VVolumeolume 42 47 Winter Autumn 2009 2011

New Zealand Foundation Inc.P.O. Box 109419, New Market, Auckland 1149, Email: [email protected] Web: www.nzslfoundation.com

From the President’s Desk President: As most of you are aware Sri Lanka is Co-Hosting the world bourne, Sydney, Brisbane & Perth Mohamed Nalar cup this year and the matches are underway. All in all it is going to where the shows have been an be an outstanding year for Sri Lanka. outstanding sell out. (09) 638 9376 Vice President: This newsletter has some interesting interviews and articles pre- “Marians” are presently the most Sydney Fernando dominantly on cricket and cricketing heroes. I hope you enjoy read- popular band in Sri Lanka and rank (09) 520 2304 ing them. I am also quite excited about the performance of our Sri as no.1 entertainers, whose reper- Lankan cricket team and have no doubt that we can replicate our toire in music encompasses semi Secretary: World Cup win in 1995. A strong line up together with a fan classical, English/Sinhala pop and Jayasena Widanagamage base determined to see their heroes win is a good recipe for suc- Baila. They are a group of excep- (09) 525 3277 cess. On behalf of the Foundation I wish the Sri Lankan team all the tionally talented, versatile musicians Treasurer: very best and hope that we can win the world cup. who will undoubtedly keep your toes tapping until the wee hours of the Ranjith Randeniya I am pleased to advice that we are in the midst of organising the morning. (09) 815 7115 event of the year – “Marians in Auckland” Proudly presented by Committee Members: the New Zealand Sri Lanka Foundation. This event is scheduled to I invite you to be a part of this magi- Kumar Velamblam be held on Saturday 5th March 2011 at the AMI indoor Netball Sta- cal night and witness entertainment dium in St. Johns. A lot of planning and effort has gone into organis- at its best. Thank you for your con- (09) 579 0380 ing this event and I sincerely thank my committee and the extended tinued support for the Foundation. Niroshini Jayasekera family of the NZSLF, our past presidents who have always shown (09) 524 9811 Mohamed Nalar solidarity with the committee, encouraged and assisted wherever Jason Bandara possible. (021) 2938715 The ten member band headed by the charismatic Nalin Perera is Thusitha Perera arriving in Auckland this week straight after performing in Mel- (09) 820 7357 Renuka Anthony -The Gentle giant of the gentleman’s game (09) 962 6821 The above quote says it all. Roshan Ma- Rafil Hamid hanama was one of Sri Lanka’s finest was 225, the (09) 521 3115 players and is an inspiration to the highest score Thessara Jayawardane younger generation of budding cricketers. of his career. (09) 6277336 His career has taken him from being a He was a key former cricketer playing for the Sri Lankan member of Sri Auditor: National team to his current role as an Lanka's World Nihal Jayawickrema international for the ICC. Cup winning (09) 579 1807 side of 1996. Roshan toured New Zealand last year in News Letter Editor his current capacity as a match referee Farhana Nalar His affable for the New Zealand series and character and made time to attend the Lanka Nite dinner good breeding Calendar of dance organised by NZSLF in Dec 2010 with his family. Socialising with an ease saw him fol- Events: that can only arise from years of being in low Ranjan Marians - Musical Show- 5th March AMI the limelight and being quite humble Madugalle as stadium St. John’s an ICC match about it, Roshan did not disappoint his fans. referee in May Honesty, humility and empathy are the 2004, a role cornerstones which constitute his mettle. A dashing right-hand batsman and bril- he has fulfilled quite competently. Living up to the ideals of the ‘gentleman’s liant fielder Roshan Mahanama's is best game’, Roshan Mahanama emerges an remembered as a cricketer for his world Roshan found some time amidst his busy idol of Sri Lankan Cricket, even today, record second partnership of 576 schedule as a match referee for the ICC despite having retired early in his career. with in a Test match to answer some questions for our fans in – The Nation against at the R Premadasa Stadium the Foundation. in 1997. Mahanama's contribution to that

