Rising from ruins

By Ravi Nagahawatte

From a distance, it looked a normal sports festival. A band in attendance, the hustle and bustle of officials and the occasional announcements through a public address system gave the picture that everything was fine. However, even without a deliberate effort or intention, it became evident through our wandering eyes that these participants were not ordinary folks. Some could not hear, some barely saw and the majority of athletes looked lost without a purpose sans foot or limb. But what was heartening to see was the burning desire in them to do their best whenever they were called upon to perform. All in all the participants in the VIII National Sports Festival Of The Disabled were squeezing out every bit of energy from their less than perfect physiques to make their "show" second to none.

The short distance sprint events where the blind participated churned out a lot of excitement with an official making the course known to all participants by running along race tracks with a bell in hand. There was determination, guts and the characteristic willpower known to all sportsmen, and at the completion of the course there was a winner who seemed as if he had won the world.

"I cannot explain with words the happiness I gain from participating," said the Wheel Chair Marathon Champion ,Sandun Wasana Perera (29) while speaking to 'The Sunday Times.' Like all those who spoke about the sports festival, Perera was over the moon during the fifteen days that the championship was on .He is the second in a family of four and had been affected by polio at the age of two. Like it altered the course of his life at a very early age, destiny had not held much good fortune for Perera who had to cut short his higher education due to a vital operation on one leg. Currently employed at a toy manufacturing workshop, Perera has used his spare time to dabble in wheel chair racing for the past eight years.

One of the happiest moments of his life came when he tied the knot with his childhood sweet-heart six months ago. "I plan to lead a normal family life " reflected Perera with happiness written all over his face .

Twenty seven year old Namali Wijekoon who hails from Hataraliyaddha in Galagedera was a participant with an abnormal deficiency in her foot. The right foot was turned upwards and remained glued to the lower part of her shin, which makes all forms of running humanly impossible. But with an incredible effort, she came second in her event and seemed quite proud of her achievement. Minutes before the event she looked calm and full of tranquillity as she spoke of how she has progressed in life. "I am employed at a vocational training institute in Wattegama and am learning wood carving" said Wijekoon. She was categorised in the "Below the knee one leg" class which allows participants with a disability below the knee on one leg to participate. She had won "The Most Outstanding Sportswoman" award at last year's championship and was participating in her pet events which were the hundred and two hundred short metre sprint events and the discuss throw. "I wait eagerly for this event every year " said Namali .

Tis Kumara, aged thirty was yet another disabled participant who's week eyesight had made him eligible for participation. He was full of zest and confidence while he tried to speak but found it difficult to communicate at length without coming to a halt. He spoke about gold ,silver and bronze but little came out of the conversation before an official joined in to offer help. "He is speaking about his last tour in Australia where he grabbed four golds , two bronze and one silver. He got the opportunity to meet the President last year and is currently employed as a watcher in a vocational training institute," said an official who came to his support.

"You must give the same publicity for this event just as you do for a national athletic championship "said Major Rajeewa Wickremasinghe who was one of the officials manning the recorders table.

He updated us of the events which were in progress and educated us of the twelve categories in which the participants were grouped according to their disabilities.

"Every year we add classes to accommodate new participants," said Wickremasinghe who him-self is an amputee. He had been attached to the Singha Regiment and had lost a limb in a rebel attack in Weli Oya.

A total of 1083 disabled participated in this year's sports festival from which 648 made their participation in athletics.

President Chandrika Kumaratunga added glamour to the festival by gracing the occasion as chief guest at the final ceremony.

Lack of grounds hamper Embilipitiya rugby players

By Bernie Wijesekera

Embilipitiya M. V. junior ruggerites who took to the game only in 1995, has already made an impact in the schools rugby scene at juvenile level.

Though they are newcomers to the sport - are a force to be recokoned with in the Ratnapura district. They were able to enter the quarter finals in the Under 13 All Island schools championship and lost to S. Thomas' Mt. Lavinia in a thriller after being deadlocked at 7- all at the break. Finally they lost 14-7, but proved their mettle in no uncertain terms.

