41st Await the most prestigious school cricket awards ceremony of the year.

Recognizing talent, inspiring greatness. CONTENTS Official Publication of the National Olympic Committee of Sri Lanka September 2019

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE 04 Foreword by Suresh Subramaniam, President: Suresh Subramaniam Secretary General: Maxwell De Silva President, National Olympic Committee Immediate Past President: Hemasiri Fernando 06 NOC News Vice-Presidents: Joseph Kenny Asanga Seneviratne 14 Sustaining the reef with an eye for tomorrow’s Maj. General (retd) Palitha Fernando Senior DIG (retd) Sumith Edirisinghe SPOrtsmen and women Treasurer: Senaka Ranasinghe Assistant Treasurer: 20 2019 Olympic Day Run Nishantha Jayasinghe marata was a huge success Assistant Secretary: Chandana Liyanage Members: Chanaka Hashantha Fazil Hussain, Ajith Thamel, 24 whO IS THE BEST EVER IN LANKAN WATERS Niluka Karunarathne

32 hiruni’s place in the sun GOODSPORT Editor-in-Chief : S R Pathiravithana Saabir Cader 38 The climb has begun Allaam Ousman Susil Premalal 46 army, Slimline and Unichela Pugilists light up Layton Cup IMAGES Thusith Wijedoru Thishan Dissanayake 50 FORWARD THINKING NOC SL AND 2020 OLYMPICS Amila Gamage Hiran Weerakkody 56 driVING ON TO BETTER GREEN Kandula Yatawara Saabir Cader Kamal Wanniarachchi 60 LANKAN SPORTS LAW IS ARCHAIC GRAPHICS/DESIGN 68 iNDIAN GAY SPRINTER DUTEE CHAND Strategic Alliance (Pvt) Limited MARKETING 70 mOUNTAIN BIKING HAS COME TO STAY Strategic Alliance (Pvt) Limited

76 rENU'S DREAM FOR BADMINTON PRINTING Quality Printers (Pvt) Ltd.

80 SAG'S MARATHON men and women looking for gold CONTACTS Please send your feedback to: 88 aN ENDEAVOUR TO KEEP SPORTS ABOVEBOARD GOODSPORT, Olympic House, 100/9F, Independence Avenue, Colombo 7, Sri Lanka 90 LOOKing for the 'gold' in nepal Email: [email protected] [email protected] 94 Sag archers looking for the 'bulls eye' Tel: +94 11 2684420/21/22/23 Web: www.olympic.lk

100 Tharjini stars in liverpool GOODSPORT is published by the National Olympic Committee of 124 The Last Shot Sri Lanka. The articles published do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the National Olympic Committee of Sri Lanka. No articles may be reproduced without the permission of the NOC Media and Communications Department.

2 September FOREWORD In our own backyard, the launching of the April 21 incidents that the athlete of the present and Suresh Subramaniam of NOC SL’s own website in breached the peace in the country. It the future in mind. Here we February was a huge success was also held on June 25 as the reef are hoping to strengthen the President, National Olympic Committee and it is being developed into an sustaining programme thus making respective associations and in encyclopaedia of information on it a noteworthy public event in the turn get the people responsible Many achievements in just one year of dedication Sri Lanka’s athletes with over 200 country. churn out Olympic medallists of completed so far. the future. The vehicle for this At the time of penning down vision would be the futuristic 2024 Four quarterly issues ago to be the steeplechase event and winning up to be a focal point in today’s Speaking of being innovative, our this note, the NOC SL had one programme. precise, we set off on a journey of Bronze in the Women’s 2000m . athletes. So much so, the High team scored a first in the realms completed audit in the KPMG destiny with the launching of the Performance committee is on a of the Olympic world, when we Private audit followed by three other I am working with the current GoodSport Magazine with a pledge As a newly elected President, I was forward march under Sri Lanka’s launched the first Environmental audits going on. They are the Annual executive committee which of ushering an environment which mindful that the road ahead was only surviving Olympic Medallist, Sustainability Programme in Extern Audit, Gap Analysis Special has been very active and will make it more favourable for full of uncertainties, but knowing Susanthika Jayasinghe who Polhena, Matara and in exposure Assignment and the IOC audit; they amiable during the past fifteen athletes to achieve their dreams. the fact that every question has its has taken up duties as the High and media attention was hugely were being conducted concurrently. months and have achieved and own answer, I persisted upon it with Performance Director. successful. This proves that the present implemented so many innovative We took the first few steps in courage and a thirst to conquer. executive believes in keeping the ideas. Thus, now, it is necessary our endeavour by taking part in I was also very much aware that I A right move in direction was the Our argument was that to sustain house clean for better transparency. to focus on our vision towards the Commonwealth Games in have a team that is ever willing to signing of the MOU between the life and sport in and around the the successive Games until 2024; Gold Coast, Australia, The Asian back my vision even it is full of tasks Chinese Olympic Committee and island, especially sea-related sports, We are also proud to say that in an so as to alert the athletes and Games in Jakarta and Palembang and challenges. Sri Lanka seeking ways of honing the coral reef in Sri Lanka is very effort to accentuate transparency, national federations to achieve 2018, Indonesia and the Youth the skills of Lankan athletes with important. However, as it is being our Financial Committee is very our goals. The NOC Sri Lanka Olympics Games Buenos Aires Among the very first tasks that an eye for the next Asian Games in threatened of being destroyed active. feels it’s the right time to prepare 2018 in Argentina, where we saw we undertook was the setting up China in 2022. We also have entered owing different reasons and some a four-year action plan including the emergence of young Parami of the NOC SL High Performance into an agreement with the Croatian of the coral cover is already dead, Besides, we also have embarked all the mega Games until the Paris Wasanthi Maristella – taking part in Committee which is now shaping Olympic Authorities too. the NOC SL pioneered the “Give the on the NOC Sri Lanka – Policy on 2024 Summer Olympic Games to reef another chance” programme. Sexual Harassment – a paper that be held from 26 July to 11 August This effort was so successful; we will safeguard the integrity and the 2024 in France. got the Sri Lanka Navy, Tokyo right to perform without intimidation Cement and the hotels around the for our athletes. Polhena Reef along with numerous other governmental and non- With our own house in the throes of governmental organisations coming being transparent and efficient, we in as partners. now have embarked on a mission to help our own associations getting The Olympic Day Run was also clean and efficient. another huge success was considering the fact that it was one Finally, all this effort has enabled of the first public rallies held in the to us to be in line for a budgetary country following the uncertainties allocation of Rs. 100 million for

Photo: President, National Olympic Committee of Sri Lanka Suresh Subramaniam met Gou Zhongwen, the Director of the General Administration of Sport of China and the President of the Chinese Olympic Committee. There they discussed on the development of Wushu in Sri Lanka with support of the Chinese Olympic Committee

4 September September 5 Serbian coaches Tokyo 2020 Keeps a Balance for South Asian ANOC Beach Games between Sports and Environment Games venue shifted through Medals

A confident Lankan Qatar to host inaugural World statement, and the Games will Handball chief Maj. Gen. Beach Games in place of San go ahead likely from October Dampath Fernando (left), Diego. Lack of sponsorship and 12-16 this year. HFSL president welcomed funding forced the Association Serbian coaches Matic and of National Olympic “There will also be no impact Nenad at a press conference Committees (ANOC) shift the on the ongoing qualification at Olympic House. The inaugural World Beach Games process which has seen more Serbian coaches are in the from San Diego, California to than 70 NOCs qualify across country in preparation for Qatar later this year. the 14 sports, with athletes the forthcoming South Asian from up to 90 nations ultimately Games which is scheduled The Association of National expected to compete”, the to be held in Nepal later this Olympic Committees (ANOC) statement added. year. awarded the Gulf State the rights two weeks after San San Diego was awarded the The Handball Federation Diego withdrew because Games in 2015 and they were of Sri Lanka (HFSL) have of lack of funding and originally due to be staged in set their sights on winning sponsorship. 2017 but that was put back to The Olympic medals for Tokyo sustainable games. Therefore, Susanthika signs up NOC SL a medal at the forthcoming 2019 to allow National Olympic 2020 are unveiled by the Tokyo the medals are moulded South Asian Games (SAG) An elated Qatar government Committees (NOCs) and 2020 Organizing Committee of entirely from metal extracted Sri Lanka’s Olympic ‘silver’ The Lankan millennium through her unique exposure by getting down the services has offered financial international federations time Olympic Games (TOCOG) on from recycled consumer medallist Susanthika medallist thus will be and experience. of two high performances guarantees San Diego was to prepare athletes. July 24, 2019 exactly one year electronics over the past two Jayasinghe joined the National overlooking the performances coaches from Serbia Nedeljko unable to secure, ANOC said in to go before the start of the years. Interestingly, more The picture shows President Olympic Committee of of all athletes who are under Matic and Nenad Kraljevski, Games. than 90 per cent of Japan’s NOC SL Suresh Subramaniam Sri Lanka as its High the purview of the NOC SL says Maj. Gen Dampath local authorities participated and its Secretary General Performance Director from 1 High Performance programme Fernando. Junichi Kawanishi, the and a total of 78,985 tons Maxwell de Silva with August 2019. and will be in charge of the director of the Japan Sign of discarded devices were Ms. Jayasinghe after signing development their skills, The two accomplished Design Association and the collected, a haul which the concept papers. European coaches arrived Osaka Design Society was included approximately 6.21 in the island on August 1 selected among 4,400 entries million used mobile phones, and have got down to the to produce 5,000 medals. along with digital cameras, Karate coach Mahdi Karimi in Sri Lanka business of raising the Kawanishi considers this job handheld games and laptops. handball profile of Sri Lanka as a lifetime achievement and Finally, they reached the goals with enthusiasm. The duo is of 30.3kg of gold, 4,100kg of Reputed coach Sensei Mahdi Karimi has 27 years of work he said “I never dreamed that here on a four-month contract silver and 2,700kg of bronze Karimi from Iran is in Sri Lanka experience in Karate and the design I submitted only till the SAG which will be were reached by the time the to coach the Sri Lanka National 15 years followed Karate as a memorial to this lifetime followed by a post-Games collection cycle closed on 31 squad in preparation for the professionally. He was also event would actually be analysis for three weeks. March 2019. forthcoming South Asian a member of Iran’s National selected”. Games in December. Karate team in 2010. He also The handball national pool of was a member of Azerbaijan Under the theme “Be better, On the other side, Japanese men and women comprising public contributed around Mr. Mahdi Karimi made a team from 2015 - 2017. together – for the planet and 26 players each have been 45 tons of household plastic courtesy call on NOC SL the people”, the TOCOG training for more than one and in order to create the 100 General Secretary Maxwell de Sensei Karimi is expected to aims to have the most half months at the Panagoda environmentally friendly and podiums for the Games. Silva at the Olympic House on be in Sri Lanka till the end of Army cantonment indoor 19th July 2019. this year. gymnasium.

6 September September 7 IOC accolades Tozer with TAFISA Seeking Achievement Diploma Ways of Effective Partnership

be working along with KOICA together. The buck does not stop at that point. To make the project a success the National Olympic Committee of Sri Lanka along with the authorities of the Education Department and the Health Department also have to be equal partners and to their might to it.”

