Herath a man with a vision

Bernard PERERA

PERSONALITIES: The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has organised many sports events to mark the first anniversary of President Mahinda Rajapaksa's Presidency.

To make these events successful Bandara Herath, Director General National Youth Services Council plays a vital role along with a strong and efficient team. Herath a sportsman from his schools days at Royal College, 1981 participating in Boxing at Inter-House level.

He won the national championship when he was still a student and came to lime light and also led the Royal College boxing team.

In 1990 he was adjudged as most scientific Boxer at the schools Boxing championships. He was also a member of 1991 SAF boxing pool.Presently he is engaged in sports activities through the National Youth Services Council for which Herath was appointed by the present Minister of Sports.

At present he serves the NYSC as its Director General in addition to being a vice president of the Sri Lanka Volleyball Federation.

Herath is highly engaged in promoting and activating Mahinda Chinthana Programmes connected mainly with sports activities.Under vigilant eyes many other sporting events too will come out on show in connection with the celebrations to mark the first anniversary of the President Mahinda Rajapaksa.

According to Herath Kreeda Shakthi programme which was a concept introduced by him has helped many sportsmen and women in rural areas. It also has helped these rural stars to become national stars in a very short period.

Herath says that his intervention in finding sponsors for sporting activities has helped the sports reach a higher level.

Herath says in organising these activities he receives great support from the Minister Kumaranatunga. Ministry Secretary Siripala Virithamulla and President of the Cycling Federation of Sri Lanka K. P. P. Pathirana.

According to Herath the Sports Minister on the instructions of the President has organised different sports Training programmes to coincide with the celebrations in the Hambantota District. Some of these programmes were already completed at Debarawewa, Tangalle and Weerawila areas. These are conducted under the Tharuna Shakthi concept.