The new cabinet in Sri Lanka is filled with many fresh faces, representing a significant departure from the traditional cabinets that the people of the country are accustomed to. Chosen by the public amidst a wave of popular support, the people’s trust and hopes for this cabinet are immense.
This situation presents a challenge, but they have successfully overcome it. When the cabinet was sworn in, I was eagerly waiting to see who would be appointed as the Minister of Sports. Sunil Kumar Gamage, a newcomer who had not previously been in the spotlight, took the oath for the position. In addition to the Ministry of Sports, he also holds the concurrent role of Minister of Youth Affairs.
Some had mocked his age without any valid reason. It’s just a short story. Then, I checked the Facebook account of the new sports minister. He appears to be a very ordinary and simple man.
The core message and slogan of the substantial mandate given to the new government emphasised the inclusion of ordinary people in the political landscape, moving away from the elitist politics that had previously dominated. The general public embraced this message with great enthusiasm. As a result, Sunil Kumar Gamage was sworn in as the new Minister of Sports for the country.
However, that is not the main issue
Throughout history, every person appointed as the sports minister in this country receives a special phone call within the first few days of their appointment. This call comes from the governing body of one of the most popular and wealthiest sports organisations in the country.
They extend a very friendly invitation to the new sports minister for dinner, which the minister generally accepts. There is nothing inherently wrong with this.
However, it is during this highly private and secret dinner that a briefcase full of cash is revealed before the minister, along with casual suggestions of additional perks. Millions of dollars are offered, along with luxury cars and high-end apartments in Colombo worth millions.
Many ministers did not reject the proposals. Since then, the minister involved has been either an employee or a friend of the relevant sports governing body. No action has been taken by the Sports Ministry against their businesses. They operate a vital sport for the people of this country as if it were a private enterprise. The ‘investment’ made by the minister, amounting to millions of dollars, is certainly not wasted. This is the situation as it stands.
The will and aspirations of the people regarding national power are fundamentally different. The aim of the public mandate is to transform the existing system, with a primary focus on eradicating corruption and fraud. This is a critical time for the Sports Ministry, especially as discussions have begun on a new Sports Act. The role of the Sports Ministry is vital during this period.
Sunil Kumar Gamage is the new sports minister. I trust that when the time comes, you will receive the same phone call that every newly appointed sports minister has received. On that day, I hope you will invite them to the Sports Ministry for an official meeting, opting for professional conduct over personal meetings, as is fitting for a gentleman.
I believe that whether you spend five years, ten years, or any length of time in the Ministry of Sports, you will leave it as simply and humbly as you entered. Supercars, luxury homes, and briefcases full of money have no value here. When you arrive at the White colour Sports Ministry building on Philip Gunawardena Mawatha, it is my hope that you will depart with the love and respect you truly deserve.
The journey ahead in sports is not easy
You face a continuous struggle, not only for yourself but for players across the country who often lack proper nutrition and contend with corrupt sports boards. Many officials even travel without the necessary visas for the players.
You have the ability to overcome these challenges and create a brighter future for sports in this country.
(Translation of an article written by Ireshan Siriwardana from Sinhala to Facebook.)
