Former national champions form one congregation
National Champions of Sri Lanka Athletic (NCSLA) is an entity yet to unleash its resolute with the sole motive being the wellbeing of former national athletic champions. But according to Gregory de Silva, the former national champion in long jump and triple jump, the NCSLA can become a deciding cog in the wheels of Sri Lanka athletics.
De Silva is the founder General Secretary of the yet-to-reveal faction while the legendary S.L.B. Rosa will take the reigns as its founder president. The constitution, according to De Silva, is in the process of being drafted but the ten basic clauses or the Ten Commandments of NCSLA are already inked.
“It’s the present status of athletics in Sri Lanka that prompted us, former champions of track and field events in Sri Lanka, to get together, form an association or something of that nature, to mainly see to the benefit of former winners at national level, and those who represented the country at global events. It would be nice to see our former stars together, in camaraderie, may be felicitate one or two for their services to athletics and the country and also to give the due recognition to those who really deserve it. That’s the basic idea of forming this group,” stated De Silva.
The NCSLA was to make its first public appearance in public last week but due to unavoidable circumstances the meeting was withheld. To date 15 former champions ranging from the eras of the 1950s to the 1980s are in it and membership will be open for former athletes who had placed first at any track and field event and represented Sri Lanka internationally at top level. Those who were placed second or third could apply for membership as associate members according to De Silva.
“We met the top sports administrators of the country and got their blessings. We already had a few rounds of discussions and came up with a basic ten-clause constitution. But it is clear that the constitution is to be expanded at our inaugural annual general meeting, which could be the beginning of a long and fruitful journey ahead for Sri Lanka athletics,” he added.
De Silva’s comments hint of another breakthrough formation of top experts debuting as a group not with just the idea of looking into the benefit of former national athletes. It indicates that they are a frustrated bunch of former athletic lovers, dejected with the administrative system for decades, tired of keeping silence and are keen in the benefit and development of the future generation of athletes in the country.