Both candidates confident of winning SL Football presidency

• Jaswar estimates 59 votes for his team and Sumathipala bets on 38-40 votes for his team at tomorrow’s election
  
  

Jaswar Umar

Dacshitha Sumathipala

By Althaf Nawaz

Prominent and celebrated football administrator Jaswar Umar is pretty confident that his team will create history by grabbing almost (90%) of votes, while his opponent Dacshitha Sumathipala confidently states he has the support of 38-40 leagues and will create an upset at the Football Sri Lanka (FSL) elections, which will finally get underway tomorrow – 29 September (Friday) at the Sri Lanka Foundation Institute at 3.00 p.m.

After a year-long tussle and legal battles, the much-awaited football elections will take place under the supervision of FIFA and AFC officials. A delegation from both world bodies are already in the island to oversee that free and fair elections are being held without any third-party interference.

Former President Jaswar Umar’s team is strengthened by two heavy weights in the football arena – former President Ranjith Rodrigo and Dr. Manil Fernando. The trio have done their homework with a well-executed plan, visiting all the member leagues around the country.

According to their camp sources they have gained momentum in the run up to the elections.

Speaking to Daily FT, Jaswar stated that his team will get 59 out of the 67 votes, where one voter will be eligible to cast his vote only, unlike the previous scenario where three members were granted permission to vote as per the old constitution which has been replaced.

“We are delighted as a camp to compete in this all-important election in order to restart football in the country. We are thankful to the Sports Minister who made a valiant effort to get the imposed ban relaxed and surged ahead for a free and fair election. With the support of Ranjith Rodrigo and Dr. Manil Fernando who has been a tower of strength in our campaign, we are ready to open up a new chapter in Sri Lanka football.”

“I am happy we united by thrashing out petty differences purely for the betterment of the sport, which was in a spot of bother. We have a very strong team with a clear vision to uplift the standard of the game, which right now is in the doldrums. We have forwarded our vision to the member leagues who will voice their support on Friday to start a new revolution in the world’s most popular game in the Pearl of Indian Ocean,” said Jaswar.

During his short tenure of one-year, Jaswar has conducted many international matches on Sri Lankan soil, including a four-nations tournament and Under-17 South Asian Championship to name a few. These international games in the country have added positive flavour to the game of football before the game was suspended by the world body for political interference.

The election is conducted in accordance with the newly passed constitution of FSL with the acceptance of the Ministry of Sports, a condition strictly laid down by FIFA to lift the suspension. FIFA and AFC are closely watching the local development and if any political or third-party interference takes place, it is evident that Sri Lanka will undergo another suspension which may last for a very long period.

“A faction of the rejected candidates appealed to the Minister under the sports regulation. However, FIFA in a letter has strongly warned that any ministry level interference will amount to serious consequences again. Sports fraternity states that Minister Roshan Ranasinghe must consider the broader picture and work with international bodies in harmony,” he further added.

Ranjith Rodrigo, the former President and one of the key players in Jaswar’s team, said: “We as a team are very confident of winning the election without any hassle. We have a clear vision and have put aside past history. We want to start a new leaf in the game to revamp football and increase our rank at international level. With the support of Dr. Manil, another experienced person, our team is capable of turning tables and bringing in the lost glory of this popular game. I urge my rival camp members who are struggling to have a full-strength camp to join hands with us and share their knowledge in booming the game. 

Dr. Manil, who was Jaswar’s onetime rival candidate, believes unity was the key component which made FIFA relax the ban. “Our success was the unity which FIFA appreciated mostly. We have rejuvenated as a team to give our best for the country. Winning the election is not a big task for us, but we have to work hard to formulate a strategic plan to put things on the right track. With Jaswar and Ranjith, our team is ready to transform the game and to reach great heights.”

The rival camp is likely to compete sans four of their candidates, including their Presidential candidate Dacshitha Sumathipala, who have made appeals seeking redress to gain eligibility to contest. At the time of going to press a final decision was not revealed by the Sports Ministry Appeal Committee.

“We are not worried about the appeal outcome. We as a team will contest and are confident of obtaining the support of 38 to 40 leagues. On the 30th the country will see a new regime which will strive for the betterment of the game in the country,” said Sumathipala.