SL_BOARD_PRES_18MAR1996

Punchihewa Must Be Allowed Another Team

By Elmo Rodrigopulle

Cricket Board president Ana Punchihewa has taken the game of cricket in Sri Lanka to a new world. It is now enjoying a status that it never before enjoyed.

Taking all this into consideration should Punchihewa be contested for the post of president when the AGM of the Cricket Board is held soon.

From the time Punchihewa took over as President, he has been doing things beneficial for the game. He was well supported by a good team of office bearers who put their shoulder to the wheel as it were and there is no doubt that the game is on the up and up.

The Cricket Board boss has promised to make Sri Lanka the best test playing county by the year 2000. To achieve this he has mapped out several programmes and streamlined the game and if the good work is continued, the dream of being the best test playing nation will be a reality.

During his short tenure as president Punchihewa has the following achievements to his credit.

Sri Lanka won its first ever Test abroad when they beat New Zealand in New Zealand and also won the first-ever Test series abroad.

Sri Lanka beat Pakistan in a Test series in Pakistan and also won the one-day series. This was followed by the success in Sharjah when Sri Lanka won the Sharjah Cup defeating the mighty West Indies in the final.

Played up to expectations in Australia and for the first time entered the Benson and Hedges World Series finals and were unfortunate to be robbed of victory.

Punchihewa also obtained the first professional cricket manager from Australia Dav Whatmore. Worked hard to clear Muttiah Muralitheran of the `chucking` charges. Has seen to it that the players are physically fit.

He motivated the cricketers by offering them big financial incentives. Has drawn up a five-year plan for the administration. He has also seen to the welfare of the clubs and associations.

As for the infrastructure he did a lot at the R. Premadasa International Stadium, improved the Asgiriya Stadium. Saw to the improvement of the Galle cricket stadium which is now able to conduct a test match.

Punchihewa also helped the outstations by providing them with turf practice wickets. Provided covers for all turf wicket clubs. He worked hard and developed the board headquarters constructing new boxes for vips.

He provided Rs. 79 thousand for each division one club. Made payment to all clubs playing in the under-24, division I and limited over division II clubs.

Punchihewa also provided Rs. 50 thousand per club and imported gear to be given to the clubs at cost.

Provided employment for talented outstation cricketers.

Allowed districts to organise international matches and collect money to improve their infrastructure.

He was also involved in the organising of the peace match between combined teams of Pakistan and India versus Sri Lanka.

However one of his greatest achievement is the organising of the Cricket Fund which sees money pouring in from all Sri Lankans domiciled abroad.

Malsiri Perera a vice president of the Nondescript Cricket Club said that Punchihewa should be allowed to continue till year 2000 so as to see to his dream of making Sri Lanka the best test playing nation come true.

Source:: Daily News (https://www.lanka.net)