The Interim Committee of the Sri Lanka Rugby Football Union (SLRFU) who sought legal opinion from a top President’s Counsel regarding numerous allegations against former Executive Director of the SLRFU, Dilroy Fernando, who is at present the Director of Sports at CR&FC and also President of the Sri Lanka Rugby Referees Association (SLRRA), has been informed that the IC could inform the CR & FC and SLRRA that pending disciplinary action by the IC of the SLRFU, Fernando, could be treated as persona non grata, and not be allowed to participate in any event or match organised by the SLRFU in whatever capacity.

Among the allegations made against Fernando by the IC are (1) suppressing the amendments to the SLRFU constitution in 1999, (2) opening and operating E-mail accounts under the name of slrfuadmin@sltnet.lk and slrfuacc@sltnet.lk and controlling the e-mail accounts as his private accounts and also copying all e-mails addressed to SLRFU to his own e-mail even after ceasing to be the Executive Director of SLRFU, (3) acting in collusion with Senaka Colombage (former Administrative Manager at SLRFU) and obtaining e-mails addressed to SLRFU to slrfudynaweb.lk and getting all these e-mails surreptitiously diverted to Dilroy Fernando’s personal e-mail address at dilroync@sltnet.lk.

The Sunday Leader learns that the legal luminary’s opinion states that there is a strong prima facie case for disciplinary action against Dilroy Fernando on the above charges.

He (the president’s Counsel) further states that in his opinion, Fernando, who is Director of Sports at CR & FC, which is a member club of the SLRFU as set out in Schedule 2 of the SLRFU constitution, and as President of the SLRRA, is an affiliate member of the SLRFU referred in Section II of the constitution.

In Section II under sub para 1 (B), the council has the power to expel or suspend from membership of the Union or to inflict other appropriate punishment to any Provincial Union, club or member of any club for any infringement of rule, regulation or by-law of the Union or any conduct which in the opinion of the council is prejudicial to the Union after due inquiry.

The legal luminary further states in his report that the SLRFU has the power to take disciplinary action against Dilroy Fernando and in the absence of the Council, the IC, is entitled to exercise the powers of the council.

The Chairman of the IC for the SLRFU, Dr. Maiya Gunasekera, told The Sunday Leader that they (the IC) will call for an explanation from Dilroy Fernando, as "we have to be fair by all". He further said that the opinion of the President’s Counsel, was circulated to all present at Wednesday’s (June 23) meeting that the IC held with representatives of Provincial Unions regarding the amendments to the constitution.

The Secretary of the Central Province RFU, Iswan Omar, told The Sunday Leader now that legal opinion has been obtained by the IC regarding Dilroy Fernando, he (Fernando) should be suspended for at least two years. He said: Otherwise it’s a disgrace for rugby in Sri Lanka to have a corrupt official in the caliber of Dilroy Fernando, yet involved in the sport.

It would’ve been wonderful were a second world title added to our cricketers list of achievements. That, as the world now knows, didn’t happen last Sunday, causing here more regret than grief. Optimism had been high for re-living 1996, fuelled as it was by Sangakkara’s men’s all-conquering five-win march to the final; Pakistan had stumbled in their run up to the final, losing twice, including to Sri Lanka. The odds clearly favoured Sri Lanka. But then, not for the first time, the formbook deceived.

It won’t be wrong though to say the failure was partly one of our own making; hence regret outweighing sadness. But it would be an appalling error to disregard the resolve Pakistan brought to the playing field on the day. Their determination to come good for reasons more than merely proving their cricketing superiority was quite visible.

Torn by bloody political convulsions that have made the world afraid to set foot on Pakistan, eleven cricketers sought, in the only way they can, to redeem some respect for motherland and bring a little sunshine into the long-joyless lives of their compatriots. And when men driven by that sort of fervour seize battle’s early initiative, then, they aren’t likely to surrender advantage.

Relentlessly pressed on

They seized the initiative in only the fifth ball, claiming Man of the Tournament, Dilshan, and from then on relentlessly pressed on. When the crucial opening six overs were completed four wickets had been claimed and only 34 runs conceded, so forcing Sri Lanka’s batting into a state of mental paralysis.