Kim stressed if all partners do not run in the same direction we may fail in this endeavour. Nonetheless, TAFISA and KOICA have taken a decision to work towards the success Photo: of the project. He also Caryll Tozer with the NOC SL EXCO emphasised that if the project is a success – it would be the The apex body of world sports, of sixteen. Yet, it was netball medical support. Further, IOC invited all the NOCs Photo: the International Olympic all her sports achievements she is running a Facebook to nominate one candidate Stacey Kim people of Sri Lanka be the Committee has conferred motivated her to be involved page named ‘Safe Sri Lanka either a man or a woman or ultimate victors. the ‘WOMEN AND SPORT’ in many social works as a for Children’ to take a stand an organisation for the above The Association For through the promotion of Sport for this programme was Achievement Diploma in volunteer in supporting girls against abuse of children and award from each NOC for International Sport for All; for All and physical activity. weighed in between Zimbabwe At this point the GoodSport recognition of her outstanding and young women in sports. protect them. 2019. Then IOC selects one better known as TAFISA and Sri Lanka; however I asked on what sports that In this regard, TAFISA together contribution to promoting the She has been a guest speaker at world level and one each which originated in Europe perceived notion that Sri Lanka TAFISA hope to promote under with KOICA are working on a development and participation in many events and televisions The International Olympic for each continent. National in 1991 and has gradually would be the more feasible this project and what sort of proposal to support Sri Lanka’s of women and girls in Sport to to talk about the need for Committee awards Ms. Caryll Olympic Committee of meandered itself to cover the option in the long term”. resource personnel would Sports education and facilities. inimitable Caryll Tozer. empowerment of girl children Tozer the The International Sri Lanka called for the globe almost two decades be needed. Kim explained “It However to implement the and the importance of parity Olympic Committee annually application for the first time later. Now working under the He said that by lunching this may not be popular sports actual project within the limited Indeed Ms. Tozer is when bringing up girl and boy confers ‘The IOC Women and and received six applications. banner “Sports for All” the programme our primary aim is like football and volleyball be time and to make it feasible multifaceted. A fitness addict, children. Tozer was a member Sport Awards’ to promote A five-member evaluation programme has earmarked Sri to develop a linage of healthy used towards the sports that and effective they need the she still does things that a of the National Sports Council the advancement of gender committee of NOC Sri Lanka Lanka to be a partner along Sri Lankan people, through be utilised most will be the primary NOC Sri Lanka’s woman twenty years her junior of Sri Lanka in 2015 and quality in sport. The IOC’s aim selected Ms. Caryll Tozer to with the coordination of the our guidance. However he kind of sports that could help support for that project. would still not dare. It was supporting women’s netball on this award is to recognise nominate for the Award. Korea International Cooperation added “This could not be a the populace of the country just the other they she walked and tasked with writing a policy outstanding achievement and Agency KOICA. Making a feasibility study of short term project. This needs to sustain their strength and This special award was across several countries while document for all sports. contributions made to develop, this programme in Sri Lanka a lot of planning and in-puts. vitality through their adult life. conferred by Senior DIG (Rtd.) in Europe. encourage and strengthen the As the leading international was introduced by Stacey The initial three years it would As a result it may be a sport Sumith Edirisinghe, the vice As a rolemodel, Tozer founded participation of women and Sport for all organization Kim from South Korea who is run as a preliminary project that we have to introduce to president of National Olympic While starting at a very tender ‘Women in Need’ in 1987 girls at all levels in the sport TAFISA is in the privileged the Head of TAFISA President and then in the fourth year we the curriculum and the Lankans Committee of Sri Lanka on age, Tozer represented Sri with her partners to help world, in order to close the position to bring joy, health, Office. would embark on the setting grow with it”, Kim said. Lanka for athletics, netball, abused women and girls with gender gap. August 6, 2019 before the start social interaction and up the “Sports for all Centre” and basketball since her age counselling and legal and of the 8th executive committee development to communities Explaining the programme Kim proper. This is going to be a meeting. and citizens around the globe told GoodSport “The location huge project where we would 8 September September 9 Hockey veterans’ Research visit and lecture by Dr. Borja destination ‘down under’ on NOC Sri Lanka and co-habitation

to achieve what they are Dr Borja García, a of understanding and so on. Moreover, another objective of determined to. professor on sport policy the research was to identify which are the areas of most fruitful and management at collaboration: It is important the path to Loughborough University, success is drawn from the United Kingdom and lecturer In this research, the following key people from different roots, Mrs. Ruwaiza Sela, in the ‘Dream Together’ organisations were identified and interviewed. Manager of the team. There is Global Sport Management so much we can influence our master programme at Seoul 1. Mr. S. Ranugge younger generation towards, National University; visited and it is not only the sport Sri Lanka from 21 – 27 July Former Secretary - Ministry of Sports itself. The attitude, serve 2019. 2. Prof. B.L.H. Perera your country, how you carry Programme Director Academic Programmes - NOC SL yourself as strong women in The purpose of the visit NOC SL, NFs, university staff the society amongst strong was to do a research 3. Mr. Deva Henry and students, ASMC alumni, men, dress code, dignity and on the relationships Former Vice President - NOC SL and media. The lecture was most importantly to become between National Olympic held in the Hemasiri Fernando an all-rounder in every aspect Committees and national 4. Mr. S. Wirithamulla Auditorium, Olympic House whilst you engage in a sport government which is funded Former Sports Ministry Secretary on 25 July 2019 from 1500 you love. “We have hockey by the International Olympic to 1700. Approximately moms who run businesses, Committee with one of 5. Mr. Roshan Watawala 100 stakeholders actively lead corporate entities, their “Advanced Research Sri Lanka Masters Women, “Yes, partly it's true, yet, how Army to keep the fires burning Senior Media Personnel - Sirasa TV participated. a group of hockey players do you expect the younger for both homes and Sports qualified lawyers, engineers, Grants”. The project is done consisting mainly National generation to have hope if we Women in Sri Lanka”. and also moms of at least by Borja and his colleague 6. Mr. Priyantha Jayakody Dr. Borja began the lecturers players from all parts of the don’t create hope being senior with children of two or more. Professor Henk-Erik Meier, Vice President - Sri Lanka Volleyball Federation with the definition of good island will travel to Australia for hockey players in this field, This team will be captained It is amazing sometimes to Munster University in governance and principles a list of games. without setting an example, by Manoji Pradeepika, former sit back and think how we Germany. As one country 7. Mr. Maxwell de Silva of good governance. He Mrs. Mendis continues to Sri Lanka Army Hockey player try hard to put everything from one continent basis, Secretary General - NOC SL explained more practical “We are proud that we are the express? I am proud to be in years 1996-2004 and also together to achieve what we Sri Lanka was chosen as the ways of implementation and only women masters team that leading a group of women full 1996, Sri Lanka National Pool really want with all what runs case study here. 8. Hon. Harin Fernando finally he proposed some have been able to take part at of superstars in my era. Many Hockey player. She is part of through our heads on a daily Minister - Ministry of Telecommunication, Foreign self-assessment tools such the World Masters Cup in 2018 of our coaches during our days the Masters Women spinal cord basis, not forgetting it’s the The purpose of the project Employment and Sports as BIBGIS model and the in Spain from Asia and it was are very proud that we have and strength to the Masters Asian culture we are trying to was to explore the different ASOIF Governance Task a great experience to take our gathered many former hockey Women operation in Sri Lanka. crack open, where women relationships of collaboration 9. Dr. Upendra Mudugamuwa Force to improve the quality little island to a continent that players from different schools, Her energy is felt miles ahead. stays home” says Mrs. Sela. between NOC SL and Advisor - Ministry of Telecommunication, of the governance of a sport Sri Lankan Government. made us explore the game we namely Kandy, Pushpadana Foreign Employment and Sports organisation. love in a different perspective” Girls School, Matale In 2018 Masters World Cup The Masters Women hockey Their prime objective was says former three times Sangamitta Girls School, participation have inspired the players are mentored and to identify the best practice 10. Mr. S.R. Pathiravithana It was followed by a very trained by Mr. A.N. Perera and to map different types National Hockey Captain St. Paul’s Milagiriya, Colombo, ladies to do better in the next Head - Media of NOC SL interesting Q and A session Mrs. Sobitha Mendis. Sujatha Vidyalaya, Colombo, 2020 world cup, and is focused with his expertise, a coach of collaboration in different with a lot of impact. Finally, the Visakha Vidyalaya, Colombo, to enter two teams, over 35 who has trained many countries; also to understand 11. Ms. Hiruni and Ms. Gayathri lecture came to the conclusion champions through his field, whether collaboration Many feel it’s the end of the Musaeus College, Colombo, and over 40 ladies teams Admin Staff - NOC SL with a group photo of the road for us as we continue to Yashodara Balika Vidyalaya, this time. This visit down- hockey career. between NOCs and participants. show more love for the game Colombo and also ex-national under will boost these strong governments is regulated Following the research, NOC SL invited Borja Garcia for a we are passionate about. heroines from the Sri Lanka hockey players’ energy more, by any type of agreements, lecture on ‘Good Governance in Sport: Why Do We Need legislation or memorandum It?’ NOC SL invited the executive committee members of 10 September September 11 ASMC is Underway NOC SL enters into futuristic sports MOU with Hashima City

Japan to attend a three-day as the City of Hashima is Chef de Mission Seminar at well equipped to provide the Hotel New Otani in Tokyo, assistance in this discipline. Japan. Every National Olympic Besides, there is a top ranking Committee had been invited to businessman in the city who take part in the event. is interested assisting us with this programme and he is a big Speaking about the Hashima time supporter of Taekwondo MoU the NOC SL Secretary there”. General Maxwell de Silva said “Initially the person of Hashima The NOC SL Secretary General City was very happy about added that during the Game, our visit there. The conclusion the city of Hashima would was that we both would work also be happy to host the Sri even after the conclusion of the Lanka athletic team during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games Olympics. There we will take which will be held next year, the Lankan team to the City Photo: Secretary General of NOC SL Maxwell De Silva and Mayor of bottom-line being working and we shall host a function Hashima City Gifu Prefecture Japan, pose with the GoodSport closely with the Hashima City during the Games are on. Magazine and obtaining assistance from Besides that another item that them and they were more than is on the cards according to de The National Olympic Sri Lankan Team that will take happy coming up with that Silva is a students’ exchange Committee of Sri Lanka part at the Games. There the gesture”. programme benefitting the entered into a fruitful sports People of the City of Hashima young Lankan athletes and vice agreement with Satoshi Matsui, would contribute in more than “The sport that we are looking versa. the Mayor of Hashima City Gifu one way to help Sri Lanka’s at this point is Taekwondo, The 7th edition of the federations, Sri Lanka security Assistant Secretary of NOC Committee of Sri Lanka. Prefecture, Japan. Sri Lanka Olympic mission before and Olympic Solidarity Advanced forces, Schools, National Sri Lanka shared his ASMC Further, he highlighted the National Olympic Committee’s when the Games are on. The Sport Management Course Institute of Sport Sciences and experience of the Course. contents of the MOSO and Secretary General Maxwell next phase will be beyond the conducted by the National Universities. its objectives and learning de Silva signed this MoU Tokyo 2020 programme. Olympic Committee of The participants were issued outcomes. looking beyond the Tokyo 2020 Sri Lanka started on August 17, The ASMC is designed for with the manual ‘Managing Olympic Games which is also Already discussions are in 2019 at the Olympic House, seven sessions and each Olympic Sport Organisation’ On the second day, the due to be held in Japan. place as to how this MoU Colombo. session consists of two days. (MOSO) for the ASMC by first chapter of the manual could take place to promote The first session began with the Olympic Solidarity. In ‘Organising an Olympic Sport This multifaceted agreement the Lankan Olympic hopefuls’ For the first time, the ASMC the participants’ registration. the second part of the first Organisation’ was tutered by has many features that would aspirations of the future. showcases the gender equality Following by this, a welcome day, the course introduction Professor B.L.H. Perera once help Lankan athletes who are by an equal number of 10 each remark was addressed by included course structure again. down to perform at the Tokyo The MoU between the NOC SL males and females among Mr. Suresh Subramaniam, and administration process, 2020 over there and install and the City of Hashima was the participants. The twenty President of NOC Sri Lanka. and tools of the Course was The second session of the certain programmes looking signed when a Lankan Olympic participants represented The first edition of the explained by Professor B.L.H. Course will be held in October beyond the Japan Games. team comprising its Secretary different sport administrative ASMC participant Wing Cdr. Perera the academic director 2019. General Maxwell de Silva sectors such as national sports Chandana Liyanage, the of the National Olympic Initially there would be an and his Assistant Secretary exchange programme for the Chandana Liyanage were in

12 September September 13 “Help sustain the reef and help the child of tomorrow see a new dawn.”

The proceedings got into gear with a beach cleaning programme which involved schoolchildren, prisoners “Help and volunteers from the area. sustain the During the programme, the NOC SL projected the sports that could be reef and continued to be a part of their daily life and thus grow up to the Olympic help the medallists of tomorrow. Some of the sports that were demonstrated child of were - Beach Volleyball, Kabaddi, a 400-metre sea swim, surfing and life tomorrow saving. see a new The rejuvenation of the reef was done through placing a series dawn” cement domes on the dying reef and plant the corals on them so that the corals would begin to re-grow on them.

Photo: NOCSL President Suresh Subramaniam and Secretary General of NOCSL Maxwell De Silva open the Information Centre Sustaining the reef with an eye for tomorrow’s sportsmen and women

t was a unique twist for the of promising artist Dillai Joseph Olympic Movement. The National and hotelier cum environmentalist I Olympic Committee of Sri Lanka Hiran Ukwatte. They discussed the (NOC SL) with the blessings of the possibility of developing a project IOC (International Olympic Committee) that sustains the environment, ventured into an avenue that they but, also had a conceptual relation never travelled before. Mentored to Olympic values and sports in by NOC SL’s eagle eyed Secretary general. Then after a few brain General Maxwell de Silva; they married storming sessions, it developed the idea of Environment awareness and shaped into a project worth and Olympism through their unique pursuing. project ‘Give the reef another chance’ at the Polhena Beach, Matara. The project was the rejuvenation of the dying reef in Polhena. The tool The concept initially went to the they used to send the message drawing board when the NOC SL across were a cross section of Secretary General picked the talent people who believe in the idea

Photo: 14 September Beach Cleaning Programme September 15 Photo: Secretary General Maxwell De Silva planting an all weather tree

Once it begins to grow, the people To make this three-year event a of Matara should be educated in success the organisers sought the importance of the sustenance the guidance and assistance of of the reef. The tools that were used different partners such as Tokyo for this were the setting up of the Cement, The National Aquatic Reef Information Centre and an art Resource and Development competition among children from Authority (NARA), Sri Lanka 17 schools in the Matara area. The NAVY combine with Coast reciprocation was awe-inspiring. Conservation, Coast Guard, The organisers ended up with over Marine Environment Protection 2,500 informative drawings done by Authority, Ocean Resources the children and the top 70 exhibits Conservation Association (ORCA) were put on show next to the newly and the Wildlife Authority. Besides, formed information centre. the respective hoteliers on such locations; especially Amaloh Hotel On the day of the programme, who is playing a pivotal part in the 50 students, parents and their success of the programme and teachers were given the opportunity Polhena Reef Hotel (where the coral of going through a presentation on information centre is located) will Coral Preservation. also be partners of the project.