Mrs. Mahinda Rajapakse, the wife of Minister of Fisheries, was one of those, who watched their gritty display. Mrs. Rajapakse, has promised to give whatever help to Embilipitiya MV to further improve their skills in sports - especially to assist them to have a playing field of their own.

According to K. S. P. Karunaratne, Secretary Sabaragamuwa Schools Rugby Section, Embilipitiya MV has a 33 acre block of land within its precincts, but still don't have a proper playing field. There is tremendous talent in this school be it rugby or otherwise.

The assurance given by Mrs. Rajapakse after watching the display of the rural juniors against the Thomians is assured of making it a reality.

Her husband Mahinda is also a staunch supporter and lover of sport and Embilipitiya comes under his purview.

The Minister of Sports S. B. Dissanayake, who is doing much to develop sport among rural youth should strive to help develop school grounds with its funds in collaboration with the Education Ministry sports section, instead of trying to fund grandiose projects like a new international Test cricket venue in Dambula.

There are already six test venues in the country - the Tamil Union (P.Sara) Khettarama Stadium, SSC the Asgiriya Stadium, Moratuwa Stadium and the Galle Stadium. Why add another venue at great expense? How many Test matches are being played for a year at home is the question asked by those, who have played and administered the affairs of the BCCSL in the past.

It's far better to help develop the grounds that are available and help improve the school grounds in the districts.

How many clubs are there in Dambulla playing serious cricket, unlike in Kurunegala. Even maintaining the ground is going to be a financial burden in the longer run. Can the schools even afford to play a big match even if they desire to do so. Of course Dambulla may be a tourist attraction!

Can the cricket loving fans (the less affluent) enjoy a stay at Kandalama for a holiday after watching an international match, with there shoestring budgets.

The move by the Cricket Board to make a Test venue at Dambulla is laudable. Will it help the game in the longer run. Have they studied the basic economics. How could the state give assistance to a project that's going to be a white elephant.

There are 18 counties playing first class cricket in England unlike in Sri Lanka. But it's confined to six Test venues - the Lord's Kennington, Oval, Headingly, (Yorkshire) Old Trafford and (Lancashire) Trent Bridge, (Nottingham) and Birmingham (Warwickshire) Every year England at least plays five Test matches, besides one -dayers.

If the hierarchy of the BCCSL has any sort of planning, then they should help the clubs and schools to re-develop their grounds including the available Test venues.

The CB has done well to help the forgotten heroes of Sri Lanka cricket with financial assistance. This is a meritorious act. Then why not help the first Test venue - the 'P. Sara' Stadium - which was the only International ground available in the past. It helped the country in big way to gain ICC status.

Why not get going with the much talked of Cricket Academy to help the young talent, rather than going for a new Test venue? If this becomes a reality it will be a colossal waste of funds. Hope saner counsel will prevail.

The farmers in Dambulla are struggling to survive, put aside watching cricket played at random. Why not help a remote school in Embilipitiya. Over to the Minister of sport!

Where is the togetherness in the Lanka cricket team?

The Sri Lanka cricket team was eliminated from Sharjah Champions Cup final, when they were outplayed by Zimbabwe, to make it four defeats in a row. This was the fifth successive defeat when they were knocked out by South Africa in the Mini World Cup in Bangladesh. Despite losing in Sharjah, the team stayed on till November 14, before they returned.

It's given to understand that the captain and vice-captain, instead of travelling with the team stayed back for another couple of days in the oil rich desert, to cool off their sweat after a gruelling contest when Lankan cricket was put to shame after the W.C. heroics in Lahore.

Where is the togetherness in the team? Apparently the captain and his deputy have their own way. Even the tour management is helpless and made to look mere figureheads.

Where is discipline? The seniors must set an example. The question asked by the cricketing circles whether they have gone to play cricket or on a private holiday.

Imagine the players are contracted lavishly by the Cricket Board. The above two are the best paid. If this on-going trend is not nipped in the bud, then Sri Lanka cricket is heading for disaster.

