Fund management system a must

Asantha de Mel, the daring Chairman of Cricket Selectors who is big news these days with his fearless approach to selections, bowled in a wonderful idea when he suggested that a separate fund management system be introduced to control the huge finances that accrues to Sri Lanka Cricket, Sports Editor Dinesh Weerawansa outlined this system in detail in the article headlined - Sri Lanka Cricket needs better fund management system, in yesterday's 'Daily News'.

With Sri Lanka winning the World Cup in 1995/'96, big money began to flow into the game, and allegations were being made that the money lured those more interested in the money, than the game, fighting to hold office in SLC.

De Mel mentioned this system in a healthy talk show on the game along with 'Captain Cool' Arujuna Ranatunga and former stylish opening batsman Sidat Wettimuny on Sirasa on Friday night.

The Government of President Mahinda Rajapaksa who is giving top priority to sport, will be appreciated and applauded if they introduce the necessary legislation and make De Mel's suggestion a reality.

When this legislation becomes law, personalities squeaky clean could be asked to serve in this high powered committee and see that the finances are scrupulously managed leaving no room for suspicion or for ugly questions to be asked and wild allegations to be made.

Soon elections to this rich sports body would be held. The parties keen to take charge of the game are already on the field offering tempting incentives to the voters in an endeavour to win the vote and the election.

Next year will also be held the World Cup in the Caribbean. Winning this should be the top most priority of those taking charge. Those with voting rights must think deep and see that a team capable of resurrecting the game that has slid alarmingly in recent times, are elected.

At the moment the game is the thing.

Poised for victory

At the time of writing which is end of the third day's in the Third and Final Test between Sri Lanka and England, the Lankan lions are sitting pretty baring their teeth to devour the Englishmen.

They are set to provide England with a formidable target to chase for victory, and if they keep in mind the axiom that catches win matches and grab the shots hit in the air by their opponents and support Muralitharan and Vaas, then when the final ball is bowled, the Lankans could proudly hold their heads high.

A victory would be sweet because it would also mean that it was achieved against the Ashes winning Englishmen.

World Cup soccer

The long awaited World Cup soccer final's conducted by FIFA would be kicked off on Friday. For one month everything would come to a standstill, what with the game's fans going crazy, cheering and wishing that their team wins the richest prize that this game has to offer.

When the final whistle is blown it would be that the best team out of the 32 contesting that has won the prestigious trophy.

Heavy wagering would also be on and with some of the games likely to see nail biting and heart stopping finishes, it would not come as a surprise if those weak of heart breathe their last.

Brazil with their football magicians are tipped to retain the trophy. But it won't be easy.