16 September September 17 H.P.V. Jayaseeli Housewife of the Area “I am very happy. You have shown our children so many sports that they could get involved in and win Olympic medals in the future. Even now, there is surfing, sea swim Interviews and so many other sports that our children are involved in. “At the same time Coral preservation and beach cleaning are also timely activities for the learning of the children”. Comments aired by the real stakeholders and the people of the area on the coral and reef preservation programme conducted by the National Olympic Committee Sri Lanka. K. Ranuda Sandury Sisira Gajanayake Student Fisherman “From grade three I have been taking “I like programmes of this nature. At present there are only a part in sea swims in the area in and K. Samarawickrema few tourists in our vicinity and the lack of a proper income has around Polhena. I even took part in the Tea Kiosk Owner at the Polhena Beach hit us very badly. I am happy that this programme was held in sea swim that was held today, and I am our area. It would help us turn a new leaf through the publicity happy that I was given a certificate at the end of the event”. “This is a very noble task. The people of the area should be aware of the value of the coral and the that we received”. reef around it. Let me thank the Olympic Committee of Sri Lanka undertaking this timely task”.

R.A. Premasiri U.H. Leelawathi Fisherman from the Vicinity Retired Teacher “I am happy that the child of today is exposed to these “I back this concept wholeheartedly. By indulging in a task of this nature, the next generation of this country workshops and as a result they are more environmentally will also get the right sort of vibe. “The majority of the population of the area are connected to the sea and conscious. I feel not only the children, even the adults the tourist industry and they also get involved in recreational activity such as Surfing and Scuba Diving. like should be given the opportunity of learning about the In reality, the Polhena Beach has become world famous because of the reef that is situated in a low tide environment and only then they also get conscious about what location. So, people must preserve the coral and reef around us. If there is a healthy reef, there is minimal is going on”. sea-erosion and if the reef is dead, we end up with very critical sea-erosion”.

Achini Gunatunga Dhammika Perera School Teacher Scuba Diving Guide P. Shantha Kumara “I teach about the environment as a subject in my school. It is Scuba Diving Instructor “This unique idea is really out-of-the-box. This sort of tasks should be undertaken by the government, but a subject that children must be aware from a very tender age. Then they grow up to be aware of the environment and love it. we are very thankful for the National Olympic Committee of Sri Lanka for choosing our part of the country “I have been involved with this industry Through your programme you have given them a very practical for preservation. “We understand there is fish here because of the corals and the reef and there are many for over 35 years and I know this area lesson. “At the same time, being aware of the negative aspects turtles in this vicinity because of this reef and the beach that follows. So, the NOC has taken up a very noble like the back of my palm. Our Coral of the polythene is very timely. Through the beach cleaning task. “At the same time, you people also have given us a lesson or two about our own environment through cover is diminishing fast. The 1969 programme even that aspect was exposed. Once again we the beach cleaning programme along with the coral replanting programme”. floods and the Tsunami are hugely must thank the NOC SL for this programme”. responsible for the situation. But, a group like yours, getting involved and helping us to rejuvenate the coral cover is a very good thing and this may help L.G. Wasantha us to preserve our future in a Three-wheeler driver in the Polhena Area Navishka Hirushan better way”. “This is timely, and the whole Polhena area is happy because you have undertaken this task. Olympic is a Student global word; and by the Olympic Committee getting involved in this mission, directly or indirectly you have “We got the opportunity of learning about Olympic Values and put us on the global map. “As a result of the recent upheavals, tourism in the area is severely hampered, but Coral Preservation. We must get more exposure to things like with activities of this nature it will help the tourist get the right message about the prevailing situation. “Since this because we could learn a lot about the country and the land the devastating Tsunami our coral cover is being hampered and so far, nobody has cared about the situation; that we live in through them”. but, you from the NOC has seen our plight and have come to our rescue.... thank you very much”.

18 September September 19 “Since, the successful completion International Cricket Stadium after a of the programme now we all know four kilometre trek. that we have sent the right vibes about the situation in Sri Lanka During the celebrations Susanthika especially the Southern Coast, and Jayasinghe who was the guest of it is a safe place to travel and have honour pointed out the importance an event of this nature where there of unearthing raw talent from the was a participation of over 1000 village and said that she too came schoolchildren from seventeen from the same background where different schools in the Matara her mother was a rubber-tree area”. tapper while her father was just a humble driver. However, through Initially, the proceedings got her own perseverance she climbed underway with a lecture and the ladder success in athletics and presentation on Olympic Values now she lives in a different world. which was followed by an art She said “If you have some talent competition for fifty students also you must know how to take the from the area. At the main ceremony maximum use of what you are born the winners of the art competition with”. were duly rewarded. President NOC SL Suresh The Olympic Day proper, wound Subramaniam said that it was his through the streets of Matara, second Olympic Day Run in three flagging off from the Polhena Beach days. He said “While in Switzerland I and finished at the Uyanwatte was fortunate to be a witness to the

Photo: President and Secretary General of NOC SL are with the Olympic Torch 2019 Olympic Day Run Marata was a huge success

t was a fitting birthday celebration to the Olympic Day Yet, NOC SL General Secretary Maxwell de Silva had by the National Olympic Committee of Sri Lanka at the a different view. There was a huge pressure to call it I Polhena Beach in Matara. To decorate the event a bevy quits. Yet, he was of the view that if we succumb to the of national and international sportsmen and women led by pressure there is no way out. Speaking about the task of Sri Lanka’s only surviving Olympic medallist Susanthika launching this year’s programme the NOC SL Secretary General de Silva said “Soon after we decided to have Jayasinghe marked their participation. Besides, it was the Olympic Day Run on June 25, we were heaped with Susanthika who set the trail blazing by lighting the Olympic the drawback of the April 21 carnage. I was under a Torch to get the main proceedings in motion. lot of pressure to call off the Olympic Day Run citing safety measures, but, I was adamant that we should go Unlike the preceding years, the 2019 proceedings were head, because had we abandoned the programme it beset with obstacles. Even the initial part of the organising were the Lankans who were going to lose nationally and was not over when the Lankans experienced that internationally. horrendous massacre of the innocence on April 21.

20 September September 21 Photo: Vice President of NOCSL Asanga Senevirathne handing over a prize to one of the art Competition Winners

Olympic Day Run proceedings at International Olympic Committee “This is what exactly the IOC Headquarters and from the was formed on June 23 of 1894. Bandaranaike Airport I drove direct the need of the hour to be a part in our run at Matara. “This is what exactly the need of the hour in our land too. My wish in our land too. “It always holds me in awe! The five too is to strive for amity and unity in My wish too is to rings in Olympics depict the five this country through the medium of continents and the colours of the sports”. strive for amity and rings are a part of every National Flag of the World. In 1894 French The Chief Guest at the occasion unity in this country Educator Baron Pierre de Coubertin, was State Minister Seyed Ali Zahir conceived the idea of uniting the Moulana and during his speech through the medium world through the medium of invited the NOC SL to have next Sport. Thus the concept of the year’s celebrations in Kalmunai. of sports” Modern Olympics was born and the

22 September September 23 the future will have the answer

By S.R. Pathiravithana

ay be, the future would decide who would be considered the best ever swimmer to occupy M a lane in the Lankan swimming pool, but, definitely the twenty-five-year-old Mathew Abeysinghe is soon ticking off most of the required cages to step on to that pedestal.

We caught up with Mathew along with his brood vacationing at the Swim America pool at Longden Place recently. There the four brothers – Andrew, Mathew, Kyle Photo: and Dillon in spite of their break from work, they were in Mathew Abeysinghe the pool engaged in light training.

Yet, the man in the main frame was Mathew who is training vigorously for two important assignments ahead – the SAG 2019 and Tokyo 2020. Mathew explained “this is strictly a vacation and a mental recharge. I have comeback may be a year and three months hence after studying and training at the Ohayo State University, USA. Thereafter I will be concentrating for the SAG and the Olympics and this will be the last time that I would be in Sri Lanka before the SAG”.

24 September September 25 Mathew explained that the regime He said that besides the training that he has to follow was rigorous. sessions he also has been making He said “Monday, Wednesday, use of every opportunity that has and Friday I have practice in the come his way. He said “We have morning and evening. Then there is meets against other universities a weight session in the afternoon. all the time. Then we have the “Monday, On Tuesday and Thursday, I have big ten championships which is a Wednesday, and separate training schedules and collection of schools and Eastern then on Saturday, I have one conference which is a really fast Friday I have practice session leaving out only meet. Then at the season we have my Sunday off. That along with the NCAA men’s swimming and practice in the school, where I am a fulltime diving championship which is one student where I have finished 100 of the fastest meets in the world morning and credits out of the 128 need to and most of the top swimmers in graduate and thereafter I can go to the USA make their appearance evening" graduate-school for my masters”. here. Besides, swimmers from

26 September September 27 countries like Brazil who come to the USA for training to take part at this meet here. Then just prior to my travelling to Sri Lanka I took part in the US National Championships too. This means that I have been training and making myself ready for the South Asian Games challenge.”

In a pensive mood Mathew explained that the training in the United States has propelled his performances tremendously and has helped him perform abreast what the swimming world could offer. He said “the quality of competition is extremely high and we have guys who are a little faster than me or a little bit slower than me. We practise with each other at practice and keep pushing each other for greater heights. At the same time the quality of the meets are also very high. However the challenges in Nepal and Tokyo – I will take them as they come. I feel the competition against the Indian swimmers would be very competitive; yet, having said that I won seven gold medals competing against them at the last SAG.

28 September September 29 “I am a much better swimmer now, so I Amiable Andrew Abeysinghe said would try to win as many medals at the that he is hoping to take part SAG this time. I will try doing the best as many events as possible at for my country. As for Tokyo the last the South Asian Games so that time that went for the Olympics I went he would be able to win more through the ‘B’ cut, but this time I am medals. However he said that hoping to qualify with an ‘A’ cut – that at the Olympics, he would only the automatic qualification which is the concentrate in one or two events. I highest form of achieving that. I am know my best events are the 100m very close to qualifying for the Tokyo free style, 200m free style so I would 2020 and that is one of my main goals. hone in and swim as fast as I could, At the last preliminary stages I could and maybe go for a medal. To make not go ahead. At that time I was only 19 the cut I have time till July next year years old and just a kid. Yet, now I am - just a little less than a year. Last aware of what ahead of me and I will time around I was a lot slower and I be ready for that. So, my aim is to swim did take part with a ‘B’ cut, but time at least in a semi-final. I am a racer, so around I am a lot faster”. when I compete; maybe I can swim at the final”.

Photo: Four Abeysinghe brothers: Dillon, Kyle, Mathew & Andrew

30 September September 31 Hiruni’s place in the sun By Allaam Ousman

ight now she is the only seconds in 2015 IAAF World Sri Lanka athlete to boast Championship. R of a member of the true international athletic circuit, yet The marathon commenced at she was on show for the first 1.00 pm Sri Lanka time, with time at the athletic nationals. The Hiruni aiming to approximate US-based Sri Lankan Marathoner her own National record of Hiruni Wijayaratne qualified for 2:36.35 to qualify for the world the forthcoming IAAF World championship which she did in Championship 2019 after finishing emphatic fashion, shaving off 2 second in the Düsseldorf Marathon minutes 25 seconds off her earlier 2019 held in April this year. best timing.