- Insider

The day Bob Wyatt thought he knew better

By Bruce Maurice

Apart from Patsy Hendren, Bob Wyatt was the ugliest cricketer to wear an England cap. He was deputy to Jardine on the '32-'33 "Bodyline" tour and succeeded Jardine as captain.

In 1935 South Africa toured England. When they met to pick the team for the second Test all the selectors wanted to pick Walter Robins. But not Wyatt. He wanted Mitchell for the Lords Test. At this particular time Lords was having one of its bad spells. The wicket was being attacked by the Leather-jacket insect and was crumbling very badly. Wyatt was convinced that Mitchell would use the wicket better than anybody else. Robins included.

At 11 o'clock in the morning Wyatt quietly suggested Mitchell, and nothing that the selectors said could shift him. When lunch came they were still arguing and a hastily prepared meal of sandwiches and coffee did not get them anywhere close to solution. Over and over the pros and cons they hammered till it was tea time. But not even cakes and cups of tea solved the problem. It was still the selectors for Robins and Wyatt, for Mitchell. So the argument went on as the evening shadows began to fall, and not until after 7 p.m. physically exhausted did the selectors finally bend and put Mitchell's name down.

South Africa won the toss, batted and made 228. England were bowled out for 198. This was the time for Mitchell to justify his selection. But Mitchell just could not come to terms with the Leather-jacket insects. South Africa made 278 for 6 and closed. Mitchell finishing the Test with 3 wickets for 164! This left England 309 to chase for a win. But they were bundled out for 151 and lost the Test.

Anyway this was not the first and last time an England captain blundered where the pitch was concerned. In the first Test at Brisbane in 1954, Hutton packed the side with pace bowlers - Bedser, Statham, Tyson, Bailey and Edrich - won the toss and put Australia in. Then saw them bat for 2 1/2 days and score 601 for 8 and declare. On the second day when Australia were batting, not a single maiden over was bowled. This was the first time it happened in Test history. England were then bundled out for 190 and 257 and routed by an innings and 154 runs. Then came 1959 and the 4th Test at Adelaide. Peter May won the toss and told Benaud to bat. Benaud could not believe what he heard. So he asked May, "what did you say Peter?" When May repeated it, Benaud was still in a state of shock, that he told May, "thank you Peter, you have given us this game." A statement that Benaud should never have made. And needless to say England lost the Test. Australia made 476 and 36 for no loss. England 240 and 270.

When the third Test between England and South Africa at Leeds was looming up in 1929, 6 of South Africa's players was on the injured list. Now with eleven needed for a quorum in the middle, the tourists had to advertise in the Press for the next best man who was less than 5000 miles away. J.P. Duminy, who was on holiday in Switzerland saw the advertisement, yodelled his acceptance, slid down a mountain slope, discarded his feathers from his mountaineer's hat and rushed to England to gather some cricketing feathers at Leeds.

But at the end of the second day South Africa were 7 down for 116 in their second innings and only 24 runs ahead of England's first innings score of 328. One of the not out batsman was Owen- Smith who was still under 24 years and was 27 not out overnight. The next morning before play started, Freeman bumped into him and asked him (Owen-Smith) if he would like to go and see a movie that afternoon. Owen-Smith's reply was typical of that cool young man. "Don't be an ass, I am going to get a hundred today. Like a bet on it?". "Five pounds", said Freeman, "You're on," said, Owen-Smith happily. "Get the money ready", he called over his shoulder as he ran off to the dressing room.

