He further said the current sports officials are only interested in appearing before the media and building up their image.

Ranatunge said that officials should not be allowed to use the sport to build up their image, while every opportunity should be given to the players to further their talents.
“We learn a lot from sport and we make many friends. However along the journey we also sometimes make enemies, ” he added.

“Sports, teaches us to face life’s challenges, but we must remember that those who win today may lose tomorrow, and one who loses today may win tomorrow. This is what sports teaches us. Unfortunately, our spectators today do not understand this concept. Even sports fan fail to understand this including those who talk so much about the welfare of the sport do not understand this reality either,” Ranatunge said.

“The latest trend in this country today is to get their images in the media, which is detrimental for the future of sport in the country,” he said.

“When nine players participate in the Olympics, around forty officials join the contingent. However, what should happen is that the number of officials should be reduced in order to give an opportunity to more youngsters with sporting talents the chance to participate,” he added.