She clocked 2 hours 34 minutes When we met her, she was and 10 seconds in the race, fresh from winning 5,000 and shattering her own Sri Lanka the 10,000 metre events at the record set in January 2018 while Nationals at the Sugathadasa also achieving the qualification Stadium. She was at her standard for the forthcoming IAAF residence at the Rajagiriya World Championship in Doha, Gardens, but, she was ready to which will be her second world break her training even at home. championship. She said that she loves to run on the road, and she was ready in all Her time also bettered the South her running gears, waiting for the Asian record held by India’s O.P. GoodSport team arrive. Jaisha in the marathon 2:34.43

Photo: Hiruni Wijayarathne

32 September September 33 Photo: Winning the 5000m at the 97th National Athletic Championship - 2019

We inquired how she got to this record of 2:47; and now its 2:34. It is Marathon business especially in the also my own record.” “I was born USA, where their family and she is living. She said “I began taking part Just curiously we asked while living in Colombo in athletics at St. Bridget’s Convent in the United States why you chose and we are when I was eight years old and then to compete in Sri Lanka. With a when my family immigrated to the wry smile Hiruni said “I was born in Sri Lankan. We US, I continued sports. I got into Colombo and we are Sri Lankan. We the business of Marathon running moved to the United States when moved to the five years in 2014. I had just finished I was nine years old. But my heart my studies at the university in the and roots are still Sri Lankan, so United States U.S and the longest distance that I to me it was not a hard decision. ran at time was 10,000 metres. But, My father (Punu Wijeratne) was a when I was nine I wanted challenge myself and I sportsman at Royal College and always had this idea that; the longer he was the first one who got me years old. But I ran the better I could be. Then I started in the sport. My parents have tried the half marathon and that supported me every step of the way. my heart and went well. Then I pondered why not Mother was not an athlete but she is I challenge myself by taking on the a very good supporter.” roots are still marathon. I had immediate success. The first marathon that I ran I broke Being a private citizen in the U.S; Sri Lankan" the National record of Sri Lanka in how do you manage to keep 2014. It was 2:43.00 breaking the with your training schedules, we

34 September September 35 They have everything there for the athletes – you have to pay for them – but they are available. With that there comes high competition, even when I went to the University I was the 7th or 8th best there in long distance events and I had to work really hard to prove myself there. I think that pushed me to be the athlete that I am today”.

Hiruni explained that she does not find any difference in talent between Sri Lanka and the USA. The difference is that the process of training and the will to do better along with the stiff competition. She agreed that it requires weight room, a pool, gym, treadmill and good track are required and she feels these could be found here. However Photo: the difference is the process training With a helping hand to an injured Colleague and dedication all-round.

She then added “now that I have won the 5 and 10 thousand metre events at the athletic nationals and asked. Hiruni said “my training I do people came. There we had a would be eligible to compete at the "I was 15 years individually; I am based in Colorado small chat and I led them through SAG at the end of the year. There I but my coach is based just outside some exercises and we went for want to bring home gold. Then next old. I have some Washington DC. Peter Sherry we a 5km run. Such things bring a lot year is an Olympic year and my training partners have been working together since of joy”. aspiration is to be in Tokyo 2020”. I was 15 years old. I have some also in the training partners also in the process, Hiruni explained that in the “Right now I am ranked 87th in the they are good to push me to my USA there they have a lot more world in the Women’s Marathon process, they are limits and make me a better runner. resources and facilities do train. event and if the Olympic happens But my real passion is that I want She said “the other day I was at next week it would be top 80 who good to push me to spread to word of running to the the Sugathadasa Stadium, yet goes there. Only if I could run running community here and the I was told that is the only such minutes faster I could achieve the to my limits and USA”. facility that we have in Sri Lanka. qualifying time. Yet, in a 42km event That was shocking to me because it is only a few seconds faster in make me a better “Just the day before my running even the primary school that I each Kilometre. So if I could reach event at the Sugathadasa Stadium, I went to the USA had a similar that I have a ticket to go to Tokyo. runner" was at the Independent Square and track – not a stadium but a track I think my attempt in being at the I met the Colombo night runners – in good condition. In the U.S it next Olympics and a place in the group. There almost one hundred is an expectation and not a luxury. Sun is very realistic”.

36 September September 37 THE CLIMB HAS BEGUN LANKAN BASEBALL

Sri Lanka Baseball hosted its first International Baseball Tournament at the Sri Lanka – Japan Friendship Baseball Ground, Diyagama with the participation of 6-International Teams.

More importantly Sri Lanka won the Prestigious West Asia Championship beating the much-fancied Pakistan National Team. Sri Lanka also beat India, Nepal and Iran on their way to the finals. What makes this victory so great is because Sri Lanka managed to beat the No. 23 ranked team in the world in the final -- 18 positions higher than us.

Players had worked really hard for 3-months under Coach Kazuto Nonaka, a reputed Japanese National, who is currently based in Indonesia. Credit also should go to Sri Lanka Amateur Baseball/Softball Association for taking the responsibility to host this tournament especially, after the tragic incidents which took place on the 21st of April.

The officials were even more determined to host this tournament to show the fact that Sri Lanka is a safe destination. This was the first major Sporting event after the Easter attacks.

38 September September 39 Photo: Naween Kasthurimudali diving in to stay safe during the grand final game between Sri Lanka and Pakistan

Photo: The finals were telecast live and the Baseball is one of the sports that Sri Lanka Tourist Promotion Iresh Kosala fails to dismiss Pakistan other matches were live-streamed. We can become really big in Sri Lanka Bureau and the National Olympic Arsalan Jamashaid had over one million viewers around the considering we have some similar Committee for financial support. world and 9,532 viewers in the US only sports called Elle and Cricket which Without their help, they would not watched the final, this is a remarkable require hand-eye coordination. No have been able to stage an event of achievement. sooner the tournament was over this magnitude. 6 of our National Baseball players Baseball was relatively an unknown were invited to Indonesia to take JICA is responsible for sending sport in Sri Lanka until this tournament. part in a training program which Japanese Coaches to Sri Lanka for With this victory and also the exposure was attended by talent scouts from Training and Development. This has we had through Electronic and Print Japan and the US. been the key to the development Media the sport has become an instant of the Sport. Sri Lanka is the only success. More schools want to start Suddenly doors have opened and South Asian country that has a Playing Baseball. Sri Lanka Baseball there is an opportunity for Sri Lanka fully-fledged Baseball stadium, went to Jaffna soon after the tournament Baseball players to play overseas. the total cost of the stadium and they introduced the sport to This will be a huge boost for was sponsored by the Japanese Baseball in Sri Lanka. 8-schools. All these schools were given government and the well-wishers. Baseball equipment, a package worth Sri Lanka Baseball wanted to show around Rs. 500,000/- to each school. their gratitude to the Sports Ministry,

40 September September 41 Photo: Amila Pushpakumara diving to his left to pounce on a catch in the deep Photo: Iresh Kosala pulls of a blinder in the infield

Photo: Gunapala Dhananjaya throws the ball to the keeper

Photo: Sashika Dulshan winning the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award in the final presentation ceremony from former Army Commander Gen. Daya Rathnayake

Photo: Iresh Kosala celebrates competing a base with coach Nelanka Karunarathne

42 September September 43 With the West Asia Victory, Sri Lanka now has the opportunity to play in the Asian Championships, which is also a qualifier for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.The top 3 teams will automatically qualify for the Olympics. Since Japan is hosting it there may very well be an opportunity for another team to qualify.

Can Sri Lanka create history? Only time will tell. Whatever happens I think Baseball is here to stay.

44 September September 45 the five days of competition and The coveted Layton Cup awarded upsets galore in the semifinals to the most scientific boxer of the with the two bronze medallists at tournament returned to the Army the 23rd Indonesian President’s after a decade as Light Fly (49kg) Cup, Navy’s Gayan Indika Bandara national champion M.P.G. Sanjeewa and Army’s Piyal Dharmasena Nuwan gave a ‘masterclass’ in crashing out, along with Gold Coast ring-craft to a four-time Stubbs’ Commonwealth Games bronze champion 21-year-old Hasitha medallist Ishan Bandara of Army. Nuwan Jinadasa of Slimline in a thrilling finale to the championship. It was heart-warming to see young talented boxers overcoming Hailing from Kekirawa in seasoned campaigners displaying Anuradhapura, 27-year-old technical excellence without being Sanjeewa Nuwan, a Corporal in the Photo: Unichela's R.K.A.A. Ranasinghe overawed by rugged fighters or Armoured Corps of the Sri Lanka Vs E. Krishan Wani (Uphill BC) one-punch wonders, who forget Army, provided the silver lining in (Bantamweight fight) that boxing is a scientific art and is a tournament which attracted 118 one of the oldest disciplines in the men and 34 women pugilists from Olympics. 18 clubs.

Army, Slimline and Unichela Photo: Army's W.R.T. Weerakkody (Red) Vs pugilists light up Layton Cup P.A.R. Prasanna (Bantamweight fight BOXING

By Allaam Ousman

here was plenty of talent on expectations to connoisseurs of display at the 79th Layton the sport, there were some quality T Cup Boxing tournament for performances with promise of men and women pugilists organized potential to bring home medals. by the Boxing Association of However, the competition was Sri Lanka (BASL) at Royal MAS fierce, thanks to the healthy rivalry Arena which served as a trial to between Army who fielded about select the final pool for the South five teams, and Slimline and Asian Games (SAG) scheduled to Unichela, while Air Force, Navy and be held from December 1 to 9 in Police boxers, also emerged as a Kathmandu, Nepal. potent force.

Although the standard of competition There were some outstanding overall did not match the high individual performances throughout

46 September September 47 Photo: R.N.S.de Silva (Vidyartha) Vs U.N.K. Amarawansa (Slimline) (Bantamweight fight)

Army coached by Sampath Nuwan who eliminated Indonesia humble pie in the semifinals. Roshan Jayatilleke dominated the Men’s Cup bronze medallist Gayan Indika Sandaruwan and Lasindu Eranda, division winning seven gold medals Bandara of Navy with a superb both from Slimline, featured in the out of the 10 weight categories exhibition of scientific boxing. final. while Slimline Boxing Club had Having represented Sri Lanka at the three winners. Jayantha Kumara in Asian Championships and Thailand Light Welter (64kg) national 2008 was the last Army pugilist to Open international meets, Sanjeewa champion Dinidu Saparamadu of bag the coveted Layton Cup. Nuwan is a worthy investment as a Slimline captured the headlines in the future medal prospect. first four days of the competition with Sanjeewa Nuwan epitomizes the power-packed performances but ran potential available in Sri Lanka There were upsets galore in the out of steam barely surviving to win despite not having started his Fly Weight (52kg) with Gold Coast a split decision in the final against career as a schoolboy. Like most Commonwealth Games bronze a tough Policeman Dhananjaya boxers in the Defence Services, medallist Ishan Bandara and Weerasinghe who fought back they learn boxing as regimen and Indonesian President’s Cup bronze despite being floored twice in the perfect the art though all are not medallist Piyal Dharmasena, both first round. in the same level as Sanjeewa from Army, being made to eat

48 September By S.R. Pathiravithana

hinking out-of-the-box and “As for we Sri Lankans, our whole being innovative are always country is surrounded by the sea and T beam lights to success. At it is fast developing into a hotbed the Special General Meeting of the in Surfing internationally. With that National Olympic Committee of influence we see many of our locals Sri Lanka held under the guidance of taking a cue and developing into its President Suresh Subramaniam surfers of repute. So, it won’t be long and Secretary General Maxwell de that we could develop a medal hope in Silva, they pioneered the idea of this field. In the same breath giving full affiliation to the Surfing Sri Lanka has many sights that befit Federation of Sri Lanka and the the sport of Mountain Climbing, National Association for Climbing so why not pursue this aspect too. and Mountaineering in Sri Lanka. Moreover, both sports are new to Olympics and we could grow NOC SL President Suresh together”. Subramaniam speaking on the issue said: “This is an era where a lot of It may be a bit too premature to arrive countries put most of their eggs at the conclusion that Surfing and in the basket of track and field, Climbing would be part of the 2020 weightlifting, boxing, Judo and other Olympics, but an interesting bit of more established sports. news is that both these sports also will be making their debut at the 2020 Games.

50 September September 51 Sport climbing at the 2020 Summer Olympics will also be held in Japan for the first time

Another pioneering effort by the NOC SL was to bring the National Roller Skating Association on board in 2017. Though skateboard may be a one-off event for the 2020 Games in Japan, already it has made many ripples globally, and it is seen as one discipline that could gain the attention of the younger generation according to Bloomberg Business.

Meanwhile, Surfing will make its Olympic debut appearance in the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo, Japan. The contest site for Surfing at the 2020 games would be Shidashita Beach located about 40 miles (64 km) outside of Tokyo in Chiba and it would be a two-day competition.

Sport climbing at the 2020 Summer Olympics will also be held in Japan for the first time. The proposed format will consist of three disciplines: lead climbing, speed climbing and bouldering. The winner will be determined based on who performs best in all three disciplines and the venue will be the Aomi Urban Sports Park, Tokyo.

Yet, there seem to be some ominous signs ahead. Undeniably, the Olympic Games perennially has been one of the world’s premier marketing events with a guaranteed television audience of more than two-thirds of the 7.7 billion global population. Yet, it is now learnt that viewership numbers especially among the younger generation is waning. It is said that viewers among the 18 to 35-year-olds fell by at least 25% for the 2016 Rio Olympics. Reason: the viewership in the social media habits among the younger segments is ever increasing.