When Owen-Smith walked out with Quinn to resume batting, not many spectators were there at Headingly as not much play was expected. But Owen Smith had made 78 when Quinn was stumped by Duckworth off White. And Freeman whose £5 was already almost vanishing and who had been bowling himself to the ground, asked England's captain J.C. White, almost with tears in his voice, to put him on again. Van der Merve was the next batsman in and was very nervous. But Owen-Smith went upto him and told him, "Block for your life and leave them to me." But after making only 1 run, Freeman rolled up an innocent looking one. Van der Merve lifted his bat and swung. But it was only the edge that clipped the spinning ball. Away it went into the empyrean. But all that goes up must come down and Duckworth's pair of hands waited to caress it. The agonized on Owen-Smith's face was only matched by the glitter of avidity on Freeman's face who was risking his £5. While waiting for the last batsman Bell to come to the chopping block, the groundsman asked White which roller he wanted. White opted for the heavy roller. But it was a bit too early in the day. The score was 172 for 9 when Bell faced upto his first delivery. It was 275 when Owen-Smith was out after playing the innings of his life. When Owen-Smith was 99, Duckworth whipped the bails off, and yelled his familiar ear splitting appeal, and it was an index to the state of the crowds feelings that clearly perceptible shouts of "BOO" went up from the stands.

The umpire turned the appeal down or he would have been mobbed, and at that stage the first person to do it would have been Freeman, who now only wanted to lose his £5.

Sportsmen protest over staging of Kalutara Trade Exhibition

By H.P.P.Perera

A memorandum has been submitted to the Chairman of Urban Council, Kalutara and the members protesting against holding a Trade Exhibition and a musical show at Kalutara esplanade by the U.C.- Kalutara from 19.12.98 to 30.12.98.

The memorandum has been signed by Manilal Fernando the President Sri Lanka Football Federation, Vajira, the Secretary of Kalutara District Cricket Association, D.C.R. Cooray President Kalutara T.C. and the principal of leading schools of Kalutara.

It was stated that the Kalutara Esplanade is the only playground available for sports (cricket, football, and athletics).

The memorandum stated that it was unfair to hold the exhibition at the esplanade as there is no other playground available to the town.

Further, the Kalutara Town Club, K.P.C.C. and other thirteen clubs and the school have already booked the esplanade to play the matches but holding of the Trade Exhibition would disrupt the scheduled Sports programmes.

With the entry of heavy vehicles to the esplanade to erect stalls, the surface of the playground would be damaged including the centre-pitch.

Junior gymnasts in the limelight

By Saif Izzadeen

Gymnasts of Maris Stella, Negombo and Good Shepherd Convent Kotahena displayed fine form to clinch the boys' and girls' championship events at Inter-School Junior Gymnastic Championships held at the Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium.

This competition which was organised by the Sri Lanka Schools' Gymnastic Assocation witnessed top level gymnastics on both days. The tournament was held in the following age categories: under 9,11,13, and 15.

President of the Sri Lanka Gymnastic Association Mr. K.K.Ratnadasa said that as usual the competition concluded on a successful note. "All participants gave off their best. The result was fine fare", he said adding:"It was very nice to see an outstation school winning the championships.The Maris Stella College gymnasts gave a super display and were deserving champions in the boys' events .In the girls' category too, Good Shepherd Convent, Kotahena deserved to win the title."

Ratnadasa went onto add: "We are hoping to form a pool from all the gymnasts who performed creditably which will hold them in good stead and give them the necessary experience."

Overall champions

At end of the two-day competition Maris Stella College Negombo with 50 points won the championship title while the second place went to St. Anthony's Wattala, who obtained 28 points.

After a tooth and nail battle in the girls' championships Good Shepherd Convent Kotahena emerged champions with 21 points while Kingswood Balika, Negombo had to be satisfied with second position with 19 points

Individual champs: U-9

In the under-9 girls' section Lanka Piyum Senadira of Maliyadeva Girls' School, Kurunegala emerged champions.

In the under-9 boys' section Buddika Chaturanga of Buddhist Vidyalaya, Mullariyawa became the champion."I am very happy with my achievement. I have many future plans and lets hope that it will work that way," concluded a beaming Chaturanga.

Under 11 champions

The under-11 boys' champion was Amila Prassad of Henry Olcott Maha Vidyalaya, Kolonnawa. Asked his views on winning the competition he said, "It was a tough competition from the start. All my opponents were tough but I managed to outclass them with a better display".

