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"Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? Let him show out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom?" (James 3-13)

Having a read and listened to many a critic of Manilal Fernando and his subsequent resignation, I too thought, that I should let the world know about him and his abilities. Having being in the coaching field for 35 years I have met, known, and worked with many a past presidents of the FFSL among them Manilal stands very high and stands like a giant in the history of Sri Lankan Football.

I have known and worked with Manilal for well over 15 years. First as the National Coach and then as a council member, executive committee member (as Chairman of the players status Committee) I found it very easy to work with this dynamic personality. Having introduced a new pool-proof identity cards for the players in the country, I must say that it was not all smooth sailing but Manilal was there to back me, and we did issue the new identity card. Even as the national coach I had to clear plenty of hurdles. Manilal was behind me, encouraging me to do my work. Manilal had an ambition - to take Sri Lanka football to the top in Asia. First he wanted the council members to be proud of what they are - in 1990, I vividly remember at my daughter's wedding reception at Galadari Hotel. He told me that the reception was held "in style".

I recall the AGM of the F.A. was held either in the Sugathadasa Stadium pavilion and the later in an auditorium in Colombo - Manilal changed this and had many an AGM at five-star hotels and even launching of a tournament or many functions at classy hotels. He wanted the members to feel proud of the fact that they are from the football society in par with any other association. This was his vision.

Football House - Having visited many a country his next ambition was to get a new headquarters. The good old days we can remember the F.A. office was at Wellawatta when the late V. K. Arumugam "lived". It was a small room hardly any space even to keep the documents. Then later when Jerry Paranahetty became the secretary of the F.A., his lawyer's room was the office - today we are proud that we have one of the best sports offices in the country.

May be it was built not by his own money but the sweat, the time and the interest he showed to fulfil his dream was great. Then later at a council meeting a member proposed that the new building should be named as Manilal Fernando Football House. Although many members spoke on favour of it Manilal declined this great honour. Can we fathom this great character, a character very rare to find in this world today.

Knowledge of the game - having had the experience of meeting many administrators, coaches, players and watching many foreign matches. I found that he had a sound knowledge of the game - after we lost to India in the finals of the Independence Cup I had the opportunity to discuss at length the pros & cons of the game. Having explained the reasons for the loss, using the white board in his office. He questioned me on various aspects - the method of play - tactics and on corner kicks, set-plays and so on. He knew what he was talking or questioning - about. He is great.

Many has written about Manilal and I hope this article of mine helps him to realize how valuable he is to our football. This should help him to get courage to face up - face up he will - the critics, as thousands are behind him to make him complete his ambition - "Sri Lanka Asia best" no one needs to write about his integrity and honesty - and I end up again quoting a verse from the Holy Book.

"Doth a fountain send forth at the same place, sweet water and bitter" (James 3, 11)

Edward Jayawardena, Former national soccer coach.

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