VOLUME 47 AUTUMN 2011 NEW ZEALAND SRI LANKA FOUNDATION Early days - How did you first get an 100 against a strong West Indies Team,4. In life nothing comes easy. I am reminded interest in cricket? which had in its ranks great Cricketers of the comment made by Sir Winston such as Ian Bishop and . Churchill at the end of World War II. He I come from a cricketing family. My father, was asked as to what was the secret of brother and uncles were all involved with Could you describe an embarrassing his success. He said,” My formula for the game of Cricket. I naturally got at- moment that you experienced– during success is Blood, Sweat, Tears and Toil.” tracted to the game & the passion steadily your time as of the SL cricket This tells a story. We should never give developed. Therefore, I took to Cricket team? up in the pursuit of our goals. We must like a to water. also be humble, as humility is the hall- None in particular, however, my most mark of a great human being. Further, it is Who was “the wind beneath your embarrassing moment related to cricket, important to live an honest and caring life. wings” during your cricket career? The is connected with the scar under my right We should also help the less fortunate, as single person who encouraged you eye. Many who spot this, ask me with it is a social obligation to be charitable. and motivated you to achieve what you monotonous regularity, how it came by. Discharging your obligations, respecting did? They ask me, “Were you struck by a fast traditions and leading a religious and bowler, like Ambrose. Or was it, Wasim, virtuous life, is paramount to me. There were many who represented a Walsh, or Marshall...?” Sort of sheepishly strong force behind me. They were a I say, “No, no. It happened when I was a constant source of strength, even in kid of five, mucking around in the bath-5. What is your advice to young my involvement in different capacities room playing shots under the shower!” cricketers? connected with the game, to date. It is difficult to single out one person. But, my Could you please explain what moti- To achieve success in life, one must have parents, my brother, my wife, 3 daugh- vated you to write your autobiography a dream. Without a dream you get no- ters and my first coach, Mr. Nelson Men- “retired Hurt”? where. Even as a young Cricketer, one dis would head the list. needs to set goals and work hard towards From my early childhood years, Cricket achieving them. This needs a high level of Cricket memories – What was the most has been my passion. Starting off in 1986 commitment, dedication, courage and unforgettable incident that happened with my debut against Pakistan, I played perseverance. Further, one must be pre- to you in your cricketing career? for Sri Lanka for 14 years. I was later pared to face challenges and make sacri- involved in a couple of other capacities fices, to achieve goals. To be a respected Being a member of the Sri Lanka World connected with Cricket. I thought it would Cricketer you must be honest, well disci- Cup winning Team in 1996, reigns su- be useful to place on record some of my plined and be a humble person on and off preme among my fondest memories, experiences in Cricket - some pleasant the field. In a nutshell, to be a respected ahead of my personal achievement of and some not so pleasant, particularly for Cricketer whom others can look up to, establishing 3 World records, including the benefit of young Cricketers. I thought I one must be a gentleman. the highest partnership for any wicket in could do so through the medium of an the history of , with Sanath autobiography, which not only reflects my I hope my comments will be of some Jayasuriya in 1995[576 runs] personal experiences but also an objec- value to budding Cricketers and those tive analysis of some key aspects of the who have a penchant for the game. I What was your best series? Please game. It also delves into the challenges I thank you for giving me this opportunity explain why? had to face, the joys and sorrows I was and I wish you well! compelled to experience and the strate- My best effort was in 1995, when Sri gies which culminated in Sri Lanka lifting The editor would like to say a special Lanka won its first ODI Triangular Series the 1996 World Cup. thank you to Manjula Sanis for arrang- away from home in the UAE. I was1. ing this interview with Roshan Ma- named the Man of the Series for scoring2. What are the lessons learned in life? hanama. 288 runs over 4 innings, which included 3.a Farhana Nalar

World Cup 2011 and Sri Lankan Cricket

The history of Sri Lankan cricket started cricket playing nation in the world. This World Cup and ICC World in since the time the Island was known as was a of the hard work and deter- 2009. Ceylon and was a British Colony. The mined effort of the then Minister late earliest mention of cricket in Ceylon can Gamini Dissanayake who is accepted by The Lankans, led by Arjuna Ranathunga, be seen in 1832 with the formation of a all cricket loving Sri Lankans as the Fa- caused a massive upset when they beat cricket club; The Cricket Club. ther of Sri Lankan cricket. Even finding a the favorites in the finals in Since then, the popularity of this sport has sponsor for the team was not an easy Lahore in 1996 and now Kumar San- grown domestically with major events task and yet the inaugural test was played gakkara's team have the chance to win such as the Premier Trophy and Premier in Colombo in February 1982 where Eng- their second world title. Limited Over’s Tournament being orga- land won the match. nized. Today as I write this, the first weekend of In 1984 when Sri Lanka played against the has passed without The popularity of Cricket kept increasing at Lords he predicted that the Sri any surprises. New Zealand’s demolition throughout the 20th in our country Lankan team will bring the world cup back job of Kenya and Sri Lanka’s crushing win and the team first played One day inter- to Sri Lanka under the leadership of Arju- over Canada did little to advance the national cricket in the 1975 Cricket World na Ranathunge. This was one of the ma- argument that ICC Associate Member Cup. A lot of senior Sri Lankans may jor turning points in Sri Lankan cricket countries deserve to play in the World recall the 1975 and 1979 World cup where the players and fans started believ- Cup alongside the 10 Full Member coun- matches where Sri Lankan players dis- ing in the ability and skills of the team. tries. played a lot of fortitude. The skilled team The support and encouragement given to included well known players like Sunil the cricketers by the then governing lead- Sri Lanka did win against Canada at Weththamuny and Dulip Mendis, who ers were tremendous. Hambantota but were slow and faced the challenges of chasing huge ground conditions were not in favor for us. targets against the mighty Aussies alt- The Sri Lankan team transformed them- “We are not getting the advantage of hough they lost the match. selves from the status of underdog, to a Asian wickets since 1996” claims the major cricketing nation during the 1990s. skipper Sangakkara. Cricket became most popular with the Sri Lanka have won the Cricket World team’s victory in the ICC trophy in 1979. Cup in 1996, the ICC Champions Trophy As the head of the selection committee Sri Lanka was later awarded Test status in 2002 (Co-champions with India) and has done an admirable in 1981. Thus we became the 8th Test have been runners up in the 2007 Cricket job by choosing a balanced team.

