President of FFSL Anura de Silva, one time friend who changed camp. Many were surprised to see Rodrigo and de Silva go in different directions after working as allies for years.
“By all probability this will be the last time I will contest, even if I win or not. What I want to make happen is create a correct pathway that transitions should take place smoothly while the focus on domestic and international competitions is solely taken care of by the appointed team managements. These are some of the main issues that have been neglected by many in the past. We will create a new future and culture that Football will be among the top three in Sri Lanka by at least the year 2020,” he added. The FFSL elections will take place next Saturday (July 1).