Skipper Sangakkara with admirable support from young Angelo Mathews bravely attempted to give life to ebbing hopes, but there was no disguising that their effort was at merely cutting losses, not one portending triumph. Eventually Sri Lanka was restricted to 138, their tournament lowest, not the sort of tally that smells of roses and champagne – not even with the event’s most potent bowling attack at their command. It is said that the triumph of the human spirit is insuppressible; Pakistan conjured up the finest example the cricketing world could provide.

Of course, reasons abound why things might have been different– (1) had we chosen to chase a target rather than set one (2) had not Dilshan being baited into the trap specially laid for him and so perish in the first over (3) had Jayasuriya showed greater discretion than to strike out for a second six/four in the same over that he had struck a six and a four to only be bowled (4) had Dilshan, Mubarak, Jayawardene and Chamara Silva, collectively, added 20 more runs to the 15 they actually did; the reasons are endless.

But to pine for the what-might-have-been is understandable. After all, it’s not always a nation finds itself in a final of a world contest, and the failure only two years ago in the final of 50/50 World Cup only went to make the yearning for success last Sunday even greater. And with countless reasons to ponder why the outcome might’ve been otherwise; yes, the second failure in a world final in as many years elicits greater regret than sadness.

It is the cruelty of the human mind that it doesn’t remember any world contest by who ran second, the 2009 T-20 World Cup, so, will not be remembered by the fact that Sri Lanka’s overall tournament record was superior to the country that stole the trophy away. Rather it will be remembered for Pakistan’s epical triumph over odds, on-and-off-field.

Lest our despondency overwhelms, a counting of the positives will help. Finishing no. 2 in a field of the world’s best cricketing nations is no mean feat. It should not be forgotten that we finished ahead of Australia, the West Indies, South Africa and India, an achievement which should offer more than solace for the final failure. Neither should it be forgotten that Sri Lanka had seldom figured in the pre-tournament calculations, with more than a few doubting our chances to qualify from the "death’’ group, with Australia and the West Indies too in contention for the two Super Eight slots.

Frankly, were the no. 2 slot offered at the outset, Sri Lanka, emerging from a brush with death in Lahore, would have taken it with both hands. So, seen from the perspective of expectation-and-achievement, it’s not quite the end of the world scenario that some make it out to be. It is fair to conclude we exceeded popular expectations.

No one will begrudge credit to Sangakkara’s leadership for the team’s transformation of little-hopers to no. two. Of course, to have achieved World Cup success on debut would’ve been lovely, but to have finished second-best isn’t bad at all. It is better than what ten other rival captains accomplished.

Conversely, the denial of a triumphant debut as leader might actually be helpful as it spares Sangakkara the unreasonable expectation of repeating the way he had begun. Of course, to expect a triumphant debut to spawn a sequence of successes is illogical. The public know well cricket’s fickle ways and any new leader can expect sympathy for early failures. But to a captain baptised in glory, that sympathy will be limited – just ask Mahela Jayewardene, who abdicated in the face of relentless criticism just two years after leading the country to the 2007 WC final.

This is not to say the lot of the leader of the world’s no.2 T-20 team is a lot lighter than the captain of the champion side. But, if Sangakkara’s post-final interview is any indication, the defeat Sunday, his first in six games as leader, clearly has deepened his resolve. He spoke of the coming Pakistan tour as being an opportunity to make amends, though "revenge’’ might’ve been his preferred word but for the restraining hand of decorum. It was easy to discern the skipper’s disappointment, and his determination to steer the team back on to a winning course.

He spoke of the virtues of rookies Mathews and Udana, sentiments that strongly suggests he would like to see a rebuilding of the national team. The selectors, of course, have the final say on that score, but, given the vulnerability of our batting, it is pretty obvious de Mel and his wise men will be compelled to review the future of at least three batsmen.

Jayasuriya’s inclusion continues to be based on hope than faith. He keeps his place only because the selectors think his next big knock is due in the next game. Unfortunately that waited "big knock’’ isn’t coming nearly as often as the team wants it. His form the IPL too had been scratchy, which begs the question: has age dulled his skills. The next T-20 World Cup is nine months away and the 50-50 WC two years hence. So, the run up months must logically be one of rebuilding, and Jayasuriya at 40 doesn’t quite fit into the scheme of things.

