I read in December 23, 2001 of week-end newspaper that the De Soysa Stadium is to be re-named as Tyronne Fernando Stadium on a proposal made by a Municipal Councillor of the Moratuwa Municipal Council who crossed over to the UNP a few days ago with the help of the Mayor of Moratuwa who has pledged his support too to the UNP. It is obvious that these two have acted in this manner to get into the good books of Tyronne Fernando for their own benefit. This is prostitution of human ethics.

Whatever the case may be, Tyronne Fernando would have been responsible for upgrading the Stadium as an international venue for cricket matches, when he held the post of President of the Board of Control of Cricket in Sri Lanka. That was part of his responsibilities as the then President of the BCCSL and expenses were met by the Cricket Board and not by him. With so much work still to be done within the Municipal Limits of Moratuwa, these Councillors waste their valuable time on this type of uncalled for matters, but for their personal benefit. Is this the new political culture they talk about?

How about the great philanthropist, late C. H. De Soysa who donated this land for a play ground, which is worth millions today. Even at the time of donation of this land it was proportionately valuable and there would have been no Stadium today if the great philanthropist had not donated this land.

Taking these facts into consideration it is very appropriate to re-name this Stadium, not as just De Soysa Stadium, but as C. H. De Soysa Stadium.

Over to you, Mr. Minister of Sports.
A citizen of Moratuwa