52 September September 53 While talking to Bloomberg Business generations to come,” says Jenny in May, International Olympic Storms, chief marketing officer for Committee Sports Director Kit NBC Sports Group. “The numbers McConnell said: “Young people still prove that they are engaged and part have an incredible interest in the of the Olympics, and what we have to Olympic Games. But the way they are ensure is that we are meeting these consuming the Olympic Games — the younger consumers on their platforms type of content they are watching of choice”. and the ways and the platforms on which they are watching — are “The IOC’s earlier attempt to fundamentally changing”. capture young viewers by adding snowboarding in 1998 drew scorn The fundamental reality of this NOC from some of the activity’s purists, SL move is that, they are forward who insisted its culture was thinking and are moving towards a incompatible with a competition goal that achievable because in the such as the Olympics. But eyes of the Olympics three sports snowboarding became one of the are yet in its infancy. So how could most popular Winter Games events. we become a part of this global At Pyeongchang in 2018, a video change and make an impact in the of American snowboarder Shaun rejuvenation of the Olympics and White winning an historic third gold bring back the lost viewers back on medal on the half-pipe led online screen? How could Sri Lanka be of coverage of the games, with almost help? 1 million views on YouTube,” said the Bloomberg Business in their article on The global thirst to capture the the subject. younger generation is unquenchable. “We are maniacally focused on the

54 September September 55 Driving on to a better green By S.R. Pathiravithana

his is a story that most of hitting the ball hard. So the batting us are familiar with, but I hierarchy led by coach cum manager T feel we are never tired of Duleep Mendis pushed them up at rocking back and sifting through the No. 1 and 2 and gave the duo the narration all over again. The story is licence to kill, knowing well the rest about how the Lankans made that of the brood could row the boat difference between a run of the mill safely when things get rough. cricket outfit to an out-of-the-box, Jack-in-the-box. This was the first Jayasuriya was also good for more step in Sri Lanka winning the cricket than a few overs of left arm spin World Cup in 1996. while Kaluwitharana had the job of keeping the wickets. With that, the In the mid '90s Sri Lanka had Lankans made room for four frontline one of the best and experienced bowlers and nine frontline batsmen. batting line-ups with a list of names It was a brand new ploy that no one that read like – Asanka Gurusinhe else had dared to ponder and the (No. 3), Aravinda de Silva (No. 4), rest is history. Arjuna Ranatunga (No. 5) Roshan Mahanama (No. 6) and Hashan With this in mind, I badgered golf Tillekeratne (No. 7). fanatic Ana Punchihewa, who was incidentally at the helm of cricket So with a line-up of that nature when Sri Lanka won the coveted ICC there were gifted Sanath Jayasuriya World Cup, to talk on why Sri Lanka and Romesh Kaluwitharana going cannot have their own Sri Lanka golf to fit in. Both were natural stroke tour and scale up our chances for makers and run-getters; not afraid of Asian and Olympic medals. Photo: N. Thurairajah

56 September September 57 that would not mean that Sri Lanka We asked whether since these could be an automatic part of the players are professionals, playing proceedings because there are for an Asian Games or Olympic around 140 countries that play golf Medal may not entice them and there is a ranking system. “Yet, because these medals do not I do not see why NOC SL take this bring monetary benefits. To that up as a long-term challenge and Punchihewa replied, “Of course make serious moves and work these professional players will agree towards Asian and Olympic medals to play at high quality events like in a concerted effort. What the the Asian games or the Olympics. NOC could do is to develop this as But, the Golf Union would have to a concept and sell it to potential find a way to back them monetarily. sponsors”, he said. If these players qualify for the Asian or the Olympic Games it would At one point of time they were be the responsibility of the Golf working towards a programme of Union to see the way through. I that nature launched by the then see this is where a proper plan with local golf authority, but, he feels the backing of the NOC SL and that it has fallen by the wayside sponsorship could play a major now. role.”

“However we do have some players Once gaining Test status in 1982, who once played in the Malaysian Lankan cricket began to grow Tour at that juncture, but, most because the cricket as a whole of them now only concentrate believed in their inherent abilities in the Indian tour for reasons of and think out-of-the-box. That sustainability. We have Mithun needs good leadership with vision, Perera who now plays only in a team of officials who are willing the Indian circuit, Anura Rohana, to translate the thoughts into Thangarajah and Prabhagaran, who meaningful action and a team of are in the professional circuit”. players who are hungry for success.

Photo: Anura Rohana Photo: K. Prabhagaran, Anura Rohana, Mithun Perera

We pointed out that Justin Peter Rose; Then we also can have an Asian tour MBE (born 30 July 1980 and turned event to be played here, but, we will professional golfer in 1998) -- an have to find around 2 million dollars. English professional and the current The attraction here is that we can get world number four in the Official World a viewership in Asia about 3 million Golf Ranking won the gold at the 2016 viewers. With around four days of Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. live coverage and Sri Lanka will have the potential tourists watching the So, we asked why golf, which also proceedings while giving our local does not entail the body mass akin to golfers the chance to engage at a cricket, depending a lot on eye-ball vantage point. At the same time coordination, be a fighting force. Then the move would also entice the golf by moving in the pro-circuit especially if tourists, who are generally in the there is a local tour, the Lankans could high-spending category also having a get opportunities – may be also in the closer look at the Lankan golf facilities PGA. and opportunities”.

Punchihewa came up positively and At the same time Punchihewa pointed said: “Yes, we can have our own tour out that in the Olympic Golf scenario in Sri Lanka – Colombo, Trincomalee, any country could not have more than Photo: Victoria and Hambantota (Shangri-La). two entries. Then according to the Ana Punchihewa We can have it every quarter with prize rankings and standings, the players money of around one million rupees. are chosen for the Olympics. He said

58 September September 59 Lankan Sports

is archaic LawBy S.R. Pathiravithana

poser that the sports fraternity in Sri Lanka have been enveloped for the past few years A is the role that is being played between the National Sports Associations in the country, the Sports Ministry and the National Olympic Committee.

According to Dr. Borja Garcia Senior Lecturer in Sport Management and Policy at Loughborough University, United Kingdom who was in Sri Lanka to study the situation in depth and report back to the International Olympic Committee; the situation in Sri Lanka is not unique, but, a matter that should be sifted through with care because there are glaring anomalies.

60 September September 61 Q: Are there any other countries We need to begin and start building. under your study where they I guess these are similar cases to have conflicts with their central that of South East Asia. governments? I do not think Sri Lanka goes to the A: Each country is different. level of Uruguay, India or Pakistan However, what we have found in where there is much stronger this project is that just because intervention of the government, a country is developing it is not but is probably comparable to necessarily so that they have some countries in Africa like conflicts. It is very much assumed. Tanzania or Kenya, they have rather We keep looking this through a interventionist governments. In Latin Western vision. We in the West do America it is a different issue; there everything right and those guys the real problem is corruption. in the developing countries have political mess. Q: Are you aware of the Sport Law of Sri Lanka and if so what is your For instance the Guatemala is impression of it? another country that has political mess as well; however the work in A: Yes, I read the 1973 Sports law the Guatemalan National Olympic of Sri Lanka. I know there have Committee could be better than been some amendments but, for some of the Western countries. me the sports law together with the Here, what we understand is we amendments in 2013 and the 2016 should not impose our Western regulations are suppressing; they vision on the rest of the world. are exceptionally interventionist. Having said that, what Sri Lanka Prior to my arrival, I was reading it lacks is a proper structure and there and I was surprised the content and are problems with good governance the level of micromanagement of the – certainly not a good structure for regulations on the sports bodies. At Photo: sport. NOC SL Treasurer Senaka Ranasinghe and Secretary General Maxwell de Silva handing over the Commemoration Plaque to Dr. Borja Photo: At work sessions Q: What was the purpose of your in the medium size; we got Germany visit to Sri Lanka and what are your which is bigger and we have impressions so far? Botswana which is bigger in size but have only two million inhabitants, A: The purpose of the visit is very in comparison to Sri Lanka’s 21 concrete – I am a researcher and million. In terms of sporting success we are doing a research on how of course – I mean Olympic success the National Olympic Committees – Sri Lanka is in the lower-end with work or not work with national only two medals. governments, we are doing with the funding of the IOC and they need to The selection of the countries was know more about the relationships. pretty much academic. We had a list of criteria, we took into account So, we selected Sri Lanka as one the GDP per capita, and in that of our case studies for several case Sri Lanka is very similar to the reasons. Primarily we want to situation of Guatemala – another have one case at least from every country which is in our purview. We continent, and there we need to also took into account a number of have a mixture of big countries indexes elaborated by the United and small countries. We also want Nations – let’s call it civil society. to have a mixture of successful We believe that to develop sport we countries in the Olympics as well need an active civil society. as countries which are not so So, that was the cross section in successful. In that case Sri Lanka is our study.

62 September September 63 the end of the day, I was surprised the power of the minister and with the level of micromanagement they changed the powers of of federations. It reminded me of the secretary, yet I feel there is Eastern Europe before its fall. These a need for change. They have are really interventionist. not taken into account about the telecommunication -- social Q: In this scenario could Olympism networks and different ways of and the Sports Law work together? doing things. This plays a very prominent role in sports of today, A: In general terms it could. In yet in your sports law there is no Sri Lanka it’s a different proposition. mention of that. It is the integrity of There is a need for a change. At the governance. I feel you need sports end of the day whether you like it constitutional movement, taking the or not it is a 1973 document – the stakeholders like the NOC together. Sri Lanka Sports Law. The sport is more competitive, it is much There is a need for a change different, it has different dynamics involving all the stakeholders as the world has changed and and you could start with a new Sri Lanka too has changed. You consensus reflecting different need to modernise, we need a views. Even the current act may sports law which is up to times. be workable if there is sincere Even the amendments are also consensus and cooperation, yet very fundamental. They changed it may be difficult because there

Photo: Photo: Moderator Gobinath Crowd listening to the lecture

64 September September 65 are some provisions in the law Q: You have spoken to a few suitable for the positions, but it that are very interventionist. If the experts and what are their stops there, but, it’s another thing provisions of the law are used with impressions? to say who is going to govern the restraint and in a transparent way; sport. It’s because the sports is then you could say that it may work. A: I suspect that the argument that there and it is immobile, but times However, if the provisions are used is used often is that “It is the law have changed. It’s like a civil court for political gain and appoint friends of the land and no one is above from the 18th century. If you have or to gain economic gain; then it the law”. The other is that it is penal court from the 18th century, will never work. What is the solution public money and there is a need what are you going to do with a there? Change the instrument or have accountability. I agree with cyber attack? So, the legislation change the law or get the instrument both. No one is above the law and has to catch up with and the same to work properly. there should be accountability. applies to sport. Yet, it is also about the level of It is never the one side or the other, micromanagement. We are long In Spain the Sports Law is from you may meet half way. It is okay past the times of the USSR. So 1990 and it's starting to get old for a government to ask for a hold the State needs to regulate what and we need to change it, and just if they are spending public money. it needs to be regulated. The imagine if it was 1973? But, they must have objective State needs to provide to the criteria. It has to be proportionate development, I think it a waste and have accountability measures. to get involved in electing sports For a very effective modern officials. They can have some preparation I think there is a need to criteria factors to be sure they are change the law.