It has to be said though Jayasuriya’s contribution has been more than most of his batting colleagues. His aggregate of 177 in the recent series, identical to that of the skipper’s tally, is the second highest in the Sri Lankan list. Jayewardene’s 154 is third best, but Silva (with scores of 11,7,8,4,13,11and 14) and Mubarak (21, 8 n.o.5,7,8,7 and 0) didn’t do their cause any good. To be fair, they bat in difficult positions, when the end of the allotted overs is nearing end and runs are required in haste. But that is the demand of the game, a demand that our nos. 5 and 6 clearly were at discomfort to respond to.

It will require some bold decisions by the selectors to decide the future of Jayasuriya, Silva and Mubarak, a boldness bordering Pakistan’s decision to include two 17-year-olds, one to play the role of opening bowler and the other no.1 batsmen, no less.

But if our paid-selectors (Rs.60, 000 per month; Rs.25,000 for fuel per month and a yearly overseas trip or two) will be willing to place their earnings and perks at risk by adopting the brave methods of the Pakistani selectors is left to be seen. But it’s time to look beyond the familiar line up of batting candidates for national duty and search among the new, untried talents. The hugely successful experimentation of two rookies, all rounder Mathew and quick bowler Udana, ought to encourage de Mel’s men to do the same with a few young batsmen, too.

Dulakshi Kalhara Elikewela from Musaeus College is only 15 years. Since taking to Squash when she was just eight years, Dulakshi, has gone from strength to strength, and is now one of Sri Lanka’s most promising young players.

Dulakshi recently won two titles (Under-17 and Under-15) at the Janashakthi Open, which titles she also won at the Royal College Championship earlier this year. She also represented the country at the Asian Junior in Chennai (India) and also at the Milo-All-Star Junior Championship in Malaysia.

Then at the Inter-Schools Championship last year (2008), Dulakshi, won the Under-15 title and helped Musaeus win the Team championship too. She was fourth in the Women’s Open at the Senior Nationals last year and third at the Junior Nationals in the Under-15 age group.

In 2008, she was also third in the Under-17 and Under-15 events at the Gymkhana Open, runner-up in the Under-15 and third in the Under-17 events at the Amaya Hills Open, besides being runner-up in the Under-17 and Under-15 at the Janashakthi Open, which titles she won this year. She was also placed fourth and third in the same event at the Otter’s Open.

Dulakshi, who won an award at the Otter’s Sports Awards ceremony in 2007 for her performances in Squash, once again helped Musaeus to win the Team title at the All-Island Schools Championship where she was placed fourth in the Under-13 age group. In the same year (2007), young Dulakshi, was third in the Under-15 and Women’s Open events at the Amaya Hills Open.

Also in the same year (2007), Dulakshi, was fourth in the Under-15 and third in the Under-13 events at the Junior Nationals, runner-up in the Under-13 events at the Junior Nationals, runner-up in the Under-13 and fourth in the Under-15 events at the Under-15 event at the Janashakthi Open. She also participated at the Milo All-Star Championship in Malaysia.

Dulakshi was third in the under-11 events at both the Austasia and SSC Opens in 2005, when she was runner-up in the Under-11 event at the Junior Nationals. She was also placed third in the Under-11 events at the Otter’s Open and All-Island Schools Championship, and winning the Under-9 title at the Schools Novices Championship in 2003.

Speaking to The Sunday Leader, young Dulakshi, who practices at both the Otter’s and SSC, thanked the Principal and staff of Musaeus College and also her coaches (Sulaiman, Cooray at school, Navin Samarasinghe and Eranga Alwis).

She had a special word of praise for her mother (Dharshini) in particular and her father, Yasantha. Dulakshi’s elder sister, Gimanthi (18) was a top badminton player at Musaeus, while the younger brother, Januka (13) attends Gateway International.

