(InternationalAthleticsmedallistandOlympian)

There is a huge decline in Sports overall in Sri Lanka. At one stage, we were on top in Sports such as Billiards, Athletics, Cricket, Carrom and Rugby, which have taken a back seat in the recent past. I think the main reason for this setback is because there is no discipline among sportsmen and sportswomen competing today. I see no objective or purpose in their participation in Sports. The Athletes have no sense of commitment in their training sessions. It is very difficult to get them to the grounds at the proper time. They are also disobedient. I think, this is because they have not set a goal or have a dream to achieve in their careers.

We made huge sacrifices and commitments during training to reach our targets. Of course, we received plenty of encouragement from our parents and support from the government. Today, most parents are keen to see their children play Cricket for their school. This is because the parents believe their children will be well off after playing Cricket for the school. Some parents are determined to see their children get the best education, instead of participating in Sports. In addition, some parents are only keen to see their children reach the highest level at school and obtain school colours for University admission.

Today’s Athletes do not have a role model. For example, myself, Sugath Thilakaratne, Damayanthi Darsha, Susanthika Jayasinghe and yours truly were top Athletes some time back, but now, we are all in the same boat. All of us gave priority to Athletics, while even neglecting our Education. We won medals from at the South Asian Games, right up to the Olympic Games. But now, we are totally disappointed, considering the situation we are now faced with. I remember, former Minister of Sports S.B. Dissanayake provided us with all the facilities for our training, and initiated Olympic Pools for the National Athletes. As a result, the sport also developed to a great extent. But, considering the current situation, can we identify Athletes such as Darsha, Thillakaratne, Susanthika and myself as role models? This is common in every Sport in Sri Lanka. For example, Weightlifters Chinthana Vidanage and Sudesh Peiris are no more in the limelight, despite their heroics for the country. In this background, parents think their children will not have a good future participating in Sports. This is the main reason for the decline in Sports in Sri Lanka.

I won medals from National School Games up to International events, but today, my basic salary is Rs 16,000. This is the situation in every other Sport in this country, except for Cricket. The only consolation we have today is that, we are invited to school interhouse meets as the chief guest. We attend these events at our own cost, to distribute certificates to the students. What is the example these students can gain from us? I will never ask a student to win a medal at an Olympic Game. I'm sure they will also fall end up in the same boat like us. This situation is created only in Sri Lanka. So, I will not encourage my daughter to take up Sports at school. I do not want to see my daughter going through the same fate that I am now faced with. I always give priority to her education. It is with deep regret and sadness that I am compelled to do this as a former international medal winner.

Sabaragamuwa and Sri Jayawardenapura Universities have commenced a Sports Degree. But sadly, those who have graduated with this Degree are presently employed at completely different duties. Those without the education qualifications to obtain this Sports Degree, could follow it by attending a 2-year course at the Open University, which I followed to obtain this Sports Degree. I requested 'Duty Leave' from the Education Ministry to follow this Sports Degree. The ministry refused and submitted the matter to the Cabinet which, in turn, rejected it. I was asked to apply for 'No-Pay Leave'. This is how the government treats me, after having sacrificed my entire youth for Athletics, and done so much to bring honour and fame to the country. I was forced to give up any hope of obtaining the Sports Degree. My question is, Will any young sportsman or sportswoman take up a career having considered my sad situation?" The authorities should be held responsible for the decline of Sports in this country.