Triumphant Sri Lanka Davis Cup team felicitated

Richard DWIGHT

It was a gesture of honour to whom honour is due, praise to whom praise is due, when on Wednesday evening at the SLTA the Tennis Interim Committee led by its Chairman, Janaka Bogollagama felicitated the Sri Lanka Davis Cup team on its splendid performance at the recently concluded Asia/Oceania Group 3 tennis tie in Syria.

The purposeful thrust made by the team comprising Harshana Godamanna, Rajeev Rajapakse, Asankha Atukorala and Guanga Weerasekera with non-playing captain and Manager Asiri Idamalgoda - proved all the more decisive, in that the Sri Lanka team did well to secure the much needed promotion to Group 2.

This was indeed a praiseworthy effort, for the reason that such elevation had eluded Sri Lanka for nearly a decade, where it had to languish in group 3. Quite naturally there was then a representative gathering present on the occasion, amongst whom was the additional Secretary Ministry of Sports H.M.D.C. Herath, Director General Department of Sports Development B.D. Dahanayake past presidents of the SLTA, well-wishers and friends.

The Secretary of the Interim Committee, Maxwell de Silva, apart from giving a brief narrative of tennis as it prevailed in the past here, also made it known that much had to be done behind the scenes, to overcome practical difficulties before the team left for Syria. De Silva firmly believed that the game of tennis rather than being guided by an interim committee, be governed by a democratically elected executive committee for the good of sport in general.

Bogollagama was of the view, that the tradition to felicitate those who do well has maintained. He said that having known Godamanna from his formative years, was very much aware of his prowess and, that he has lived upto his reputation by dominating group B by winning all his matches - this he felt has been done at much sacrifice on the part of Godamanna.

Bogollagama also stressed the valiant contribution made by Rajeev Rajapakse, who does make a formidable duo with Godamanna and felt that the comparatively young Asankha Atukorala and Guanga Weerasekera would have benefitted much by the exposure.

Bogollagama too felt that a democratic form should take precedence over an interim committee and until that happens felt that they aught to do their best to ensure that the players stay focused to sustain the momentum achieved in Group 2. He concluded by commending Asiri Idamalgoda for his leadership through motivating and encouraging the players to give of their best.

The Additional Secretary Ministry of Sports, Herath lauded the efforts of Asiri and the players and was delighted over the victories gained which spoke much for the talent available.

He said that he was aware of the hard work put in by Bogollagama and his committee and assured them of his support. Herath ended by saying that they are making moves to have elections and a date will be fixed.

The final result of the Davis Cup tie in Syria, was that Sri Lanka emerged second out of eight participating nations/regions this year behind first place winner Pacific Oceania. By virtue of this both Pacific Oceania and Sri Lanka have deservedly been promoted to Group 2 of the Asia - Oceania Zone.

In recognition and appreciation of the fine achievement of the members of the Sri Lanka Davis Cup team they were presented with cash awards by the Chairman of the Interim Committee Janaka Bogollagama and the Director General Department of Sports Development, B.D. Dahanayake.