Amali Pratibaha Abeyratne of Sirimavo Bandaranaike Balika Vidyalaya, Colombo became the champion."I want to do well. But winning the individual championships was a bonus said a happy Amali to us.

Dushanthi Perumal of Good Shepherd Convent Kotahena carried away the girls individual championships."

It was a tough competition and all who participated deserved to win awards but there has to be only one winner and they chose me which makes me very happy,"said Dushanthi.

In the boys' section Gelshan Piyumpathi of Maris Stella College Negombo was the individual champion. "I did well at the novices championships and I knew if I performed in the same manner in this contest, I will be able to do well. It is an exhilarating feeling to win the title," said Gelshan.

Under 15 champions

In this category Melinta Daniel of Kingswood Balika Vidyalaya Negombo became the champion in the girls' championships. "I am very ecstatic. To win this title was one of my goals and I am very happy that I could achieve it."

Edward Joe Christopher of St.Anthony's College Wattala became the boys' champion in this category "I am very happy to win this award and it is a great feeling," said Christopher on his views of winning the award."I also like to thank the staff members and the principal of giving me the necessary support which enabled me to win this award. I also like to thank my parents who were a tower of strength."

Samarakoon top pistol shooter

By Chamitha Kuruppu

Lasantha Samarakoon of the Sport Shooting Club, Nuwara Eliya emerged as the best overall individual champion at the I.P.S.C Pistol Shooting National Championships held at the STF Ranga Gonahena. Samarakoon also became the best overall individual civilian champion.

This is the first occasion in the history of sport shooting where Lasantha Samarakoon, a civilian was able to win the National Shooting Championship defeating personnel from the Sri Lanka Armed Forces, who have hitherto held sway at national shooting championship.

The achievement thus gained is a unique and rare feat for the young and upcoming Sport Shooting Club, Nuwara Eliya which is still in its embryonic stage.

This gigantic feat would have been a nightmare if not for the able and competent guidance the members received from the club's President Nimal Mediwaka SSP and Captain Sunil Guruge ASP with the support and co-operation of the office-bearers of Sport Shooting Club, Nuwara Eliya who had an important motive since its inception, which was to establish a national record before the Year 2000. Now it has succeeded in producing in 1998 the best overall civilian champion in Lasantha Samarakoon.

Best Civilian Team: Nuwara Eliya Open Team: 1. Lasantha; 2. I. M. Mohideen; 3. Gamini Mayadunne; 4. Suren Samarasinghe.

Best Civilian Stock Gun runner-up, Nuwara Eliya Stock Gun Team: 1. Jayantha Wijeratne; 2. Shirantha Peiris; 3 Dharshana Jayanetti'