66 September Indian gay sprinter Dutee Chand faces home village wrath

upporters of India’s first openly gay athlete Some are worried about her safety in the fears for her safety after her decision to current climate, in which extremist Hindu S come out prompted a backlash in her mobs can appear from nowhere to assault home village. or lynch Muslims or those of a different sexuality. On May 26, a 19-year-old woman Local reaction was hostile in Chaka Gopalpur, a in Odisha was dragged out of her house, tied village of weavers in Odisha, after Dutee Chand, to a tree and beaten by villagers for being the country’s fastest sprinter, told reporters on in a lesbian relationship. Reports say the May 19 that her gay partner was her soulmate. assault happened after villagers found the two women in bed. Chand’s mother, Akhuji, told the Indian Express: “I had been supporting her all along for her Payoshni Mitra, a former government- special interest in sports but … we belong to appointed adviser to Chand who now works a traditional weaver community, which does as an athletes’ rights activist, said: “With the not permit such things. How can we face our return of the rightwing Bharatiya Janata party relatives and society”? to power, a series of attacks on minorities, including sexual minorities, are being Prashant Behra, a villager, said: “It’s humiliating reported. for all of us. We have supported her all the way in her running but we cannot accept this “However, while it could be dangerous to relationship. Marriage can only be between a be openly gay, one cannot live in fear of the man and a woman. She should never have talked consequences – and Dutee’s coming out about it to the whole world. She should stick to gives us that message”. running”. While attitudes in urban India are gradually Chand, 23, was also praised for her courage in changing, in rural India, dating between coming out. Many called it a watershed moment young people of the opposite sex is still for Indian society, which has hardly any gay frowned upon and homosexuality is seen as celebrities. beyond the pale. The supreme court last year overturned a colonial-era ban on gay sex, but But the backlash is thought to have taken her the ruling found little backing in villages. aback and her partner has now left for another town because of hostile remarks by people in However, rural Indians can often turn a blind their village. eye if same-sex relationships are conducted discreetly. Chand said: “They have been telling me to marry a man and have children. That’s the only tradition But Chand remained unbowed. “I am not a they know. child who blindly does what her parents say,” she said. “I am grown up. I will spend my “But everyone I know in the city where I studied life with who I want, but I will also fulfil my supports me. I don’t know if my family and village responsibility to my family”. will come round. I will have to wait and see”. Courtesy MSN

68 September September 69 By Susil Premalal

he birth of Mountain Sri Lanka Army was organizing the Biking as a sport in Sri Colombo Super Cross 2000 at the T Lanka came into being by Water’s Edge and the chairman coincidence. Two factors influenced of organizing committee, Major this decision at the time. One General Neil Dias offered an being that an opposing faction of opportunity to introduce mountain cycling administrators who were biking during the interval to disgruntled with Cycling Federation entertain the crowds. As a result, teamed up to introduce a new a junior and senior event was wing to cycling. The group was conducted and it was telecast headed by Amal Suriyage and live. This apparently heralded a were passionately supported by beginning to a new sport in Sri veteran riders Patrick Hapuarachchi, Lanka and the National Mountain Wasantha Kahapolaarchchi, Biking Association (NMBA) was Nishantha Piyasena, Peter Bluck, born simultaneously. Ivon Brown and a host of cycling enthusiasts. Secondly, at the time “The public opinion and participation

70 September September 71 "The public opinion and participation gave us the strength and Aitken Spence Hotels gave the sponsorship to do Cyclo Cross"

The public opinion and participation obstruct NMBA by using their only gave us the strength and Aitken weapon available, the controlling Spence Hotels gave the sponsorship arm to restrict our movement which to do Cyclo Cross" gave us the we strongly countered by organizing strength and Aitken Spence more and more events finally taking Hotels gave the sponsorship to do cycling to a new era. NMBA stuck to ‘Cyclo Cross’ events within their their goal and made a branding for hotel parameter offering Weekend ‘Cyclo Cross’ in the country. And for packages patronizing local and the first time within the first two years foreign cycling families and we bagged a podium win at the MTB adventures weekends. The NMBA Asian Championship in Indonesia”, grabbed the opportunity and did recounted Suriyage. the organizing to the best of their ability with the hotel staff. This was The President and his team of the an instant hit. Most of the star hotels Mountain Biking Association now took up for sponsorship of Cyclo affiliated to CFSL, however, is Cross and this became a benchmark disappointed that although MTB is event in cycling calendar with 8 to 10 an Olympic discipline in the sport of events during a year”, said Suriyage. cycling, neither the Sports Ministry or Education Ministry does not have this This caused ripples in the Cycling in their calendar of events still. The Federation of Sri Lanka (CFSL) and controlling body was not supportive splitting of hairs. for obvious reasons and gave prominence to a standard modified “As the controlling body rather version of road racing which is not than being supportive they tried to even in the SAARC games. Hence the

72 September September 73 NMBA faced an uphill task running team. Unlike nowadays, the elected driving them to perform well”, he a calendar of events national and officials are cronies of the camp added. internationally, but was confident that put them to that position, so for granted recognition it can drive this them their first agenda is to silence Suriyage confided with sport to another golden era. the so-called opposing factor. confidence, that all sport bodies I have seen this happening for the can find volunteers who will According to Suriyage, change in last two decades in cycling. Good take responsibility and bring all cycling as a pro-sport happened leaders are the ones who get the sports of Sri Lanka to another in the '90s from a conventional job done irrespective of which camp level. “Given the task, two years sporting era to competitive road they belong to as long as he/she is sufficient to put any sport on racing on par with global trends, can deliver. Leadership is the cue to the road map to yield results… whereby rider and machine got development”, explained Suriyage. not gold medals but making the right combination to become good players should be their competitive in the world arena. He added the Ministry of Sports first task. Take a cue from India. should change the attitude of the The investments made on sport “The reason was at that time the officials, rather than politicizing and talented players in general administrators running cycling had them and instill in them a sporting during the last decade is paying one thing in common: to deliver to culture. “For this you need to have dividends” he said. the best of their ability and when workshops not only for players but the sport does well rejoice as a especially for sport administrators

74 September September 75 Renu’s dream for

Photo: Badminton Renu Chandrika de Silva By S.R. Pathiravithana

huttler Renu Chandrika Renu Chandrika de Silva is reminds me lot of good one of the most experienced S wine; the mature it gets, female shuttlers in the country more potent it is. Chandrika is now who successfully completed the ranked a senior of the game and is International Coaching Course looking to conquer that category of conducted by the University of international competition; but she is Physical Education in Budapest in still within the top five in the national Hungary from 18th March to 7th rankings. June 2019. This was made possible through the efforts of the National Breaking the ice with the GoodSport, Olympic Committee of Sri Lanka. Chandrika said, “Besides the No.1 and No. 2 in the women’s rankings, Chandrika got into the game I can hold my own with the best quite by chance. In fact her older of the women’s brood in national sisters – twins Nilanthi Sepalika rankings. Yet, now I take it easy and Lasanthi Sepalika - were in the and concentrate my career with the court playing serious badminton senior world tournament. However and she as an 11-year-old was my future eyes are set on coaching sitting on the fringes and watching and my aim is taking a few junior her sisters at play. “One day my players to the top rankings. I feel in coach A.M. Wimalaratne requested that manner I could give back some me to start training without wasting of the niceties that I gained through my time sitting on the bench. He my badminton career to the next asked me to accompany my sisters generation”. with a racquet. This culminated in

76 September September 77 “What’s happening here is the people who run the game stay there for only two years and then they move on"

players even from India, all these ingredients are needed.”

Chandrika lamented the breakdown of the provincial system in Sri Lanka. “I came from the provincial system like so many others, but by the turn of the millennium this system began to fall apart. What was required was a coach, a few shuttle cocks and a court to play on. With the breakdown of that system a part of the game of badminton died a natural death”, Chandrika said.

Right now she is looking after the Colombo University team and her own academy close to Wattala. However she says if she me beating the rest of the players When playing with this intensity and won gold in an international is to get involved, in her coaching in a short time and becoming the she automatically became a regular tournament”. programme she would like to see women’s champion in the North in the international circuit too. the authorities launch a long-term Central Province. He was the sports However, she marks her memorable Now she has set her sights in programme that would be at least officer of the province and did not victory as the win that she had while developing the next generation of for 8-10 years. charge a cent for my training. I was beating two of India’s top stars. She badminton players in the country 15 years old at that time. explained, “At that time in 1997, if she is afforded the opportunity. “What’s happening here is the badminton was not a feature in the However, she has the notion that a people who run the game stay there “With this success I was a regular SAG (South Asian Games). There foreign coach with good credentials for only two years and then they in the National School Games and were seven countries which were could be of immense help. She is move on. When that happens - the my rise in stature as a player with in the South Asian Games line up. of the view that training, especially programmes, the coaches and potential kept on rising and by The tournament took place at the the mental part of it, is handled the gamut of things is changed 1987 I was chosen into the National S. Thomas’, Mt. Lavinia courts and expertly by most top coaches. according to their whims and badminton pool. Ten years later in Sri Lanka ended up with the silver. Because the equipment and the fancies. I am not interested in being 1997, I won the women’s singles However in the mixed doubles I facilities in those countries are a part of a system of this nature. It championship and I managed to partnered the then men’s national world class and the standards are does not serve the purpose or my win that title till 2003. In 2004, I champion Thushara Edirisingha. In two worlds apart. When it comes to effort. However if I am given the lost to another good player – Thilini this exchange we beat our Indian coaching there are different aspects opportunity I would like to work with Jayasinghe in the final. However in counterparts and won the gold for to it like nutrition, medicine and an under 15 squad and work with the very next year I won the crown the mixed doubles. I am sure since, physiotherapy. So keeping a player them till I know the ultimate goal is (2005) and held on to it till 2010”. we have not beaten any Indian stars in trim, especially to challenge achieved”, Chandrika said.

78 September September 79 SAG’s Marathon men and women looking for

GoldBy Susil Premalal

ri Lanka has traditionally Bangkok. He also participated in the produced great marathon 1968 Mexico Olympic Games. S runners who have represented the country with Wimalasena Perera’s time of 2 hours distinction at international level. 22.07 minutes is considered as the National marathon record set in The first marathon race in Sri Lanka 1967. was held in 1959. It was organized by CT & FC and held from Colombo This record stood for 25 years Campus to Homagama, Kendalande before being broken by V.K.L. and back. Samarasinghe in 1992 in Colombo.

It was won by Leenus Dias who Earlier, S.L.B. Rosa represented became the first Ceylonese to Sri Lanka at the Munich Olympic represent the country in the Games in 1972 in the marathon. marathon at the 1960 Rome Olympics where he achieved the A tea estate worker R. Srinivasan 39th position. achieved the distinction of participating in the 1978 Asian Thereafter came Wimalasena Games in Bangkok. Perera who took part in the 1966 Photo: Commonwealth Games in Kingston, H.S. Piyadasa, W.G. Ariyasena, Tissa Gunerathne Jamaica and at the Asian Games in K.A. Karunaratne were other famous

80 September September 81 The first gold medal in marathon at the South Asian Games was won by V.K.L. Samarasinghe in 1989 in Islamabad

Photo: R.A.D. Arunasiri The current Sri Lanka record holder The Men’s Marathon race was won in marathon for women is Hiruni by Pradeep Dhammika Arunasiri in Wijeratne who clocked 2:34.10 a time 2:29.16 while the women’s at the Düsseldorf Marathon in event was won by Nisansala Germany. Bandara clocking 2:59.40.

National Sports Festival and SAG Arunasiri won the marathon title preparations for the third time, having emerged Marathon, Race Walking winner in 2014 and 2017. A sailor and Cycling was held at the attached to the Engineering section, National Sports Festival held in 32-year-old Arunasiri hails from Anuradhapura in May. For the first Maha Illukpallama in Anuradhapura. in the history of the competition, He has represented Sri Lanka at it was an Open Race unlike in the international level participating in past when they qualified from the the Asian Marathon Championships provinces. in 2017 in China where he achieved

athletes who represented Sri Lanka Cooray is the only marathoner in the marathon at international to represent Sri Lanka in three competitions. Olympic Games – Athens (2004) finishing 30th out of 113 with a time Rosa is the first Sri Lankan to of 2:19.24, London (2012) and Rio achieve a record time of 2:14.31 (2016). in a marathon outside the country when he took part in the Fukuoka The first gold medal in marathon at Marathon in 1975. the South Asian Games was won by V.K.L. Samarasinghe in 1989 in It was broken after 40 years at the Islamabad. The first medal (silver) London Marathon in 2015 when by a woman marathoner was won Anuradha Indrajith Cooray produced by D.A. Inoka in 1995 at the Madras the performance of his life to finish SAF Games. 14th setting a new national record 2: 13.47.

82 September September 83 his personal best of 2:20.58 to clinch did not take part because they “My main aim is to 10th place. This year he took part in a were engaged in national duty due marathon in Taiwan clocking 2:28.18 to the situation that prevailed in get selected to to clinch seventh place. the country during May. If I had run in the South tougher competition, I could have “My main aim is to get selected to achieved a better timing. I also Asian Games and run in the South Asian Games and took part in the event without any thereafter target qualification for training since even we were called thereafter target the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. up for duty after the Easter Sunday However, there was not much attacks”. said Arunasiri who also qualification for competition in the marathon at the missed the best couple of years National Sports Festival because of his career while serving in the the Tokyo 2020 this was an Open meet, this time. war-zone. As a result I could not achieve the Olympic Games" timing I expected. Also some of the Despite being saddled with leading marathoners from the Forces responsibility of looking after his

family, Arunasiri is determined to A soldier attached to Army’s Sports bring glory to Sri Lanka. Section in Panagoda, Bandara has been a marathoner for the past nine “I am the sole breadwinner in the years but this is the first time she family. But since I spend about has won a gold medal. Rs. 20,000 a month for my training purposes which I spend from my She first took part in a marathon in salary, I am unable to look after my 2012 being placed 12th and took parents and sibling. However, I hope a break from competitive running we could get some training overseas before making a comeback last year before the South Asian Games. where she won a bronze medal. Since it is being held in cooler climes, I am confident of winning a In addition to the marathon, medal for the country”, he said. Bandara also competes in the 5,000 metre and 10,000 metre races. She Women’s marathon champion won third place in the 10,000m Nisansala Bandara is a 24-year- event at the Athletics Nationals old hailing from Warakapola, clocking a time of 36:58 minutes. Nelundeniya. She studied at She also clinched third place in the Perakumba Vidyalaya in Dedigama. 5,000m competition clocking 17:45.

