[VIDEO] Sanath Jayasuriya - Political speech

[PICS] Jayasuriya election Rally in Matara

Sri Lanka’s master blaster, cricketer Sanath Jayasuriya is seen here greeting his political supporters in Matara today. Jayasuriya recently announced he was going to contest the upcoming General Elections from the Matara district for the UPFA. 

Pic by Krishan Jayaruk (Daily Mirror)

Sanath Jayasuriya’s ‘Devani Meheyuma’ - The 2nd Innings

Will Sanath Jayasuriya become the first MP to play cricket for Sri Lanka, that too in a Cricket World Cup? Here he is seen addressing a political rally last month in support of President Mahinda Rajapaksa. (Files)

"I don’t’ have a soft, soothing voice. My voice is rough. I don’t look handsome. I think I’m ugly. I’m not a tall chap but a very diminutive man. Therefore why shouldn’t I be happy about what I’ve achieved in this field?"

- Sunil Perera, local pop music icon and founder of the pop band ‘Gypsies’

Sanath Jayasuriya became ‘Sanath Jayasuriya’ through a lifelong journey across the unknown. A rollercoaster ride of a ‘simple man’ from Matara in the eyes of the most erudite, Jayauriya had to fashion his own destiny through sheer passion, grit and vigour. Luck, though, must have played a great role, as many would argue, in shaping his fascinating life story.

Now, one can imagine Sanath Jayasuriya, dressed in a national costume, walking into parliament next April. It was only last Tuesday (Feb. 16), that he confirmed that he will be contesting from Matara for the April 8 Parliamentary Elections. Critics believe he will win a parliamentary seat. Then will he instead wear western attire unlike his predecessor in politics, Arjuna Ranatunga? And there is yet another interesting thing to look forward to. Will he become the first MP to play cricket for Sri Lanka, that too in a Cricket World Cup? (One is coming up here in Asia soon.) As the political front predicts his definite entry into the legislature, cricket soothsayers say he will make a grand comeback into the Lankan team as well!

Daring dreams

Who had ever thought that this dark and chunky ‘pol adi’ hitter by the Matara beaches would one day become a trend-setter in the art of cricket batting in the world? Who had in his/her wildest dreams could have predicted in the mid 1980s – when only Colombo-based players held sway in local cricket — that this ordinary man from a far off southern town could become Sri Lanka’s most successful cricket captain? Who thought this bashful, inert and soft-spoken youngster would one day become a celebrity in the entire sub-continent.

His story, the ‘Sana’ saga, doesn’t stop there. Last year he became Sri Lanka’s longest serving international cricketer of the post-Test era. His continued stay in the cricket field later on was frowned upon by many a critic, and at the same time, loved probably by a majority of the ordinary folk, his long time fans.

It was noteworthy that Jayasuriya’s last four, five years in cricket fell parallel to an extremely prospective era for the Southerners in Sri Lanka, simply due to the emergence of the giant figure of Mahinda Rajapaksa. President Rajapaksa, who probably chronicles the grandest adventure of local politics of our times, is one who emerged from the deep South Medamulana to ‘invade’ prestigious Temple Trees, defying age old political traditions.

The affable ‘Sana’ has begun his ‘Deveni Meheyuma’ (Second Operation). Jayasuriya, by his entry into politics will probably turn a new leaf in life. Or else, he will give his support to his beloved state leader by collecting a mega number of votes for the President’s party from his electorate.

On the other hand, in this country where someone like Anarkali Akarsha polled in grand numbers to enter the Southern Provincial Council only recently, what’s the point in asking for any political background, useful knowledge and experience before taking to politics? In Asia (maybe even in the US), politics is a forum for tears, blood, bullets, worship and religion and both masters and the amateur stay alive with equal prospects; star and the flop, both…in Sri Lanka, how can it differ?


(Source)

Sanath Jayasuriya to contest election from Matara

Sri Lanka’s master blaster Sanath Jayasuriya is to contest to the upcoming General Elections under the UPFA ticket from the Matara district. Speaking to Daily Mirror online UPFA sources said that he will hand over his application papers to contest the polls soon.

Meanwhile Sri Lanka Cricket sources said that Jayasuriya will need clearance from the Sri Lankan Cricket Board in order to contest while playing cricket.

When contacted by Daily Mirror online Jayasuriya confirmed that he has been invited by the UPFA to contest the polls but did not wish to comment further as he is still a contracted cricketer.

Sanath Jayasuriya endorses President Mahinda Rajapaksa [VIDEO]

Renowned Cricketer Sanath Jayasuriya yesterday said that it was an obligation of the people of Ambalangoda as well as of the entire country to cast their votes on January 26 for President Mahinda Rajapaksa who created a peaceful and fearless environment for people to travel around and live in safely.

He made this observation at a rally held in Ambalanagoda appearing in a political stage for the first time.

Jayasuriya addressing the rally said it was a moment of pleasure to address the people in Ambalangoda in a political stage for the first time.

Commending the President’s brave measure to eliminate LTTE terrorism from the country, Jayasuriya stated that he travelled from Matara to Colombo and back in fear for life before the LTTE was eradicated from the country.

He also stated that President brought relief to the nation and now any cricket team in the world was willing to come to Sri Lanka to play. The time is ripe for the tourism industry as well.

(Source)