4 Asiri Wickremasinghe)

In brief Tennekoon bros excel The Tennakoon brothers Shehan and Avantha won the Caltex Cup in the GP 14 Enterprise class race held at the Ceylon Motor Yacht Club at Bolgoda last Sunday. Finishing in second place was the husband and wife combination of Anil and Michelle Gunawardena followed by the Navy pair of Upul and Gunatilleka. Trevor de Silva and Marini de Silva finished in fourth place followed by David Blacker and Jennifer Blacker, Hans Sevendsen/Bradley, Jeremy Bolling/Resham Sevendsen, Joseph Kenny/ Davinda, Newton and Bandara of the Navy. Gus Tyson won the optimist race with Rehan Dias second and Graham third. Tony Martin of Lanka Lubricants Limited was the chief guest and gave away the trophies. Pairs for Fritz and Tony Fritz Perera and Tony Shanmugalingham won the Pairs event for ranks above Life Masters at the annual National Bridge Championships sponsored by Elmo Wijesinghe played at the Bridge Federation Headquaters at the Race Course. Paul de Neise and Pesi Rustomjee took the first runner-up place with M.P.Salgado and H.A.Weerasuriya finshing in the third place. Ismeth Magdon Ismail and H.H.J. Keerthisena took the fourth place with S.W. Molligoda and N.S.de Silva finishing in fifth place. Two semi-finals today The two semi-finals of the Bristol FA Cup 1998 will be played today (Sunday December 6) at the Sugathadasa Stadium with the final to be played on December 12 at the same venue. Already Cooray SC Wellawatta and Navy Sea Hawks have booked their berths into the semi-finals. Renown beat Air Force in a quarter final game on Wednesday. Navy will meet Renown and Cooray SC will meet the winners of Saunders/Army. 32 teams for cricket Thirty two teams will battle out for supremacy in the A, B, C, D and Veterans six-a-side cricket tournament at the Nationalised Services Cricket Association grounds at Ratmalana from December 10 to 16. All participating clubs are requested to send a representative to the draw to be held on Monday December 7 at the Shalika grounds Narahenpita at 5 p.m. The teams that do not come to the draw will be debarred from participating. Nuwara Eliya Moto Cross The Nuwara Eliya Moto Cross conducted by the Nuwara Eliya Motor Racing Club will conclude today (Dec.6) Nuwara Eliya. This is the second event for this year which is very popular in Nuwara Eliya. The event is being held on one of Sri Lanka's best dirt tracks at a spectacluar setting along the banks of Lake Gregory. Leading Moto Cross riders including several talented young riders will be seen in action. Nochchiyagama six-a-side A six- a-side cricket tournament conducted by the Anuradhapura Sinha Cricket Club Nochchiyagama will be held at the Mahaweli Sports Club grounds on December 26 and 27. The champions will be awarded the Berty Premalal Dissanayake Challenge Shield and Rs. 7500/- in cash with the runners-up with 5000/- rupees in cash. The best batsman, best bowler and the man of the match will be warded Rs. 1000/- each. A club could enter only two teams. Entries will close with Samarasiri de Silva JP, Teachers' Quarters, Nochchiyagama on December 20. (Nochchiyagama Corr). Dolphin Ambalangoda champs Dolphin Sports Club from Ambalangoda with a aggregate of 130 points emerged champions at the Inter Club Life Saving Championships sponsored by Union Assurance Limited conducted by the Life Saving Association at the Mount Lavinia beach. Otters Aquatic Club took the second place with 87 points while Polhena Sports Club Matara finished in third place with 82 points followed by Dambulla Sports Club 78 points, Kinross Aquatic Club 74 points, Nalanda College 45 points, with Old Thomians finishing in seventh place with 8 points. Ajith Weerakody of Dolphin Sports Club won the Iron Man event with V.H. Daluwatta of Polhena Sports Club second and T.H. Kusum of Dolphins third. Y. Amarasinghe won the 2 kilometre beach race. Ramal Jaisinghe the General Manager-Marketing of Union Assurance who was the Chief Guest gave away the awards. Farook takes Rally Rizvi Farook emerged the winner in the Ceylon Motor Sports Club Rally 500 followed by Shanaka Ambrose and Dilshard Hamdoon which concluded at the Peradeniya resthouse. There were two categories of vehicles which participated in the rally : 2 wheel doors and 4 wheel doors. The rally was flagged off at Galle Face Hotel with only 15 competitors coming under the starter's orders. Lucky Six are volleyball champs Potupitiya Lucky Six Volleyball team (Men) and Walana, Panadura Mahanama Sports Club (Women) won the championship of Kalutara District at the All Island Inter-Club Volleyball tournament sponsored by Lion Steward (PVT). The Volleyball compitition was held under the guidance of Mr. Mervin J. Cooray, President of Sri Lanka Volleyball Federation. Eighteen Men's teams and six Women's team participated in the tournament. In the final round of the competition Mahanama Panadura SC Women beat Eksath SC by three sets 15-8, 15-12, and 15-6.

- H.P.P. Perera

Giants of old times rise again in glory, standout

Richie Benaud's Autobiography

A Review by Harold de Andrado

This must be Richie Benaud's tenth book and every one of them has been most readable and most gripping. This is no exception and it is a lucid description of his rich cricketing life, and a great tribute to his wonderful wife Daphne who has done so much for him, as for cricket itself.