The Secretary of the In terim Committee for Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) Nishantha Ranatunga, has called for open tenders and for the suppliers of clay for the grounds/wickets falling within the purview of SLC to re-register themselves with SLC.

The SundayLeader learns that SLC are calling for new applications as curators for SLC have made various allegations against the national curator, Anurudha Polonowita and his dealings with the CISIR and certain clay suppliers.

There were three suppliers of clay to SLC including one Paramananthan of Thai Lakshmi Construction and Caldera of Lakmali Transport, who now hold the Monopoly.

Samples of clay are sent to the CISIR for quality reports, but the technicians, who test these samples are kept happy and issue favourable reports even when the clay contents are less than what is expected.!!

Paramananthan in letters to former Chairman of the IC Jayantha Dharmadasa, with copies to Duleep Mendis (CEO) and Bandula Warnapura a few years back, giving details about various transactions and how the clay he had supplied was found to be unsuitable by Polonwita, but no action was taken by the former Dharmadasa headed IC.

During the time of Arjuna Ranatunga too, allegations were made about unauthorised leave and a trip to Australia, while Dharmadasa, had put a stop to the payment of hotel bills for site visits by Polonowita.

When the Tour Organising Committee (TOC) of SLC met on June 23, Polonowita, had threatened to resign when the discussions centred around the preparation of wickets.

Polonowita is even accused of not teaching the trade (preparation of wickets) to three curators attached to SLC – Asitha Sanjay Wijesinghe, Menaka Sampath and D.A.J. Sampath.

The national curator draws a basic salary of Rs 75, 000/= per month, vehicle, fuel allowance of Rs. 24, 975/= and mobile phone allowance of Rs. 4000/=!!

The Sunday Leader learns that the Ministry of Sports and Public Recreation too are dissatisfied with Polonowita regarding these allegations and are to request the IC of SLC for a full probe.

Fifteen personnel attached to SLC’s Coaching Academy at the Premadasa Stadium, including a office assistant (peon) and four computer annalists left for Bangkok, Thailand last Thursday (June 25) for three days.

Headed by Jerome Jayaratne, the money for the tour had been collected from pool players saying they are going for a Twenty-20 game and coaching session.

If the IC of SLC has approved this tour, why collect money form players?

However, four coaches have not gone to Bangkok. including Sumithra Warnakulasuriya, Roger Wijesuriya, Chandika Hathurusinghe and Manoj. Among the 15 who went to Bangkok are Jerome Jayaratne, Malcolm Perera, Anusha Samaranayake, Prabath Nissanka, Piyal Wijetunga, Oshadi Weerasinghe, Danesh Dissanayake, J.C. Gamage and Heshan de Silva apart from the four computer analysts and staff assistant.

Two unbeaten teams Kandy Sports Club and CR & FC will clash in what could turn out to be a thriller at Longden Place this evening. Kickoff is set for 4.30 pm, with Nizam Jamaldeen tipped to blow. This is probably the last hurdle for both teams and the winners would certainly be the first round table leaders. In contrast CR & FC will have everything in their favour, the home ground, weather, and the surrounding atmosphere will be to their liking.

A win for CR & FC is long over due against Kandy SC, they last won in 2005. Both teams have progressed quite effectively and their is little difference in them.

Even then the Kandy SC forwards hold a slight advantage, are capable of exploiting the opposition in a surprise manner, with No. 8 Sajith Saranga in top form and the Kandyans could be assured of some good possession. His play will no doubt make matters worse for the Red Shirts, who will be under pressure throughout the game.

But the Longden Place boys are talented enough to handle every crucial move as they have proved on number of occasions this season with Dushan Leweke another top class No 8 giving his best. Even then they will need a one hundred percent team effort to bring down the Kandy side and remain unbeaten. They will also have to perform something special because no side has succeeded in dictating terms to the Kandy side so far this season.

This will probably effect the home side psychologically despite performing in front of their home crowd. In addition they will be facing a full strength Kandy SC with all the injured players recovering in time for this all important fixture. Kandy’s Fazil Marija will be in action at his favorite position and will add more strength to their line up. And the Kandy SC back division look more formidable with players like skipper Pradeep Liyanage, Sameera Silva, Sanjeewa Jaysinghe Gayan Weerarthne, veteran Radika Hettiarchchi and link man Saliya Kuamra.