84 September September 85 “I have never gone on a tour “There is no problem in selecting “I would have got before. My only hope is to the two men’s athletes, the winner represent Sri Lanka at the South Arunasiri and D.G.D. Sandaruwan a better timing Asian Games. I think I will get a who came second. However, there if I had tougher chance to go to Kathmandu. I am is an issue selecting the women’s confident of bringing glory to Sri athletes from this festival since Hiruni competition at Lanka at these Games”, she said. Wijeratne has already qualified for the World Championship. She is an the National “I would have got a better timing automatic choice for the national pool. if I had tougher competition at The winner at this festival Nisansala Sports Festival” the National Sports Festival”, she Bandara is most likely to be the added. second marathoner in the pool but her selection will depend on her timing Major General Palitha Fernando, which has to improve since there is President of the AASL (Athletic another contender who has a better Association of Sri Lanka), said they time than her in the marathon”, said intended to select the best two Maj. Gen. Fernando. men and women marathoners for the pool from their performances at the festival for the South Asian Games.

86 September September 87 We can’t expect for change overnight but we need to create an environment where their Photo: rights are protected Chairperson Niloo Jayatilake

come under the NOCSL which is create an environment where their have different penalties and the the apex body, should be informed rights are protected”. relevant federation has to decide first. “The first step is to educate on it. In future the NOCSL website them on sexual harassment and As a result of harassment and will include the process in which a abuse because some people might abuse, many athletes go through complaint could be sent in. not be aware that they are actually depression and mental trauma. harassing the sports people,” Basically they had no place to tell Niloo further said that sometimes she continued. “This will be done their grievances, even if they did tell, the athlete will be scared but there through conferences and education there was no mechanism to address could be some observer who can seminars. In future we want to invite these issues. If there’s a complaint, trigger it off. “So there won’t be a foreign resource persons as well. there will be a mechanism in which manager who will represent Asian excited about the whole initiative An endeavour to Moving forward, one of our biggest the complainant could send it Games after being charged for and our sports body will be the first initiatives will be raising awareness through. In order to investigate on sexual harassment by athletes. In in Sri Lanka to address this. As a which will be done islandwide at the cases, a separate complaints fact, they will not be accredited to keep sports aboveboard first step we will educate all current school, national and international committee will be setup. Committee go as a manager or coach. Those and future sports people that this level. Therefore by participating in members include Dillai Joseph, kinds of situations will not be kind of a policy is there for them By Kamanthi Wickramasinghe international events, the managers Jayanthi Kuru-Utumpala, Caryll tolerated. We need to safeguard as a covenant. Setting this Policy and other people will be made Tozer, Nedra Wickramasinghe, our national assets and for that we itself is a huge achievement for aware that this kind of policy is Dr. Nihal De Silva, Sharanya need to create an environment. We NOCSL and we will be following the ack in 2000, when Sri become topics which are being there”. Sekaram, Sabrina Esufally, Preethi shouldn’t allow an athlete to go ideologies of the Olympic Charter Lanka’s Olympic medalist openly addressed. Adihetti and Shyamala Gomes astray”. as we are advocating bringing B Susanthika Jayasinghe Adding in his comments NOCSL who have volunteered to serve on about clean sports. Since there’s no publicly accused a Cabinet As such the Policy has been Secretary General Maxwell De the complaints committee. Most As such NOCSL invites all sports such Policy, people think they could Minister of wanting to have sex established to develop a culture Silva said that only few people of them have been addressing on federations to join hands in this do whatever they want since there with her, her complaints fell on deaf of dignity and safety in sports, to talk about sexual harassment and sexual harassment and abuse while mission and advocate for clean were no ramifications”. ears. 19 years later, the National promote and protect the health abuse. “So we need to change it. others have a background in sports. sports in the country. Olympic Committee of Sri Lanka’s of athletes by creating a safe and I’m very happy that this idea has Once they study the case after The international sports arena (NOCSL) Women’s Committee has respectful sports environment come about. It’s very difficult for any talking to the complainant and the is already bringing in education established a Sexual Harassment and to protect the rights and athlete to come forward and relate accused, they will build up the case and policies to address sexual and Abuse Policy for the first well-being of all athletes, coaches their story. So we need to build a to be sent to the hearing committee. harassment and abuse. Therefore, time in the history of sports in the and administrative officials etc. mechanism where their identities This committee will comprise Sri Lanka too is heading in the country. The Committee comprise to optimize their performance. are withheld. Females too are not of NOCSL Secretary General, a right direction as NOCSL under of Chairperson Niloo Jayatilake, Speaking to the Daily Mirror, attempting to make a big noise. This retired police officer and an elected Kamanthi the purview of its President Secretary Ajith Thamel, Anoma NOCSL Women’s Committee has to start from schools. But on representative from the national Wickramasinghe Suresh Subramaniam has begun Rathnayake, Chanaka Hasantha Chairperson Niloo Jayatilake said the other side, males too are facing federation that the case has come (Journalist Daily Mirror, to advocate for change within Sri Lanka) and S.R. Pathiravithana. The that the Policy was formulated harassment and that too needs to from. They will then decide on a the sports industry. To make it a mechanism comes at a time when within the last one year and the be addressed. We can’t expect for penalty depending on the gravity success, all sports federations that sexual harassment and abuse have legal draft was put in place. “We are change overnight but we need to of the situation. Different cases will

88 September September 89 Looking for the ‘Gold’ in Nepal By Susil Premalal

“Our target is to win gold at the It includes 39 men and 17 women South Asian Games though we are players. certain to pick up either a silver or bronze medal in Wushu. There are According the Wushu authorities, two categories in Wushu namely Training has been ongoing at the Sanda and Thawulu. However, the Torrington Indoor Stadium. The weight categories for these events coach for ‘Sanda’ events is Kapila have not been finalized by the Sabapathi while Ruchira Bodinayake organizers. is coach for ‘Thawulu’ events and they are training on Monday and Normally there are 11 weight Friday regularly for now. categories in ‘Sanda’ for men and seven for women. ‘Thawulu’ has 10 Wushu was introduced to Sri Lanka events for both men and women. in 1993 under the leadership of My aim is to win at least four gold Dharmakeerthi and it was a medal medals”, said Manel Dharmakeerthi, event for the first time at the 2006 President, Sri Lanka Wushu Colombo Games. Federation (SLWF). Sri Lanka won four gold, two silver The federation has formed a and four bronze medals at the 56-member national pool for the inaugural Wushu event. India also South Asian Games in Kathmandu. won four gold medals

Photo: Pathum Balawardena

90 September September 91 However, India has gone ahead of At the last edition of SAG, Sri Lanka Sri Lanka in Wushu because their won six medals including one gold, National Olympic Committee and one silver and four bronze medals. States support the sport of Wushu Hasitha Lakshan won the gold in India. medal in Thawulu but he is no longer available having retired from the Another reason is because every sport. district has two Chinese coaches to oversee the development of the The medal hopes this time are sport. Pethum Nuwan Balawardena in Thawulu. He excelled at the Jakarta “Sri Lanka Wushuites were trained Asian Games last year qualifying to by Chinese coaches at the start. the final round. But now they are trained by local coaches. It is a big drawback we Another medal hope is Lakshan can gain a lot from the expertise Gunasekera won a bronze medal in Photo: of Chinese officials”, said the 48kgs weight class at the 2017 Manel Dharamakeerthi Dharmakeerthi. World Championship in Russia.

92 September September 93 By Susil Premalal

he Archery Association of Sri Lanka initially handed over a list of twenty three names to the Ministry of Sports from the accredited list of sixteen T members to take part in the 2019 SAG in Nepal. However after the elimination process of qualifying standards only twelve members – eight men and four women are remaining.

Major General Rajiva Wickremasinghe the Senior Vice President of the Association and Major Bandula Serasingha the Secretary of the Archery Association said that they are striving to bridge the gap and it would be done once the training process gets underway in proper. They are hoping to add another four names to the women’s squad.

94 September September 95 Photo: Anuradha Wijeysinghe

Photo: Mahesh Premarathne

The pool already sent to the Wickremasinghe also added that “We have overcome that hurdle Ministry of Sports the recent past, the Archery had now and the consultant coach its own share of ups and downs Peart is ready to get on with the Recurve Men due to the rule of an Interim act. Peart has loads of experience Committee who had its rein till as a player and a coach and knows Ravien Kavisha Dalpatadu (Uva), recently. However, since we took all facts of how to hit the bull’s eye. A.W.S. Chandana Abeygunasekara over the responsibility of a proper (Police), Sajeev De Silva (RCAC), administration we are according to Ironically, we are facing a huge C.P.L. Maldeniya MGA (SL Army), a proper plan and destination. downside owing the lack of a P.S.K. Herath (SL Navy), R.M.M.P. proper training centre. The Ministry Premarathna (SL Navy), CPL. He added “At one point of time of Sports have assigned section of Bandara MGS (SL Army) the sport was guided by a coach the Diyagama Sports complex to from Britain, Michael Peart but he do our training, but that has its own Recurve Women had to relinquish his position due drawbacks owing to the lack of to some immigrations issues. Until technical facilities which is vital for Rehana Tayabally (CASAC), Dilhara such time the sport ran under a proper international training". Salgado (Colombo), L/CPL. Silva Sri Lankan coach. However, we mediated and brought back the However it is said that the Ministry Photo: WTM (SL Army), S.H.N. Roshani Udaya Perera (SL Navy), Anurada Karunaratna former coach and he will be under of Sports has allocated a sum of (Police), Kalubowila LM (SLAF), contract with Sri Lanka until the LKR 13,446,400 for Archery. L/CPL Waduge AWMD (SL Army) year 2020".

96 September September 97 “Our goal for this edition is winning gold. But, it is going to be stiff task as we have to

Photo: compete with Archers in India" Mahesh Premarathne

Archery as a competitive sport Maj. Gen. Wickremasinghe added only a handful of Archers in Sri started in Sri Lanka way back in “Our goal for this edition is winning Lanka based mainly in Colombo. the year 2000 at the Sugathadasa gold. But, it is going to be stiff But, today, there are over 600 Stadium under Rtd. Commander task as we have to compete with Archers from areas like Badulla, H.U. Silva. Archers in India who are much Bandarawela, Kurunegala and sharper in their individual skills. Matara. When the game was at its inception At the last edition, India won ten Maj. Gen. Wickremasinghe was gold medals and four silver medals Coming back to the SAG proper, a budding competitor and was a while Bangladesh is also in a better the medal prospects at this year’s member of the 2006 SAG which footing as with them having more event would be Ravien Kavishka was held in Colombo and later international exposure. Yet, we are Dalpatadu from St. Thomas’ captained the national team for the determined to make an impression Bandarawela and Rehana Tayabally SAG in Dhaka, Bangladesh in 2010. at the SAG this time out with at of Colombo Archery School, least one gold”. respectively in the men’s and During the last SAG held in India women’s categories. in 2016, Sri Lanka won two silver Initially, at the turn of the century medals in the men's and women’s when the sport started, there were team events.

Photo: Sanjeeva de Silva

98 September September 99 VITALITY NETBALL WORLD CUP 2019 Tharjini stars in Liverpool

By Saabir Cader

The six-foot ten inch Tharjini Sivalingam, the tallest netball player in the world added another feather on her cap. She recorded the highest points at the concluded Vitality Netball World Cup in Liverpool, United Kingdom.

The Jaffna born superstar scored overall 348 points and recorded the highest individual point tally of 77 against Singapore in the final match played at M & S Bank Arena. Both efforts were the best at this edition of the World Cup by a huge margin.

It was an uphill task for the Asian Champions; Sri Lanka while playing against the physically bigger opponents like Australia, Fiji and Samoa. But, when it came to the same size opponents, Coach Thilaka Jinadasa’s team beat the Asian runner-ups Singapore twice with ease in the competition. The score read 78 – 57 in favour of Sri Lanka in the 15th place challenge whilst the ladies thumped them again 88 – 50 in preliminary round two.

100 September September 101 GAME 1 SRI LANKA 49 – 79 ZIMBABWE

Sri Lanka faced Zimbabwe in the opener and it was an end to end play as both teams showed equal potency in scoring. However, Zimbabwe went ahead 19 – 14 to the first quarter break. Sri Lanka bounced back with 23 – 22 after 5 minutes of play in the second quarter. Dulangi Wannithilake switched her position from wing attack to goal attack which was fruitful but only for few minutes thus Zimbabwe piled up with 9-goal lead to the half time Sri Lanka 29 – 38 Zimbabwe.

Third quarter was the closest as Sri Lanka fought hard to close the gap but the Africans took the narrow lead with a 15 – 13. The final quarter saw Sri Lanka was out of gas and conceded too many interceptions although maintained 99% accuracy in goal shooting. As a result momentum shifted in favour of Zimbabwe 26 – 07 and finishing the full time with 30 points lead.