Richie Benaud possibly next to Sir Don Bradman has been one of the greatest cricketing personalities as player, researcher, writer, critic, author, organiser, adviser and student of the game. In this book he has expressed his opinions of clarity and commonsense, restoring form and substance to modern cricket, broadcasting, telecasts and cricket writing. He has an easy cricketing style and a fine sense of humour, with such substantial and valuable contributions to cricket throughout the cricket world. Whenever one reads a Benaud book there is always one regret that it was not twice as long. Those with any cricketing sense always enjoyed his books; but not only they, but also those who loved good prose will revel in every page.

The contents of this book are obviously products of a finely stored mind delightfully and happily written having always the richness of cricket history, with anecdotes of the characters associated with famous matches and illuminating illustrations. He has shown great sympathy for the Sid Barnes episode which saw him dropped most unfairly from the Australian Team in 1952-53, which probably cost them the Ashes and the Coronation Series. As Trevor Bailey has admitted, the absence of Barnes and Bruce Dooland made all the difference. Unfortunately Sir Don Bradman was not a Test selector then; but it is not the selectors that Benaud condemns but officialdom especially the Cricket Board members who with the exception of Sir Don had hardly played any cricket.

He himself crossed swords with officialdom both as a captain and during the controversy about his brother John's ripple- sole boots. Richie pays particular tribute to his father Lou who was the guiding light of his great cricket prowess and career. As one of the greatest all rounders produced by Australia he was the first in history to get the Double of 2000 runs and 200 wickets.

As a media man I have yet to see another who could capture the atmosphere of a cricket match as well as Richie. It is more often an invaluable assessment as I have always said the hallmark of Richie Benaud's career has been his courage, the same courage which has been stamped on his forthright views of the game. The statistics are there too, but subdued to a rightful place.

Instead of merely stuffing his books full of facts, Benaud always used the facts and filled them with human interests so that the giants of old time rise again in glory and great moderns are seen freshly standing on their native turf. He never forgot the seeds of future greatness, the flowering of which is a pleasurable anticipation for devotees of this immortal game. Benaud wrote as well as he was able to play and displayed his shrewd strategy that made him the greatest captain I have seen in action (I had not seen Sir Don in action). What has amazed me is the variety of cricketing activities he was able to cram into his years.

All this woven into his writing and electronic media appearances which is always a mine of good stories, a portrait gallery of famous sportsmen, a survey of changing ideas and conditions in the cricketing world, had much more than ephemeral value. Richie Benaud was a warm and generous friend and I owe much to him for his kindness over the years.

He sent me every book he wrote and they are the finest and greatest of its kind in any library.

All this and much more from his latest - the autobiography "Anything But".

Subtle shuffle

o German magazine provides clue to the mystery of Senior badminton official's daughter's name appearing in a boys' badminton team to Germany

By Channaka de Silva

A news item appearing recently in a magazine in Germany has revealed startling evidence of how a senior Sri Lanka Badminton Association (SLBA) official's daughter's name had found place in a Sri Lanka boys' team selected to go to Germany.

SLBA Vice President SSP Sarath Jayasuriya had been named by the SLBA recently to tour Germany with this Junior Boys team, named by the SLBA after a trial tournament, but surprisingly the name of Jayasuriya's daughter Malshi had been added to the team without the knowledge of the SLBA at the last moment.

Angered by the appearance of a girl's name in the boys' team and probably with the knowledge of how that particular girl's name entered the team list, the Asian - German Sports Exchange Programme (AGSEP) which organised the tour decided remove the girls name.

However, despite the blatant mix-up carried out without shame, the culprits seem to have managed to get away with it, showing the reasons why people dare enough to indulge in such things.

Still, the authorities surprisingly prefer not to talk about it despite it being known widely across the badminton spheres of the country.

It all began a few months ago when the AGSEP, which organises playing tours of Germany for various sports events, organised another such tour to Germany. It was not the first tour organised for the shuttlers, and the Programme co-ordinator in Sri Lanka Dietmar Doering, a well known German born sports promoter who now resides in Sri Lanka, got in touch with the SLBA to ask them to nominate a junior boys team for the purpose.