But in defence they will have to be more positive because Seanjeewa Jayasinghe is a superb runner on the wing. In forward play there is Krishan Jehan, Sajith Saranaga, Senaka Bandara, Anuranga Walpola, Dilip Selvan, Sean Wijesinghe and Zaffar Jhan should give a lion hearted display in this key game, taking the fight to the CR & FC from the outset.

The difference between winning and losing is "Sports Edge"

Sri Lankan sportsmen and sportswomen now have the advantage they have been always waiting for - an affordable sports drink specially manufactured and bottled to suit our conditions and our athletes. Edge Nutrition Inc. recently launched the first of its kind sports drink called "Sports Edge" in Sri Lanka. Speaking at a press interview the company spokesperson stated that "Sports Edge" would make the difference between winning and losing in an intensely competitive and enduring sports arena.

"Sports Edge" is bottled here in Sri Lanka under License from Edge USA. It is specifically formulated for our own hot and humid conditions. The Company believes that Sri Lanka would have no difficulty in competing at the highest level with proper training, discipline, and dedication of our sportsmen. Add "Sports Edge" to that combination and we could be an unbeatable sporting force.

"Sports Edge" is made especially for those involved in sports and exercise, and is formulated with the Carbohydrates and Electrolytes required for the body to achieve optimum performances. The key advantage behind "Sports Edge" is the unique structure of the Carbohydrates which release its energy in a more stable, efficient and controlled manner into the blood stream without disturbing and destabilising the body like products made out of Glucose. This scientifically designed sports drink helps provide the required carbohydrates to the muscle in order to sustain your energy levels, elevating performance and providing you with the competitive advantage.

"Sports Edge" has three distinct advantages and properties. Firstly, it provides the body with the correct energy spurt required for short duration sports, and for the long drawn out competitions where a combination of both speed and endurance is required. Whether it be Cricket, Rugby, Soccer, Swimming, Basketball, Tennis or any other sport where one needs to endure to win, "Sports Edge" will hold the key.

Secondly, "Sports Edge" is formulated as an isotonic beverage that dispenses the energy throughout the body efficiently, making available the nutrients required for performance, preventing dehydration, and rapidly rehydrating the body of a tired and weary sportsman or sportswoman who has sweated extensively during a tough and enduring game.

The third advantage of "Sports Edge" is that it contains the all important electrolytes, which are the salts we sweat, helping not only protect the body from cramping but also regulating and enhancing the fluid transportation across the body.

What all these benefits mean to you, is that when you consume "Sports Edge" the speed and the aggression in which you began a competition or exercise, will be sustained throughout the activity at the same level, giving you a clear advantage over your competitor whose energy levels have been steadily declining as the competition progressed.

"Sports Edge" is now available in an attractive 360ml bottle at Supermarkets and leading Pharmacies and is reasonably priced at Rs.100/=. The company is confident this product will be well accepted by professionals as well as amateur Sports men and women across Sri Lanka, They hope to strengthen their distribution channels further so that every sports person and exercise enthusiast in Sri Lanka will have access to a "Sports Edge", whether it be for competition, training or just enjoying a sport with family and friends.

Farouk wins Kukuleganga Rally

Rizvi Farouk, in a Subaru Impreza WRX with Jamal Hussein as co-driver, won the MRA Kukuleganga Rally 2009, on the tarmac roads surrounding the Kukuleganga Holiday Resort last weekend.

Farouk beat Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VIII driver and former winner Dinesh Jayawardene by 1 minute and 12 seconds to also take home the SL ‘GT’ class winner’s trophy. Jayawardene, co-driven by debutant Dilan Seneviratne, set a record time on the final stage to take the position by just 14 seconds from Evolution X driver and former MRA Rally Champion Dinesh Deheragoda. However, with a third place result Deheragoda further consolidated his lead in the 2009 MRA Rally Championship after his win in Pelwatte in January.

