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| Tuesday, 27 August 2002 |
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BY Ukuwela special correspondent We cannot usher in peace only through political discussion. An important element to achieve peace in this country is to organize discussions without paying any heed to caste, creed or religious considerations, said A. H. M. Azwer, Minister of Parliamentary Affairs. He said that to achieve peace in this country what we need is not the gun and the bullet but to promote the concept of sports throughout the country and develop it to the maximum. This message should reach the people as well as the politicians. The above comments were made by Minister A. H. M. Azwer at the Mohamed Hilmy Mayor's Cup at the all island Municipal Councils Soccer Tournament which commenced at the Bernard Aluvihare Stadium, Matale on August 22. Minister Azwer expressed the view that this Tournament is not confined to Matale District alone but to the whole island as all Municipal Councils were represented in this Soccer Tournament. He said that in the past soccer was identified as the poor man's game but today this game is so popular with the masses that it has reached international importance and recognition. Azwer said we Sri Lankans faced two challenges. One was the No Confidence Motion brought by the opposition against Minister John Amaratunga in Parliament. The second challenge we faced was in Morrocco during the Cricket Tournament, where our team was led by Sanath Jayasooriya. On both occasions we played a clean game and were victorious. Another important incident that took place last week was at the Sugathadasa Stadium during the Asian Athletic meet where our Golden Girl Susanthika Jayasinghe very convincingly won two gold medals for Sri Lanka. Sports has no barriers such as caste, creed, race or religion for all are equal in the eyes of sports. He said the Peace Program initiated by Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe is further strengthened by the Mayor Mohamed Hilmy in organizing this Soccer Tournament where sportsmen of all races and religion participate, thus showing the world that we Sri Lankans have no discrimination whatsoever in respect of race, religion or colour. It is seen that during the past 19 years our efforts to achieve peace through war was a dismal failure. Mothers lost their children, wives lost their husbands, whole families were completely destroyed or uprooted from their homes due to this cruel war. He said finally I must emphasise that it is only through sports that we shall be able to achieve sustainable peace in this country. I am happy to mention that the Prime Minister being aware of its importance has appointed a youthful Minister in charge of sports. This is further strengthened and consolidated with the election of Manilal Fernando as Vice President of the Asian Football Confederation where with his enthusiasm and talents he will be able to lift the game of Soccer in Sri Lanka to international standards.
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