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| Wednesday, 2 March 2005 |
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Cricket Aid launches foster parents scheme by Richard Dwight All was not lost, and that help was at hand, for "Hope springs eternal in the human breast", was the reassuring message one got, when Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) through Cricket Aid (CA) launched this laudable foster parents scheme on Monday afternoon at the Rahula College Hall, Matara. With the theme of 'Cricket for humanity', CA perhaps in an attitude of "to whom much is given, much is expected of," was responsible for a refugee camp as a sequel to the havoc wrought by the recent tsunami waves - having identified initially 225 children, who unfortunately lost a parent or both parents, were the first batch of beneficiaries of this foster parent scheme. Tangible expression of CA's commitment, was effected by the presentation of gift packs to the 225 children, that included an Insurance Policy, Sampath Bank Savings Book and items needed for study at school. They will also receive a sum of Rs. 1,000 each until they finish their studies. A representative from the Ceylon Insurance Corporation and Sampath Bank, briefly dwelt on the facilities that would be available to the children - while the presentation of gift packs, which were interspersed by dance items from the students of Rahula MV and Sujatha, BMV were made by two venerable priests of the Buddhist clergy, the President SLC Mohan De Silva, Chairman CA, Thilanga Sumathipala, Director CA, Hashan Tillekaratne, Chairman Selectors, Ashantha De Mel, Manager Brendon Kuruppu and national cricketers Marvan Atapattu, Sanath Jayasuriya, Chaminda Vaas, Dilhara Fernando, Lasith Malinga and Muttiah Muralitharan. The enthusiastic crowd that thronged the hall, was indeed an indication of the support and backing that awaits this noble cause. Addressing the gathering soon after the brief words of welcome by the President of the Matara District Cricket Association, Lakmal Nilantha, was the President of SLC Mohan De Silva, who said they weren't quite sure of the extent of damage caused by the tsunami waves and, Thilanga Sumathipala who is an adept at grappling with trying situations like this, was able to assess the damage and having faith in Sumathipala's ability the SLC unanimously appointed him Chairman, Cricket Aid. De Silva explained that within a short period of time, Sumathipala saw to the opening of a refugee camp in Matara, that has now led to this first phase launch of the foster parents scheme, which will be spread over ten years, with yet other batches of children being taken to number around 1,000 children in all. There is also he said the building of Cricket Aid Villages in Mullaitivu, Ampara, Kalutara and Matara. De Silva thanked the cricketers for their support and concluded by expressing his pleasure for the opportunity that has come the way of the SLC to indulge in humanitarian services. Marvan Atapattu, the Sri Lanka cricket captain said that apart from playing cricket that they too become disturbed and feel for people, when tragedy strikes our countrymen. He said that as cricketers they would support cricket aid, observing that it's a big responsibility and having just begun, there's a long way to go. Marvan's wish was that these children will make good use of the opportunities and facilities to forge ahead, and if needs be awards also be made to those who do well. The former captain Sanath Jayasuriya thanked CA for commencing their relief programme from his hometown Matara. He exhorted the children to study well and take their place in society as exemplary citizens and may be great cricketers as well. Adding strength to the elbow as it were, was the inspiring presence of the Surrey County Cricket Club CEO Paul Sheldon who also overlooks the Surrey Oval. Paul had taken the trouble to associate himself with this praiseworthy exercise in the cause of the destitute and afflicted. He was of the view that those in UK, in their Ivory Towers will not be able to sense the devastation caused unless they come and see for themselves. His emotions he said cannot be described in what we had gone through here, adding that their grief in the UK has gone out to us. Surrey cricketers like Alex Stweart, Mark Butcher and Graham Thorpe are keen to help and, the club itself is making a very generous gesture of sterling pounds 250,000 towards the building of one of the Cricket Aid Villages. Paul concluded by saying he was deeply touched by the hospitality and smiling faces of people here, in the midst of adversity. The Chairman of CA Thilanga Sumathipala who can easily rise up to the occasion, has already in a short period of time brought a measure of relief to the children who have suffered through tsunami disaster. Being modest he endorsed what Marvan and Sanath said and added questioning as to how our cricketers let their people down who constantly keep cheering when play is on. He ended thanking the cricketers, Duleep Mendis, Bandula Warnapura and Hashan Tillekaratne for their assistance. |
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