Sports Minister’s gift of assurance to Otters

Richard Dwight

Minister of Sports, Gamini Lokuge, having been made aware that the Otter Aquatic Club is experiencing a problem, which does seem to stand between those in authority and the club - lost no time in his characteristic amiable ways, to assure that this contentious issue will be sorted out in a very positive manner.

He said this, to allay the fears of club officials and the membership at a largely attended ‘launch of celebrations’ of the club’s 75th anniversary, at the Otters last Friday.

The minister’s assurance, that this vexed matter, would be resolved happily through mutual discussions amongst the relevant parties concerned - came in for much acclaim and spontaneous applause, and was regarded as a gift to the club, on reaching a significant milestone in its history.

Lokuge addressing the gathering, said that he recognised and appreciated the efforts taken by the club, to initially foster water sports as it came to be in 1933 and, there after in succeeding years to promote other sports as well, with attendant facilities.

He did not lose sight of the fact, that the club with its congenial atmosphere and pleasant surroundings provide an ideal setting for leisure, where the citizenry of this land are able to relax and unwind amidst so much of stress and strain around.

Earlier on, Minister Gamini Lokuge, amidst an air of festive gaiety was received on arrival by the president of the club, Sisil de Silva, and members of the executive committee, who, along with the Minister of Lands and Land Development, Jeevan Kumaratunga and yet other distinguished guest were led by the Kandyan dancers to light the traditional oil lamp.

Also present on the occasion was MP Shafeek Rajabdeen and the Governor of Sabaragamuwa, Dixon Jayantha Bandara.

The Vice President of the club, Vinod Lalvani, in his welcome address briefly dwelt on the history of the club, to add that through the years, it has produced both national and international sportsmen women and, will continue to do so in the future as well, with the provision of upto date modern facilities.

Lalvani struck a note of scepticism, when he referred to an uncertain future, due to a long drawn out problem in relation to the lease of the land, which is under dispute with the authorities due to no fault whatsoever of the club and, did wonder whether they would have a club at all. Lalvani was confident that, Minister Lokuge, the true sportsman that he is, will use his good offices to settle this discouraging issue amicably.

This was followed by the cutting of the 75th anniversary cake by the president of the club, Sisil, which led to the Gypsies performing live, that turned out to be a memorable evening for all present.