I did it my way D S de S

True leaders are visionaries. They do not just exist to play a ceremonial role in an organization nor do they exist to simply provide approval for whatever put in front of them. They too are strong disciplinarians. Irrespective of what has been written in the print media, the Chairman of Sri Lanka Cricket today appears to have the qualities of a true leader with a futuristic vision to improve the game which we all embrace as our national sport.

Approximately, eighteen months ago, when the ex-Sri Lanka cricketer, Somachandra De Silva was appointed to the top position of Sri Lanka Cricket, there were many damning accusations about him being a "puppet" of Sri Lanka government, lack of credentials to hold the top spot in Sri Lanka Cricket etc.

But in reality, what are the essential criteria of being a true leader? A passion for the job you are about to undertake and a vision for the organization that you are about to head, De Silva has both qualities in abundance.

Instead of just writing about these without facts, let's look at them in more detail. When Somachandra De Silva was appointed to the position of Chairman of Cricket back in 2009, he presented his vision for Sri Lanka Cricket, which contained the following key aims he wish to pursue during his tenure:

1. Cricketing Infrastructure - Infrastructure Development to ensure Sri Lanka cricket is not limited to privileged few but to all in the country - therefore ensuring that there will be enough talent pool unearthed in the future

2. Replenishing the talent Pool - To ensure that current national cricketers are looked after - not just the privileged few but the fringe players too.

3. Self-sufficiency in producing "best of class" local coaching staff - To ensure that against the common trend of countries promoting foreign coaches to their national sides, Sri Lanka promote their own coaches to key positions.

4. Recognition in World Stage - To ensure that Sri Lankan national team, becomes world's number 1 team in all three facets of the game, Test Cricket, One Day Format & the T20 format within a period of 3 years.

So, year-and-a-half years later what has become of these visions.

Cricketing Infrastructure

SLC have already initiated a program to provide practice wickets, center matting, cricket equipment and qualified cricket coach for 300 cricket playing schools. This has helped in promoting cricket in rural schools in Sri Lanka. As a result, a further 120 additional schools have introduced cricket, now taking it up to 420 schools playing cricket in the Sri Lanka School Cricket tournament.

The next step in this process as per the vision of the Chairman is to pay a coaching fee of Rs. 5,000 to all rural school coaches. In addition, to compensate with umpires fee to the rural umpires by taking the financial burden off the school principals whom in turn will then be motivated to encourage their respective schools to participate in competitive cricket.

Chairman's vision is not just limited to developing Cricketing infrastructure at the "grass roots" level but development of all other Cricketing facilities throughout the country. Currently, they are in the process of developing two (2) brand new International cricket stadiums - both in Kandy and Hambantota with a capacity of 35,000 with floodlights. In addition, refurbishing R. Premadasa International stadium has already begun.

The proposed developments are already taking place with the development of Walasmulla district school cricket ground, development of St John's school cricket ground in Panadura district and the development of Indoor cricket nets at Badulla (which was recently inaugurated by the President of the country).

Future locations have already been identified with plans currently in motion of a proposed development of turf wicket ground at St Patrick's College Jaffna and a development ground at Ambalangoda where Sri Lanka historically have produced many international cricketers in the past.

Chairman's ultimate goal is to provide every district in Sri Lanka, at least one ground with turf wicket facilities. His vision is that this will lay the foundation to unearth further cricketing talent within Sri Lanka in future.

Replenishing the talent Pool

In the past, Sri Lanka Cricket had only 25 contracted players chosen mainly from the national team as well as the "fringe" players. Today, SLC has provided varying degrees of contracts to an additional 75 players that consists of not just the privileged few but the players with most potential in Sri Lanka.

As a result, these contracted players no longer will have to worry about finding employment for their upkeep or pressurise their parents, and they are now free to concentrate on their cricket. Thus creating an additional talent pool that will benefit Sri Lanka Cricket.

Self-sufficiency in producing "best of class" local coaching staff

Since taking over the top position in Sri Lanka Cricket, Chairman De Silva has taken the lead to develop Sri Lanka's cricketing support system with our own talented individuals. This is recent trend that is followed by all major cricketing nations country to what has been few years back where most (if not all) cricket playing nations introduced foreign coaches and backroom staff.

He has brought in all good coaches into the coaching system within the country. Simply look at the facts. Chandika Haturusinghe was brought in as "shadow" coach of the national side to under study (who unfortunately "threw away" the opportunity).

In addition, all coaches who performed well for respective club sides were recognised and given promotions.

The likes of Romesh Kaluwitarana were appointed as Sri Lanka A team coach: Naveed Nawaz was appointed as Under 19 coach; Upul Chandana was appointed as under 19 fielding coach; Charles Warnakulasuriya was appointed as development squad coach; Roger Wijesooriya was appointed as under 15/17 coach; Anusha Samaranayake was appointed as a specialist fast bowling coach; and Piyal Wijetunge was appointed as a specialist spinner's coach. In addition, chairman was instrumental in bringing the likes of Champika Ramanayake and Ruwan Kalpage from Bangladesh to the Sri Lanka national side as coaching staff.

But not just that, he had the vision to include some of the stalwarts of Sri Lanka Cricket in to key positions related to cricket, therefore benefiting from their wisdom. Take in to account the appointment of Anura Tennakoon as manager of the national team, the appointment of Ranjith Fernando as the manager for Sri Lanka A team. The appointment of a new selection committee that included Aravinda de Silva as Chairman and the likes of Amal Silva, Ranjith Fernando and Shabir Asgarally as selectors.

Recognition in World Stage

Whilst this is Chairman's long-term vision, it is slowly starting to become reality. Look at our recent achievements:

* 3rd in the International test and ODI rankings.

* 4th in the International T20 rankings.

* Recent Asia Cup Runners-up.

* Won the Recent Triangular series that included India and New Zealand.

* Sri Lanka A-Won the 1-day series in Australia.

* Sri Lanka Under 19 team came to the semi-finals in the World Cup.

* Sri Lanka Under 19 team performed well in the recent tour of England.

Considering all these facts, it is a fair assumption to make that SLC Chairman Somachandra De Silva has a vision for Sri Lanka Cricket. It is his vision that is starting to take Sri Lanka as a cricketing nation to the next level.

With him at the helm, one feels that his passion for the game and as a stalwart of Sri Lanka cricket in the past, he has the best interest of Sri Lanka cricketers in his heart. Therefore one is confident that he will be a good custodian of Sri Lanka Cricket and for our national game.

De Silva to Sri Lanka Cricket is synonymous with President Mahinda Rajapaksa as the President of the country. They both have the best interest of nation at heart.