Maj. Gen. Palitha Fernando, new athletic chief

AASL ELECTIONS: Major General Palitha Fernando accounted for one of the biggest victories in the local track and field history when he knocked out incumbent President Dervin Perera at the annual general meeting of the Athletic Association of Sri Lanka (AASL) held at Torrington headquarters yesterday.

Fernando, who has been a Vice President for many years, polled a massive 84 votes while Perera managed only 25 votes.

It was a big set back for Sports Ministry’s Deputy Director of Sports Perera who was badly rejected by the majority of member clubs and association.

Major General Fernando, the Military Liaison Officer who has done a commendable job to promote athletics at Sri Lanka Army and amongst Defence Services, had the backing of clubs and associations all over the country as he came to the top seat with a landslide victory.

Veteran sports administrator and former NOC Secretary General, Prema Pinnawale retained his post as Secretary. He was uncontested.

There was a keen contest for six Vice President posts.

Former AASL President and ex Director General of Education (Sports) at the Ministry of Education, Sunil Jayaweera polled the highest number of votes. He secured 103 out of 110 eligible votes. Jayaweera was way ahead of his closest rival P.H.D. Waidyatillake, Sri Lanka’s only International Technical Officer (ITO), who obtained 62 votes.

Among the others who finished within the top six to secure Vice President posts were Brig. Parry Liyanage, H.W. Wimalasiri, C.M. Devendran and the Sports Minister of Southern Province V.K. Indika. The biggest disappointment was N.A.T. Jayasinghe, incumbent Vice President who failed to retain his place.

Palitha Jayalath failed to retain his Assistant Secretary post by a mere single vote, in going down to Yasarohana de Silva. S.Silva was elected Treasurer and G.G.U. Saman Kumara as Hony. Recorder. Both of them were uncontested. H.A. Upali was elected Assistant Treasurer. (D.W.)