Archives

Continued from yasterday

Noteworthy contributions

Among the noteworthy achievements are the following:

(a) Initially finding a suitable premises for the Federation in Sports Complex at Reid Avenue and later the construction of the Football House with a fabulous grant from FIFA was the realisation of cherished dream.

This is the envy of many sports controlling bodies and associations.

(b) Providing for accommodation for players under training and those from outstations when in Colombo.

(c) Arranging for well planned and systematic programmes of training for players and officials.

(d) Obtaining the services of a reputed coach the local footballers in the pool.

(d) Making available and adequate supply of sports gear and training equipment and training of the players and officials with all training facilities provided.

(e) Enhanced grants to outstation clubs, schools and association to improve the standards in the provinces.

(e) Reimbursement of travelling and out of pocket expenses of players.

(f) Providing meaningful welfare facilities for the players.

(g) Helping footballer's of yesteryear who are in financial difficulties and meaningful recognition of their contribution.

(h) Securing employment for those football players without employment and arranging for career guidance.

(i) In initiating the Baddegana Sports Complex.

(h) Improving the Vernon Fernando soccer grounds and constructing a modern pavilion at Kalutara with his own finances. Organisation ability Manilal's organising ability is difficult to evaluate. The professional and exemplary manner in which he organised the reception for Fred Blatter even confounded the Sports Ministry officials. It was of the magnitude of the "Popes Visit" the meticulous attention to detail and precision with which the various activities were organised, impressed all visiting football dignitaries and they showered plaudits on Manilal, which inevitably helped to enhance the country's image. Acceptability To be re-elected to the prestigious position of vice president of Asian Football Federation from representatives of over fifty countries is a rare achievement. The re-election unopposed, unmistakably indicates the high esteem in which Manilal held by all the member countries of the Confederation. Earlier selected to serve on the Legal Committee of the world body for Football FIFA he did the country proud. Making a significant contribution while serving as a committee member, his administrative capabilities in depth knowledge of the game, admirably supplemented by his sharp and astute legal mind, impressed the officials of FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation. It is an indisputable fact that Manilal is held in high esteem by the world and Asian controlling bodies. Commitment/dedication The rare dynamism commitment and dedication to the game as well as his exceptional organising ability and exemplary conduct have been appreciated by all football playing countries in the sub-continent. Future success Manilal you have done the country proud, your re-election as president of the Asian Football Confederation. However what is regrettable is that while the international sports bodies have continuously recognises and appreciated Manilal's efforts, successive governments and the bureaucrats at the Sports Ministry regrettably have not adequately given adequate recognition to Manilal's efforts, while some disgruntled persons possibly envious of Manilal's efforts continuously and persistently attempt to cast aspersions and even subtly ridicule him. While has the capacity to withstand the sinister propaganda the all football enthusiasts and the general public are adequately aware of enviable record of achievements and his commitment and dedication sports and football in particular. Manilal you and your energetic band of officials can be contended that your efforts have yielded results and are appreciated by a large fraternity of football enthusiasts with you as the vice president of the Asian Football Confederation and other officials in prestigious positions in the Asian and world football bodies, Sri Lanka can be expected to reach greater and enviable heights in soccer in the future. Sqn. Ldr. J. T. Rex Fernando (SLAF Retd)

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