Manilal - You have done Sri Lanka proud

SQN. LDR. J. T. Rex Fernando S.L.A.F. (Retd.)

The election of Manilal Fernando as a member of the FIFA Executive Committee is indeed a singular honour for Sri Lanka and football fraternity of this country. Manilal having held various prestigious positions in the Asian Football Confederation, presently he is a Vice President of the Confederation.

Recognition

To be elected to this prestigious position from representatives of nearly fifty countries is a rare achievement. The election unmistakably indicates the high esteem in which Manilal is held by all the member countries of the Confederation and FIFA.

Manilal Fernando who was the first Sri Lankan to be elected an Executive Committee Member of the World governing body Football FIFA arrived in the island on Saturday. Picture shows Chief Executive Officer Holcim Lanka, Stephan Huber greeting a delighted Fernando at the airport on arrival. Picture by Kumarasiri Prasad

Earlier selected to serve on the Legal Committee of the World body for Football, FIFA and as a Vice President of the Asian Confederation he did the country proud, making a significant contribution while serving as a committee member.

His administrative capabilities, indepth knowledge of the game, admirably supplemented by his sharp and astute legal mind, impressed the officials of FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation.

His commitment and dedication to the game as well as his leadership and administrative capabilities were adequately appreciated.

While the Asian and World football controlling bodies have recognized and appreciated and commended his contribution to the cause of promotion and improvement of Football, regrettably many Sri Lankans seem to ignore his significant contribution to the promotion and upliftment of the standard of this popular local sport.

Achievements

It is indeed sad that Manilal significant achievements and noteworthy contributions to Sri Lanka football have not be adequately appreciated and recognized even by the Government.

Criticism

In recent time there has been no national sport which has come for adverse and sinister criticism, than football.

Despite conspicuous changes for the better, criticism has persisted. Criticism is easy but well intended and constructive criticism regrettably is rare.

A pertinent question that should be posed to the critics who persist in their criticism unabated is who is entitled to criticize? In this context the saying of Beham is very appropriate “Critics like eunuchs in a harem, they know how it is done, they have seen it done every day, but they are unable to do it themselves, so they envy those who can do it.

Parlous State

When Manilal assumed duties of the FFSL in 1979 as the youngest President, many were apprehensive, whether he will be able to make a meaningful and noteworthy contribution. At the time Manilal assumed duties the standard of soccer was not even comparable with the Asian standards. Further there was no proper management of the affairs of the federation, and total absence of accountability ad transparency.

Noteworthy contributions

Over the years under Manilal guidance and direction there has been a significant transformation of the game for the better. The radical changes in the infrastructure, administration have contributed immensely for the enhancement of the standard of football.

On this momentous occasion of Manilals prestigious appointment to the world body it is relevant to evaluate Manilals contribution to Sri Lanka football.

The following are some of the significant achievements.

(a) Initially finding a suitable premises for the Federation in Sports Complex at Reid Avenue and the construction of the Football House with a fabulous grant from FIFA, obtaining the spontaneous assistance from FIFA boss Sepp Blatter and AFC boss Mohamed Bin Hammam. Th’s was a realization of a cherished dream.

(b) Providing for infrastructure Development.

(c) Providing for accommodation for players under training and those from outstations when in Colombo.

(d) Arranging for well planned and systematic programmers of training for players and officials with a degree of Professionalism.

(e) Obtaining the services of a reputed and competent trainers.

(f) Making available and adequate supply of sports gear and training equipment and training of the players and officials with all training facilities provided.

(g) Enhanced grants to outstation clubs, schools and association to improve the standards in the provinces.

(h) Reimbursement of travelling and out of pocket expenses of players.

(i) Providing meaningful welfare facilities for the players. As well as initiating Rehabilitation Programmes.

(j) Helping footballers’ of yesteryear and meaningful recognition of their contributions Providing financial assistance to those afflicted by ill health and Experiencing financial Difficulties. Every often he spends his own money to provide relief to the unfortunate persons.

(k) Securing employment for that football players without employment and arranging for career guidance.

(i) In initiating the Baddegana Sports Complex.

(m) Improving the Vernon Fernando soccer grounds and constructing a modern pavilion at Kalutara with his own finances.

(n) Rigidly ensuing that the principles of accountability and transparency are maintained in the conduct of the affairs of the Federation.

(o) Ensuring discipline among the players and officials.

The Resounding success

The success of Manilal in the various executive and prestigious positions can be attributed essentially to hi enviable personal qualities and his remarkable love for football and his dedication.

Since Manilal took over the onerous duties he has worked tirelessly. It is difficult to understand how as the chairman of a leading corporate business enterprise he can find the time to devote to the multi ferous duties. Manilals success can also be attributed to his exemplary leadership qualities.

The hall-mark of his make up is his patent simplicity, humility and modesty and accessibility. Manilal has earned an enviable reputation as an efficient, dedicated and honest spots administrator. His integrity is beyond question and he has adhered strictly to a code of professional rectitude.

His name has become synonymous with fair play and integrity. Manilals success is of great significance, Considering the fact that his leadership is what enthused the officials and make them rally round him. The inspiration and motivation he has provided has helped Sri Lanka football immensely.

With Manilal’s appointment to the prestigious positions in the World and Asian football controlling Bodies, Sri Lankan can be expected to reach greater enviable heights in soccer in the future.

Manilal you have done Sri Lanka proud! We are proud of you.