VOLUME 47 AUTUMN 2011 NEW ZEALAND SRI LANKA FOUNDATION Still the need for a strong experienced semi finalists. I personally believe we There are plenty of varieties with man for middle order cannot be over- have a great chance in coming to the coming to the team as a looked. If Sangakkara and Jayawardana semi finals with our team consisting of left-arm spinner. So with Muttiah Mural- lose their wickets at the beginning, would world class players like Sanga, Mahela, itharan and , the spinning we have a chance for 275 runs? In such a Dilshan, Murali & Malinga. department has three different types of situation who would be the back bone of bowlers. Along with our innings? A person who bats at num- One-time Sri Lanka vice-captain and as the extra off-spinner, we also have five ber eleven is known as a tail-ender. Many national selector feels that Sri fast bowlers who are very good. questioned the reasons for not using Lanka, also the co-hosts are more than Sanath Jayasuriya in the team as a tail- capable of repeating their triumph on Whatever said and done as Sri Lankans ender with his left arm spins. home soil 15 years ago when the World living in and out of the motherland it is Cup gets under way on the subcontinent always our wish to see success in our With that thought many questions arise. later this week. team. Sri Lankans will be looking to repli- Why did we experiment with Kapugeda- cate our 1996 World Cup win and I be- ra’s future? Could we not put him in as a "If you compare the 1996 and 2011 lieve it is a promising achievement. Our front line player? These questions can be teams, both are very well balanced,” Dias team looks stable and will cause serious answered if Sri Lanka is in a place to told the BBC Sinhala Service. "I think difficulties to other countries given the encourage the young players. 's team is focused experience in the sub continent. very much to win the World Cup. Many predict the teams from England, Niroshan Padukka Australia, India and as the

Hiran Perera – The Kiwi Umpire

Lankan to be in the top 10 umpire list in Hiran is a qualified coach and is also New Zealand. In the year 2003-2004 he qualified in New Zealand and Sri Lanka was judged Auckland’s best umpire of the for level 4 umpiring. All exams were con- year out of 97 contenders. Hiran although ducted from MCC (London). An excep- based in Auckland umpires all over New tionally talented man he now coaches Zealand. young players on a voluntary basis at Keith Hay Park and Remuera intermedi- Hiran is a former cricket coach for St. ate school. His objective going forwards is Peters College in Sri Lanka. He played to get into the ICC panel. cricket since school days and represented many clubs. Originally playing for Holy Hiran’s advice to young cricketers is to be Cross in he then became a passionate about the game of cricket and coach and subsequently progressed on to to play the game correctly in a gentleman- referee 1st class in Sri Lanka. He held the ly manner.”Be serious about cricket, play post of secretary for the under 13 national it with passion and you will succeed” says tournament in the Sri Lankan School Hiran. Cricket association during the years Hiran Perera is an official of the New 1995-1999 Zealand cricket board and is the only Sri

