Fernando back in the Saddle – Pinnewala uncontested as Secretary

By www.ceylonathletics.com | May 30, 2017 | English, Latest News, Top Stories

Former President Maj. Gen Palitha Fernando scored a convincing win over Sugath Thilakarathne 79-32 to win the election for the presidency of the Athletics Association (AASL), while Prema Pinnewala was uncontested as Secretary, at the AGM 2017 held at Torrington yesterday.

Fernando, who had held the President’s post for many years prior to this election, sealed it for another term, this time for four years.“Very happy about the return: There are many challenges ahead. We have to start immediately as the National trials are on 1 and 2 June and then have to select a team for the Asian Athletics Championship and train them.” said Fernando after his victory.

Pinnawela has been in the Athletics Association on and off for 12 years since 1998, with one term as Vice President and several as Secretary. He assured that AASL will look to initiate better coordination between coaches and the Association, especially involving war affected Northern and Eastern Provinces.

“There’s a gap between coaches and the Association. We are looking to close that gap and get coaches’ and District Associations more involved with the National Body and get their input when initiating future plans for SL athletics,” said Pinnewala. As he described, the District Associations are important, specially helping SL to produce novice athletes who will take up the position of National athletes with time.

School Association

AASL election turned into a little bit of a tense situation with the School Athletics Association not being allowed to vote following a regulation from the Sports Ministry, and the representatives were asked to leave the premises. Nevertheless, Pinnewala assured that they won’t be left behind by the AASL.

“We need schools going forward. That’s the place where talented athletes are coming through. Without schools we have no future in athletics. I want to reassure that the Schools Association will not be left behind under any circumstance in future,” said Pinnewala.

There were 7 Vice Presidents elected, with veterans in the field like Lal Chandrakumara, GLS Perera and former long jump SL record holder Nayanthi Chandrasena being elected. Veteran technical man Shantha Silva was uncontested for the post of Treasurer, while Saman Kumara Gunawardana who held the post for 23 years as the recorder was once again uncontested for that post.

President

Maj. Gen Palitha Fernando (79) beat Sugath Thilakarathne (32)

Secretary

Prema Pinnewala (Uncontested)

Vice Presidents (7)

Lal Chandrakumara 68

GLS Perera 67

S.W. Nimalsiri 66

Anil Weerasinghe 61

AHM Akmal 53

Nayanthi Chandrasena 44

Irangani Rupasinghe 39