Sri Lanka: "Cricket has taken us to the top of the world" (2 Aug 1998)

2 August 1998

Cricket has taken us to the top of the world

By Kandy South Group Correspondent

LACK of facilities should not be a draw back but correct application and dedication coupled with determination should take any sportsman to success in any sports, said the Minister of Sports S. B. Dissanayake.

He was speaking at the awards ceremony at the concluding of the 'Big Match' between Diyatillake Central College and Ganga Palatha MV played at Hanguranketha which the former won by nine wickets.

Our cricketers, through sheer dint of hard work and perseverance, have reached the top by becoming world cricket champions and this is the pinnacle of success and they will certainly win the next World Cup too, said Mr. Dissanayake.

Mr. Dissanayake also said that our cricketers are drawing princely salaries with skipper Arjuna Ranatunga who was paid a salary of Rs. 35,000 is now paid Rs. 275,000. Likewise Aravinda de Silva Rs. 250,000 and Sanath Jayasuriya Rs. 230,000. This is in addition to their other incomes. The Cricket Board has been able to pay such big salaries through income obtained through the sale of television rights, one of which brought in an income of Rs. 900 lakhs.

Mr. Dissanayake also said that our cricketers richly deserve all this as they have put our small country on top of the world of cricket. It is not only in cricket but also in other sports like soccer, netball, hockey and athletics, we could reach the top as we have people of assorted stature who can fit into any sport, as demanded by a particular sport. Our netballers especially have all the material to become world champions with proper exposure and guidance, the minister said.

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