Study, Study and Once Again Study

Vladimir Lenin advised his people to Ethnicity was significantly related to both they need some esteem (approval from “Uchithsa, Uchithsa, e ishyo raz Uchithsa” Doing My Best and Doing Just Enough, family and the community). The last is meaning “Study, Study and once again, with Asian students showing the most self-actualisation which consists of educa- Study”. Educating children is a major positive motivation patterns, high on Do- tion, religion and hobbies. concern among most New Zealand par- ing My Best and low on Doing Just ents, especially those who have migrated Enough. So, long before the children seriously from Sri Lanka. Most parents have forgot- think of studies, they need to have the ten that the way the children study now Some of our children excel in their re- previous needs fulfilled. The parents need may be different from the way we strug- spective schools and some continue to to be hundred percent sure that the child gled with no computer and internet facili- excel in tertiary educational institutions. is content with his or her lot. ties, let alone a good library to visit. This article is not about them. This is about the others who do not achieve. It is not too difficult for the parents to find Researchers in New Zealand have de- Parents get concerned about the results out how the child is doing at school. A termined two motivational dimensions: of their children at the end of the year little chat up will reveal all. Make sure Doing My Best and Doing Just Enough. when it is too late to do something about they do their homework properly. Try to They also found significant relationships it. The parents were supposed to have help them with their home work but do not between the motivation dimensions and watched the children throughout the year. do their home work for them. Provide some interpersonal influences. Students them with the necessary facilities and high on Doing Just Enough reported that Let me take you through some theories of resources. This is how you can get your their teachers did not take a personal famous Educators and Psychologists. child to focus on their homework: Desig- interest in their achievement, whereas nate an area where they can study with- students high on Doing My Best reported According to Abraham Maslow’s hierar- out distractions like TV or phone calls. that teachers showed interest in them and chy of needs, a human being first needs Help them organize their assignments in their work. are physiological (e.g. food, comfortable and encourage them to do the tougher room and bed); once they have these ones first. Set goals and allow study Females reported Doing My Best more they need safety (e.g. no bullying in breaks. Support them with their projects than males, and males reported Doing school). After that they need to belong (to and assignments when you can. Just enough more than females. family and friends). Next VOLUME 47 AUTUMN 2011 NEW ZEALAND SRI LANKA FOUNDATION

There is one important thing. Attend all Help your child deal with issues like peer help them cope with and overcome the the meetings with the teachers and do pressure, drugs, and alcohol. Put limits on depression. listen carefully to what the teachers say. the amount of time your child can social- We must remember that political correct- ize during the school week. Reward good One reason students excel is to get the ness makes the teacher speak or write grades with extra activities like sports, reward it brings: good grades and praise. less critically of the child but we need to games, movies, or parties with friends. Some children, however, are not motivat- learn to read between lines. Otherwise, ed by these extrinsic or external rewards. we might get into a false sense of security It is possible that your child is an undera- They are intrinsically motivated; meaning regarding the child’s progress and difficul- chiever. Underachievement for children the desire to excel must come from with- ties. If the child is not coping well in a is defined as when a pupil consistently in. For this reason, work that is not intel- subject, then you need to get the help of produces work perceived to be below lectually challenging is not likely to moti- experts. There is always a private tutor their ability. A child may perform poorly in vate an intrinsically motivated undera- available for most of the subjects taught a subject and not finish homework as- chiever. The best way to motivate this in schools. Look for extra study materials signments, yet when he or she takes a kind of underachiever is to provide chal- or workbooks in the area he is struggling test or takes part in a discussion it quickly lenging material, but it should be done in. becomes clear that the child is bright and early. intelligent. Here are some tips to helping your child Each child is unique. There is no one become a better student: Establish short- Parents of gifted children are often sur- study method for all children. We need to term and long-term goals and reward prised when their children underachieve try and understand the child in order to be them when they meet those goals. Get to in school. The key to helping an undera- able to give them the fullest support. After know their teacher and their teaching chiever succeed is to understand the all, their achievements are indirectly ours style. If it is not compatible with your causes of underachievement. too. Let us support them while chanting child’s learning style, find alternative ways the mantra Study, Study and once again to study the subjects at home. Never ever Gifted children who are not intellectually Study! compare them to siblings or friends that challenged may "give up"; they may stop may be doing better. Do encourage them caring about learning or at least stop By Dr. Jayanthi Jaywardane in their own strengths and achievements. caring about doing work in school. Many schools, for a variety of reasons, do not Giving children independence is one offer any gifted programming until the Dr. Jayawardane served as a Univer- thing. Another is to let them have all the third or fourth grade, which is often too sity Lecturer in Sri Lanka, Australia freedom to do whatever as they want. As late for many gifted children, who have and New Zealand. She is a published long as they depend on you for their liv- already "turned off." Gifted children can author who has written both in Eng- ing, you can insist that they need to ad- become depressed by the same issues lish and Sinhala. She is currently here to certain amount of discipline. Tele- that can cause depression in all children, involved in a Government spon- for example, death of a family member or vision and computer times have to be sored Tertiary Education Sector controlled if they tend to overdo them. If pet as well as family problems like di- curriculum development project. your child is too focused on their social vorce. As with all cases of depression, lives to care about school work, try the gifted children should get counselling to following tips to redirect their attention:

This newsletter is published quarterly. We welcome contributions to this newsletter and apologize for not being able to publish all contributions due to the limitation of the available space. We reserve the right to edit submitted material. Being a not-for-profit-organization, we do not make any pay- ments for articles. Please send your contributions to the Winter Issue by May 2011 to the correspondence address below. Attn:

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Reflect

Views expressed in articles are those of the Contributing authors and may not necessarily reflect the views of the NZSLF.

Correspondence: NZSLF, P O Box 109419, New Market, Auckland 1149, New Zealand, www.nzslfoundation.com