Sports
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| Letters
to the Sports Editor Whether we call it the Board of Control for Cricket or Sri Lanka Cricket has no bearing, in the effective running of the affairs of cricket. Likewise the naming or the renaming of our International Airport has no bearing in the efficiency of the airport, but yet we meekly accept these changes for no purpose at all. The names of many towns have been changed, by adding or subtracting letters, numerous street names have been changed, in order to give it a twist to the originality, or pronunciation, in the hope that posterity will regard this as a worthwhile contribution to society, by the people who control it, and they hoping that this would enhance their images, as everything else in them seems to be bankrupt. It is noted that most of our journalists and reporters are either subservient to their employers, which is understandable, or their personal aspirations in playing to the gallery, thus some reporters have already won even before the game has begun, on behalf of our sportsmen, may be to show their loyalty to the Nation, than to the sport itself. Take Sri Lanka Cricket as an example. The Board of Control is a dignified name, but the Board was submerged in corruption, mystery hanging on all its deals, it had culminated to a den of unscrupulous thieves. Even its meetings received the patronage of thugs and the underworld, all their deals were under a cloud of suspicion, they violated every conceivable written and unwritten law. The Media should have resisted the change with full force, but they failed. By changing the name, all accountability, responsibility, the wrong doings have all been swept, under the carpet. This is better than a Christian, confessing his sins, and asking pardon at the confessional and he is forgiven. This seems to be a new philosophy for Sri Lankans. The Daily News, which I read more than the other newspapers have to take responsibility for reporting without a comment on vital matters regarding the image of Cricket and its functions, rather than commenting on the statements of officials, whose versions are given considerable publicity, to the gullible public. In the Daily News, of 30th March, the sports reporter occupies about 25% of page 40, in presenting SLC views on the appointment of Chris Broad, protesting about his legitimate appointment and his views on the question of bowling techniques. On the other hand the Daily News of the 1st April, the same reporter, again using about 25% of page 23, in bold heading, but with hardly any substance, is selling the images of the new President and his team and sponsors, the rebuilding image of SLC. My question is, first to the reporter, next to the Editor, whether the two of them in their official capacity, either alone or together, did not think it worthwhile to state in the same loud tone, that the SLC should not have coupled Thilanga Sumathipala as the one to lead the SLC at all International forums. I hold no brief for or against Sumathipala, or for that matter any member of the Board. Most of us, I am sure. Would not want to get anywhere near the Cricket Board officials for fear of the stench of corruption and willful mismanagement. The only way the new committee can establish its credibility is by explaining to the general public, exactly all about the financial and administrative irregularities that happened during the functions of the Board. They setting targets and promises can be considered as rhetoric, if it does not clear our minds regarding the past activities of the Board. As for me, and I am sure many of you would agree, that the newly elected committee has already shown that they do not have the competence and knowledge to run the affairs of the SLC. Why did the SLC choose Thilanga Sumathipala, as its representative for International meetings, at least at this juncture? Thilanga Sumathipala is in remand custody, and it does not appear to be in the best interest of a respected Institution that persons in this unenviable position should be given this appointment. Three pertinent questions arise out of this appointment A) Is the Committee aware, as to the duration of this legal process, and even more, is the Committee in the knowledge of the outcome of this case? Why is the Committee handcuffing itself, and the public to the affairs of Sumathipala? B)
Is the Committee saying that this country cannot find a suitable
candidate to take the place of this invincible Sumathipala? If so
the Committee must go. C) Is the Committee accepting that without the leadership of Sumathipala, they are lost, in which case they should resign forthwith, for certainly there are men and women of calibre who can carry forward the ideals of sportsmanship without the likes of Sumathipala or who ever.
Walter Fernando |
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