102 September September 103 GAME 2 SRI LANKA 50 – 67 NORTHERN IRELAND

The only possible chance to get in to top 12 of the competition was by winning at least one pool game. Skipper Chathurangi Jayasuriya’s team looked like they will be on top of the Northerner’s in the first few minutes. Ireland edge 18 – 13 at the first quarter gave Sri Lanka a glimpse of hope to counter, however, it was Ireland approached aggressively to lead at half time with 34 – 25 points.

Tharjini was well marked and pressurized but Irish defence, coach Jinadasa replaced the newcomer Elilenthini Sethukavalar to take the shooting control. Defensive errors and slow reflection and miscommunication haunted Sri Lanka as their opponent led 17 -12 third quarter lead. Sri Lanka fought hard in the final quarter with the closest margin of the game with 16 – 13 loss. Ireland became victorious with a 17 point deficit and Sri Lanka’s hope vanished with two early losses in the competition.

104 September September 105 GAME 3 SRI LANKA 24 – 99 AUSTRALIA

Defending champions Australia who eventually felt short by a point to Silver Ferns in 2019 edition, showed immense skills and power. It was too much for Sri Lanka to hold on to. Tharjini did not start but she came off the bench as the team in gold accelerated the scoring. The first quarter ended 20 – 07 and the second with 27 – 08 as the team Diamonds had a comprehensive lead of 47 – 15 at half time.

The third quarter saw immense attacking skills and off-loads by Australians which gave a further lead of 28 – 07 and the final quarter was the worst out of all as Sri Lanka conceded 24 points to 02. However, quite astonishingly Sri Lanka escaped out of embarrassment not conceding three figures.

Diamonds were just short of 3 goals to make it 100 points had 4 minutes on the clock for the full time whistle. Dulangi, Chathurangi and Gayanjali managed to fox the Australian defence moving the ball out of reach with multiple off-loads ways to kill time.

106 September September 107 GAME 4 SRI LANKA 88 – 50 SINGAPORE

After three defeats in the first round, Sri Lanka thumped their familiar foes Singapore. The ladies needed this win to lift their momentum and they did it in style. Sivalingam scored a record 76 points which seemed inevitable pressure for Singapore in defence. End of first 15 minutes Sri Lanka made their way with a 10 point lead 21 – 11 and the second quarter was even better as the Lankans stretched the lead further as the half time stood 45 – 22.

A robust third quarter was all about piling up more goals. The body language and the mindset was what the team exactly missed in the first round of play. Sri Lanka led 71 – 33 at the end of the third quarter and was a bit lackluster in the final quarter which Singapore won by 17 – 14. Overall it was a dominant effort by team Sri Lanka.

108 September September 109 GAME 5 SRI LANKA 55 – 65 SAMOA

It would have been a big sigh of relief if Sri Lanka could have unsettled the big and strong Samoa. They did lead the first quarter with 17 – 13 eventually the Samoan counterpart re-bounced with a 19 – 10 lead in the second quarter. It was physical challenge once again also very intense game until the half time as the Samoans led 32 – 17 points.

Third quarter saw some fatigue factors in the Lankan camp as they were playing back to back matches which they have never done. Samoa once again led 17 -13 in the third quarter. Sri Lanka tried hard to cut down the deficit and produced some magic. However, Samoa’s plan to stop the ball going to Tharjini was simply brilliant. Much close final quarter ended 16 -15 in favour of Samoa. As a result Sri Lanka lost to rank 14th team in the world by 10 points.

110 September September 111 GAME 6 Sri Lanka 44 – 59 FIJI

Yet again some a promising start in the first quarter against the rank 17th Fiji. Skipper, Chathurangi and Gayani Dissanayake was outstanding in terms of defensive work rate. Sri Lanka led 11-10 in the first quarter but Fiji accelerated their scoring as they scored 17 goals to Sri Lanka’s 9 at the half way mark.

Fiji men who were the Rio-Olympic Gold medalist in the rugby sevens, they women had similar qualities with the skill set, pace and physicality in terms of this netball is concern. It was very smart play in the third quarter as they went on a big 20 – 08 lead. Although Sri Lanka was impressive in the final quarter with a 16 – 11 win it was who won the game.

112 September September 113 GAME 7 SRI LANKA 78 – 57 SINGAPORE

Tharjini Sivalingam renewed her individual best scoring tally from 76 to 77 with a final minute stunning goal shoot. Singapore did try to force a lot of pressure in the first quarter but Lankans led 23 – 15 points. Sri Lanka had different ideas in the second quarter with long passes and giving the ace striker Tharjini to nail the points which gave a 43 – 28 scoreline at the half time.

Another 10 point margin at the penultimate quarter 22 – 12 in favour of Sri Lanka, Gayanjali, Hasitha Mendis and Jayasuriya controlled the game from the middle saw Singapore struggling to get possession. However, yet again Singapore bounced back in the final quarter with 17 – 13 as their Game four finish.

114 September September 115 By Susil Premalal

There were upsets galore in Sri Women’s, and Veterans' (for Over Lanka’s oldest tennis tournament, 35, 45, 55 and 65), giving every the 104th Colombo Championship segment of the tennis playing worked off at the Sri Lanka Tennis community an opportunity to Association (SLTA) clay courts which participate. was completed despite inclement weather prevailing at the time. When the action commenced on Being one of the Category ‘A’ grade July 5, there were a slew of upsets in tournaments in the local tennis both the boys' and girls' age group calendar, it attracted the cream of events making a mockery of the the players in the country with over seeding. 800 entries being received for 11 events. The boys' under 12 and 14 In the heavily contested Boys' singles attracted the largest number under 12 singles, third seed Tharuk of 128 entries each. Marasinghe beat the top seed Methvan Wijemanne 6-2, 7-5 to The events ranged from juniors claim the title. (Boys/Girls - under 12 to 18), Men’s,

116 September September 117 Photo: Anika Seneviratne Photo: Photo: Dineshkanthan Alana Seneviratne

Photo: Angelika Kurera

In the Boys' under 14 singles, his brother Vichinthya Nilaweera second seed Hasal Ahangama also won the under 16 Boys' doubles title defeated the top seed Zaidh Zihar defeating the pair of Jaitra de Saram 6-3, 6-1 in the final. and Zaidh Zihar in a thrilling final 6-4, 2-6, 10-5. In a Royal-Thomian clash, Royalist Thehan Wijemanne lived up There was also an upset result to his top ranking in the Boys' in the Wheelchair Men’s singles under 16 final defeating fourth final when third seed R.A.L.S. seed Shivendra Perera in a tense Ranaweera stunned top seed D.S.R. final 6-3, 6-1. Thehan claimed Dharmasena in another thriller 2-6, a double when he partnered 6-3, 6-3. Royalist Kavisha Ratnayaka to Photo: claim the under 18 Boys' doubles However, Sharmal Dissanayaka Photo: Tehan Wijemanne Photo: title defeating the pair of Praneel lived up to his top billing in the Sharmal Dissanayaka Tania Doloswela Jasinghe and Sean Sanderson 6-1, Men’s Open singles final against 6-1. Dineshkanthan Thangarajah winning a close contest in straight sets Chathurya Nilaweera of Stafford 7-6(4) 6-4. International School clinched the under 18 boys' singles title However, Thangarajah partnered defeating Shivendra Perera 6-1, Anika Seneviratne to clinch the 6-2 in the final and partnering with Mixed doubles title when they

118 September September 119 120 September September 121 Photo: Kaveesha Supunsara

Photo: Chathurya Nilasweera

beat Liu-Hui Retallick and Alana Angelika was in splendid form defeated Oneli Samarawickrema Seneviratne 6-1, 6-3 in the final. throughout the tournament and 6-4, 6-3 in the final; Saajida Razick The two sisters from Ladies College qualified for the singles final by won the Girls' under 14 singles Anika and Alana Seneviratne reigned beating seasoned campaigner Anika title defeating Lewkebandara in supreme in the Women’s doubles Seneviratne in the semis 6-2, 6-4 straight sets 6-3, 6-3; while rising outclassing Oneli Perera and Sethmi before the fourth seed demolished star from St. Bridget’s, Oneli Perera Sumanaweera in straight sets 6-0, third seeded Rukshika Wijesooriya clinched the Girls' under 16 singles 6-0. in straight sets 6-2, 6-2 in the final. title with an easy win over Preethika She claimed a double success by Chandramohan 6-1, 6-0 in the final. Angelika Kurera of Ave Maria coasting to 6-2, 6-0 win over Tania However, partnering Tuvini de Alwis, Convent, Negombo was the Doloswala of Gateway College in Preethika won the Girl’s under 16 cynosure of all eyes as she claimed the Girl’s under 18 final to stamp her doubles title upsetting the her second successive Women’s class. top-seeded pair of Oneli Perera singles crown in addition to the and Sethmi Sumanaweera in a Girls' under 18 singles title. The Girls' under 12 singles title was closely contested final 2-6, 7-5, won by Ruvi Lewkebandara who 10-7.

122 September Committee as a member. There the be the rst recipients of that training then president Ranjit Weerasena structure; the others were B.L.H. said ‘you are a general manager of Perera, Nalin de Silva, Olivia Gamage a conglomerate like the Insurance and Ranil Dias. When Pinnawela Corporation and we certainly need was re-elected as Secretary General your assistance’; this culminated in my of the NOC SL, a very prominent being selected as a vice president of member of the Olympic movement the movement – it was in 1974”. complemented saying “You have carved a niche in the movement which Ten years later the then president Roy you now have to abide by”. At the de Silva coxed Pinnawela to run as same time he was also appointed as his Secretary General. He said “just a course director and he visited four imagine beating a gure like Hallam Olympic member countries lecturing Perera – a sports giant in that era. on the subject. Besides he was a senior secretary of the ministry wielding a lot of power Then in 1998 Pinnawela nished behind him”. his tenure with the Olympics and moved to full time athletics as “Once taking up that appointment secretary of AASL. Once he nished we set up a permanent home for the his assignment with the NOC SL it Olympics for the rst time and that was the then sports minister S.B. was by occupying a portion of the Dissanayake who coaxed Pinnawela The Last Shot Insurance Corporation. I met my then to get involved with athletics. “We chairman Chanaka de Silva who was have a programme to win a medal at Prema’s Journey of Destiny heading the Insurance Corporation the next Olympics in Sydney, he said By Susil Premalal and he being a sportsman hailing that he had a programme at hand and from Royal Collage and with the he needed someone to handle the is Olympic dream began way back in blessings of his subject minister spadework. So he asked me to come 1948 as a young athlete at St. John’s Lalith Athulathmudali, the Olympic in as the secretary to the AASL”. H Panadura, Olympian K. Edwin, who was Dream became a reality. Once our a member of the boxing team representing the little Olympic conclave was set in On a sentimental note Pinnawela games that year, invited all his co-members to motion I invited the multifaceted added “I met my wife Jayani while in come his school to have a round of discussions Michael Karunatilleke to become its university. I was very popular as an on Sports. There, the speech made by Duncan administrative secretary. This trinity athlete and when I proposed to her I White spurred him on and from that point, he set worked like clockwork”. told her that athletics would always upon a journey that is still to see its culmination. be my second love and still we have Soon Pinnawela noticed the crying stuck by that agreement”. Another It was at that point the Former Secretary General need for professionalism within the moment that Prema really cherished of the National Olympic Committee Sri Lanka Olympic movement. Soon he had was being appointed a Commissioner Prema Pinnawela decided “I am going to witness the good fortune of inviting the IOC and the very rst Sri Lankan at that. the Olympic Games one day”. President Julian Samaranch to Sri Only at that meeting in Lausanne, it Lanka, in 1987. There he made a was decided that every country has Then graduating the university athletics Pinnawela request from the IOC President asking the opportunity to have six athletes became a member of the University 4x400 yard him to open the doors for some at the Olympics without quali cation. relay team and in one of the meets we established our members to be trained in the This was under the Olympic a university records that held rm for twenty Olympic Solidarity. The aim of Olympic Universality Programme in the year years. He was a keen student of Hockey also at Solidarity is to organise assistance for 2000. Prior to that he was awarded that time. all the National Olympic committees the veterans pin in 1995 in honour for (NOCS), particularly those with the his contribution to global athletics. After his graduation Pinnawela took up an greatest needs, through multi-faceted appointment at the Insurance Corporation that programmes prioritising athlete Finally the Former Secretary General is the point where he made his breakthrough in development, training of coaches and of the NOC SL said that “I feel that Sports Administration. He got involved with the sports administrators, and promoting the duo of Suresh Subramaniam and Nationalised Services Athletics and also became the Olympic ideal. Maxwell de Silva have taken up the an of cial at the Hockey Federation and ended challenge and they could do a good up being the President of the Federation for Soon Dick Palmer of the Olympic job even though I do not agree with twelve years. Pinnawela continued. “I gradually Solidarity arrived in the island and some of the things that they do”. moved on to the matters involving the Olympic selected ve members including me to 124 September