Sri Lanka News Round-up (2 May 1998)

Saturday 02, May 1998

Sri Lanka News

Daily News

'SB' directs cricket board to hire motivator

By Elmo Rodrigopulle

Minister of Samurdhi, Youth Affairs and Sports S. B. Dissanayake, on the advice of Head of Institute of Sports Medicine Consultant Neurologist Dr. Githanjan Mendis has directed Cricket Board President Thilanga Sumathipala to hire from abroad a sports psychologist as a motivator to the National cricket team.

Even Sri Lanka cricket captain Arjuna Ranatunga has said lack of concentration of certain batsmen during South African tour was a setback.

It is mandatory that there is a motivator to help cricketers to improve their confidence, concentration, targeting and mental well-being.

The minister has said that it is better to employ a motivator/psychologist from Australia so that Australian Cricket Coach Bruce Yardley and physiotherapist Alex Kountouri can work together as a team.

The services of a motivator will definitely improve sustainability at the wicket and concentration, the Minister has said.

Minister S. B. Dissanayake is very keen that this should be given urgent priority and in consultation with the Australian coach and physiotherapist to hire a psychologist immediately.

Dushantha Amaraweera invited to play for North Middlesex

Dushantha Amaraweera who had the distinction of leading D.S. Senanayake College for an unbeaten school cricket season this year left the island recently for England on a six months stint with North Middlesex cricket club on an invitation.

Dushantha had a successful season both with the bat and the ball collecting over 800 runs and 40 wickets at the recently concluded school cricket season. He has also shown his prowess as an outstanding fielder at any position which enabled his team to restrict any opposing team to moderate scores.

A right hand leg spinner and left hand batsman, Dushantha was adjudged the best batsman at the annual DSS/Bens encounter and was the best bowler at the limited over match.

He also led his school to share the joint championship with St. Sebastian's College, Moratuwa at the Astra Trophy tournament last year and was in the under 19 cricket pool to tour South Africa last year.

On his return to the island, Dushantha will continue to don his pads for Bloomfield Cricket & Athletics Club where he is a member now.

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