It was not the first time that the SLBA was asked to nominate a team and on all previous occasions, Sri Lankan teams made successful tours which helped the local shuttlers to gain the much needed foreign exposure.

SLBA held several trials and picked a six-member boys team which however did not include any known champion players at the Junior Level. The reasons for that could have been two fold. One is that the tour needed the players to find funds amounting to Rs. 60, 000 while the other could be the fact that some of the most outstanding schools such as St. Anthony's, Kandy received the letters informing the trials after they were actually held. SLBA had been given at least a month's time to name the team, but their failure to inform the key schools in time to attend trials could only point to unscrupulous conspiracy.

However, SLBA finally named a team of six boys together with SSP Jayasuriya as the manager.

"We only had six boys in the team. We did not nominate any girls into the team as we were asked to send a boys' team. It is very clear." said SLBA Secretary Ajith Wijesinghe when he was asked of the composition of the team.

However the team list which according to sources had been given to Manager Jayasuriya to be handed over to Doering had been tampered on the way to include the name of Malshi Jayasuriya, a well known girls' badminton player who is Jayasuriya's daughter.

Doering had immediately faxed the team list to Germany, which resulted in them being issued by the Programme co-ordinators there to the publishers of the magazine "Badminton Journal", which promptly gave prominence to the news with the names of all Sri Lankans.

In the meanwhile, Doering (or the German Embassy while going through the details for visas) had spotted the girl's name among boys and had asked the SLBA President Eraj Wijesinghe about it and Wijesinghe in turn had told Doering that the SLBA did not name a girl in the boys' team.

Probably during the discussion, both Doering and Wijesinghe would have understood what would have had happened but chose to keep silent due to reasons best known to them.

Unfortunately facts could not be verified as "Sunday Times" made several futile attempts to get through to Wijesinghe who must be the most elusive person in the country. His Secretary refused to put the line through to him and adviced instead that we speak to Wijesinghe on the matter.

Doering is also in Germany and could not be contacted.

Doering probably angered by the mix-up informed the SLBA that the tour would be postponed till next year. But he got in touch with the Sports Ministry to seek another team for the tour which had been already organised.

Ministry official Damien Fernando who had a good knowledge about the badminton scene, immediately got in touch with former SLBA President Sam Chandrasena and asked him to accompany the new team as the manager, to which Chandrasena agreed.

Fernando, then got in touch with the Principal of St. Anthony's College, Kandy Fr. Hilarion Fernando and asked him to name four boys for the tour. The Antonians had made a clean sweep of all junior badminton titles on the previous year to become the undisputed champions and it seemed finally as a just reward, gifted by God to the boys, .

Fernando, who had accompanied the Sri Lanka Cavaliers cricket team to Dubai, could also not be contacted last week.

The four boys Nuwan Abeysinghe, N.S. John, S. Sudhakaran and Chinthaka Gunaratne were picked and flew within a few days to Germany for the two-week tour accompanied by Chandrasena on November 1. Unfortunately the six boys originally picked by the SLBA had also raised money amounting to Rs. 60, 000 but their dreams were shattered by the unexpected blow.

Once in Germany, the Sri Lankan team was in for another surprise when they saw that the magazine "Badminton Journal" had published the team named by SLBA as the visiting team. But what was more surprising was to see the name of Malshi Jayasuriya in the boys' team. The cat was out of the bag !

Several attempts to contact SSP Jayasuriya last week also failed.

Wijesinghe, when asked about the matter said he heard it through the grapevine but explained that they could not take action about it unless someone produces documents to prove it. "Some one has to produce this magazine to the SLBA and make an official complaint. Then we can inquire. But we can't inquire into things which we hear." he said.

Wijesinghe said as far as he knew officially, the tour was postponed for next year. He said the SLBA had nothing to do with the private tour arranged subsequently.

Contacted by "Sunday Times", Chandrasena said he and all players are in possession of the magazine.

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