For Farouk, a veteran TSD rally driver, this was a first special-stage rally victory after suffering bad luck and mechanical problems in previous MRA rallies. However, he had a far from straightforward run as he had to claw back an early lead taken by Deheragoda and co-driver Mushtaq Ahamed and then weathered a furious charge by fellow Subaru driver Janaka Dias who set stunning stage times to close within an unbelievable 0.5 seconds overall going into the final night stage on Saturday evening. Unfortunately for Dias, he went off the road 50 metres from the finish of Special Stage 5 and despite eventually finishing the stage, threw away all hope of challenging for victory.

The KKG Rally, as it is popularly known, saw further advances in safety by the Motor Racing Association, the organising club, as for the first time a full-time ‘0’ car was driven at race speeds preceding the actual competitors. This was done to announce the arrival of the competing vehicles to the large crowds gathered on the stages. In addition to that and a preceding ‘0’ car, the club also had a qualified team of paramedics, doctors and ambulances available on stage in addition to hydraulic body jacks and metal cutting equipment. With support from local authorities, police officers and other officials were positioned along the stages in order to clear the course and maintain safety as per international regulations.

The competing drivers, who unanimously proclaimed it as a fine organising effort, repaid the organisers with great camaraderie and intense competition – most stages saw gaps of 2 seconds or less between vital positions, an ever-changing leader board and until the final night stage, there was only one retirement. The fact that the finishing order was decided only on the final stages is a testament to the level of competition that was witnessed.

Miniruwani, parents come for criticism

The talented young swimmer from Gateway College, Miniruwani Samarakoon, and her parents
have come into quite a lot of criticism in the recent past from swimming officials

The report of the swimming manager, for the 2006 SAARC games in Colombo, states that Miniruwani is the worst team player and her selfish acts is not healthy for any team. The report also criticises her parents who wanted to do exactly the opposite which the team management had requested and also that the biggest mistake will be making her a captain of a team. She had also failed to attended the closing ceremony with out informing the team management.

The Administrative Manager of SLASU, Rodney Silva, has also complained about the outburst of Minisruwani’s father at the recent trial for the FINA World Championship in Italy next month (July).

The Principal of Gateway College, R.I.T. Alles has been informed about these matters by SLASU.

Ananda runners-up with three records

Ananda (345 points) were runners-up to St. Joseph’s (439 points) at the 36th Sri Lanka Schools Swimming and Diving Championship at the Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium Pool. Ananda won the Under-19 and Under-13 Age group titles. K.T. Cherantha de Silva established two new records in the 50 metre free style (27.10 seconds) and in the 50 metre butter fly (30.73) in the Under-13 age group.

Thavishka Guruge also established a new record in the Under-15 200 metres butterfly event (2 minutes 28.29 seconds).

Liyanagama succumbs to pressure

The Secretary to the Ministry of Sports and Public Recreation, S. Liyanagama, has succumbed to political pressure and approved the monies requested by the Amateur Athletic Association of Sri Lanka (AASL) last Tuesday (June 23) to send five additional persons for the World Junior Championship in Italy next month (July).

It was only on June 17, that the "Mini Cabinet" of the Sports Ministry chaired by acting Minister Bandula Basnayake, Liyanagama and Herath (Additional Secretary) among others, had turned down a request from the Secretary of the AAASL, Prema Pinnawala, seeking funds to send an additional five persons to Italy, which included US $ 3200, for accommodation, Rs. 72,000 for the visa fees.

The AAASL headed by Major-General (rtd) Palitha Fernando, who is also the Chairman of the Ranaviru Seva Authority (RSA), had decided to send five boys, one girl and three officials on this trip.

The invitation from the International Amateur Athletic Federation (IAAF) was only for three persons (one boy, one girl, one official) for whom the expenses were to be met by the IAAF.

Minister Gamini Lokuge was away in England for the World Twenty-20 cricket tournament, and returned to the country on June 23.

CH in easy win

CH and FC cruised to an easy 38 points to 5 points victory over Sri Lanka Air Force SC in their SLRF Caltex inter club ‘A’ division league rugby tournament match played at Maitland Crescent on Friday. The winners collected their points from four goals and two tries after having led 17-5 at half time. Air Force SC responded with a solitary try.