Kilinochchi benefits from Cricket aid
 

by Richard Dwight

Rekindling hope, in the distraught hearts and minds of young children, when all hope was well nigh gone was, indeed the firm resolve of Cricket Aid (CA). Where it lost no time to swiftly move to establish its Foster Parents Scheme' (FPS) - with the sole objective of affording a measure of relief to children virtually stranded, by the loss of either parent or both and, as well their belongings too, brought about by the recent 'Tsunami' disaster on these hapless, unfortunate little ones.

Relief constitutes the presentation of FPS gift packs to children which is identical to be uniform and each is made up of a bank savings book, an insurance policy, school books etc and a monthly sum of Rs. 1,000 until the child completes its secondary education.

The inauguration of this laudable FPS was held in February at Matara, where children from Galle, Hambantota and Matara, numbering 225 were the recipients. The tempo for assistance to children in dire need was maintained, when the FPS was launched in March at Batticaloa, where children from Trincomalee and Batticaloa received the said gift packs.

There was now no turning back and the CA relentlessly pursued after its planned programme for relief, when it last Sunday went ahead to initiate its FPS at Kilinochchi, which viewed from more aspects than one, was truly commendable.

Occasions such as this, to the slow paced life at Kilinochchi is rare, a few and far between occurrence. And to the 235 afflicted children from Jaffna, Kilinochchi and yet others receiving the gift packs, it will surely be a memorable moment in their lives.

The solemn opening ceremony which was held in the compound in front of the Kilinochci Central College hall, was most dignified. The crowds that thronged the decorative hall bore testimony to the fact that there was strong support and backing for this noble cause.

Soon after the address of welcome by the Chairman of the sports Council, Kilinochci, M. Pathmanathan, the Rev. Br. Francis, Co-ordinator Jaffna schools cricket, paid a glowing tribute in respect of Thilanga Sumathipala's resilience and painstaking hard work, in the promotion and furtherance of cricket - especially of his deep commitment in alleviating the pain and anguish of victims of the Tsunami disaster. Bro. Francis went on to say that the envisaged plan of Sumathipala to provide an International Stadium, 50 houses, medical facilities and cricket materials here in Kilinochchi, within the context and environment we find ourselves in, is truly praiseworthy.

He concluded by saying that sports and cricket especially, has a knack of bringing people and nations together, the Olympics and the Pakistan - India Cricket encounters recently are fine examples.

The CEO Cricket Aid, Hashan Tillekeratne, made a symbolic gesture of goodwill when he chose to speak in Tamil, where he stressed that the Tsunami had taught us many a lesson without discrimination, be it rich or poor, high or low caste, and that we all should work together as brothers for the greater cause and common good.

The Minister of Sport, Tamil Sports Secretariat, referred to as, Thiru Papa, dwelt on the travails of war experienced by them for the past 20 years and the devastation now brought upon them through Tsunami. He emphasized that they had very good response to their request for assistance from the international community, but it did not materialize for reasons beyond their control.

Papa however was thankful to CA and the football federation for assistance rendered which goes to affirm that sports is the best medium to foster culture of understanding and evoke desirable feelings in people. Such practical expression in addition to giving us joy is evidence that a healthy atmosphere of peace is ensured and not erased.

The Chairman of CA, Thilanga Sumathipala, appeared to be highly pleased, in that the FPS which has gained recognition to be widely accepted, has kept its promises and, as planned is forging ahead. Emotionally stirred, he said that he was happy to be present along with his wife and have also brought along with them their little son, to enable him to have a first hand experience of the suffering of other children.

Here are people he stressed who have watched our cricketers in action at the different venues, over TV and listened to radio, and when the Tsunami disaster struck it came as a shock to many.

Could we, he asked let these people down, and so we, Sumathipala explained are doing our bit through the FPS, refugee camps, the building of houses and envisaged Kilinochchi International stadium and 50 houses in the area. In short what we are trying to do is to help these unfortunate people to help themselves, asserted Sumathipala.

Sumathipala couldn't understand as to why obstacles and barriers should be strewn in the way, when one is trying to do some good.

He posed the question - if Cricket Aid can work together with people of this area, why cant the others, we must the felt have confidence and trust in each other, in order to successfully achieve our goals. He urged that the work of FPS be so sustained to enjoy continuity.

Sumathipala was moved as children walked up to receive their gift packs, with some guardians shedding tears, that were mingled with sadness and joy.

He and his wife gave words of encouragement to a little girl, who performed well as an oriental dancer, and in an attitude of "let not your left hand know what your right hand doeth" gave her a gift of cash.

The former Olympic athlete and Asia Gold Medallist, N. Ethirveerasingham, helped considerably as a translator, while Sujeeva Godaliyadda Cricket Secretary North Central Province was largely responsible for Co-ordinating the event.