Tue, 19 Mar 2024 Today's Paper

Not yet decided on contesting: Dilshan

7 December 2018 05:47 am - 41     - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

A A A

Former Sri Lanka Cricket Captain Tillakaratne Dilshan yesterday said he has not yet made a decision to contest any election though he obtained the membership of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP).

Speaking at a news conference under the banner ‘Voice for Justice’, the former skipper explained that the programme was a social welfare programme which helps thousands of poor and homeless people and that was what he was happy to be doing at the moment.

“I have not yet made a decision to contest an election because I’m so busy with this programme which is a real need at the moment. I did obtain the SLPP membership but it doesn’t mean that I will contest. Not everyone who obtains party membership is called upon to contest elections,” he said.

However, he said he had always stood by former President Mahinda Rajapaksa and would continue to back him because of the role he played in ending the war.

“Mr. Rajapaksa ended the war and stood firm in the face of foreign influence. I’m someone who knows the impact of war. I first went to a school in Jaffna. My father is a police officer and his life was at risk at least on two separate occasions. Even today, no cricket team goes to Pakistan because of the war. I remember in 1996, some teams refused to visit Sri Lanka. Had the war not been ended, we would still be going through that situation,” he said.

Commenting on the current political crisis, Dilshan said the best solution available was to go for a General Election.

“There is a conflict between the Legislature, the Executive and the Judiciary. To resolve this and to prevent the country from heading towards an abyss, the people should be given the opportunity to express their opinion at an election in order to establish a stable government.

Today, I help provide facilities to 5,000 families as a part of my social welfare programme. And under the ‘Dilshan with Youth’ programme, we distribute sports equipment among national schools. All principals are welcome to contact us so that we could help them. Even after I retired from cricket, I stayed close to the people as they love me and stayed with me through thick and thin. They know I have maintained my credibility. As long as you maintain your credibility, the field you choose doesn’t matter,” he said. (Lahiru Pothmulla)

 

Video by Susantha


Order Gifts and Flowers to Sri Lanka. See Kapruka's top selling online shopping categories such as Toys, Grocery, Kids Toys, Birthday Cakes, Fruits, Chocolates, Clothing and Electronics. Also see Kapruka's unique online services such as Money Remittence,Astrology, Courier/Delivery, Medicine Delivery and over 700 top brands. Also get products from Amazon & Ebay via Kapruka Gloabal Shop into Sri Lanka

  Comments - 41

Order Gifts and Flowers to Sri Lanka. See Kapruka's top selling online shopping categories such as Toys, Grocery, Kids Toys, Birthday Cakes, Fruits, Chocolates, Clothing and Electronics. Also see Kapruka's unique online services such as Money Remittence,Astrology, Courier/Delivery, Medicine Delivery and over 700 top brands. Also get products from Amazon & Ebay via Kapruka Gloabal Shop into Sri Lanka
  • jhon Friday, 07 December 2018 07:56 AM

    Congurate on ur effort but look if u have ticket to contest very recently joined party. Good luck if the party or area members allowed to do so.

    hello Friday, 07 December 2018 01:49 PM

    Representing people is not hitting sixes. Are you after helping people or making money like others in politics? Please tell us what you can DO.

    Perumal Friday, 07 December 2018 04:07 PM

    Rajapakse ended war. Ok, but what about the Field Marshal?

    xxx Friday, 07 December 2018 06:39 PM

    Do not judge people by their cricketing talents.

    Batsman Friday, 07 December 2018 07:59 AM

    What looser. Will lose all his money. Let's see much votes he'll garner.

    fareed Friday, 07 December 2018 08:05 AM

    retired and protect your respect that you have earned. Do not add dirt to it like the politicians who are greedy for power

    Chams Friday, 07 December 2018 08:13 AM

    We need professionals to run the country. What professional qualifications, do you have to manage the country?

    Casanova Friday, 07 December 2018 12:20 PM

    He can hit back, would't that qualify?

    Indi Friday, 07 December 2018 03:35 PM

    Do our existing 225 has professional qualifications?

    ConcernedCitizen Friday, 07 December 2018 08:20 AM

    You lost your credibility when you joined the gang of thieves. You may be a good person but your gang seems to be rotten. As a whole, it stinks.

    ANTON Friday, 07 December 2018 08:20 AM

    YES ......... STILL LOOKING FOR A BETTER GRASS FIELD WITH FRIENDLY BULLS.

    Shan Friday, 07 December 2018 08:24 AM

    Your contesting will make you Hero to Zero.

    Karu Friday, 07 December 2018 08:31 AM

    Helping the poor people is a noble deed. But also think why our people are poor in the wonder of Asia. It's because our politicians know only know the Dilscoop in their game.

    NIHAL Friday, 07 December 2018 10:56 AM

    DILSHAN CAN YOU MOVE WITH THESE ROGUE'S YOU ARE GOING TO ASSOCIATING WITH DANGEROUS PEOPLE'S BE CAREFUL

    Rasheed Friday, 07 December 2018 10:57 AM

    Don't be surprised if he jumps to UNP.

    Charlie brown Friday, 07 December 2018 11:04 AM

    Don't do it ...it's a poisoned chalice ...you will lose all the respect that your cricket won for you .And the expression " lie down with dogs expect to get fleas " you will be tainted by association

    Sunil Friday, 07 December 2018 11:16 AM

    Don't ever think of doing politics. Two reasons...1. You will lose the respect that you earned as a world class cricketer. There are living examples around us. 2. You will be an utter failure as a politician. Because you don't have the qualities of a genuine politician. I know that very well. So, Please remain as you are :))

    Malli Friday, 07 December 2018 11:22 AM

    Another national captain is going to bite the dust.....

    Snart guru Friday, 07 December 2018 11:24 AM

    Srilanka will never develop! Never ever! How can you appoint a guy who plays bat and ball to make policy decisions, economic outlooks, Marco and micro economics, commercial contracts etc etc?? This guy barely speaks good English and is educated. It’s a joke. Learn from countries more developed than sl, we need a meritocracy here fools!! Can’t you see what a famer has done already you fools!!

    Sofia Friday, 07 December 2018 11:25 AM

    When SLPP has an organisation called Voice for Justice is it not hilarious that during MR reign of terror, there was no justice. whatever said, now there is freedom and hope for justice.

    UPS Friday, 07 December 2018 12:14 PM

    Come without that ear ring , then we can consider

    IVJ Friday, 07 December 2018 12:21 PM

    Dilshan, you still have time to redeem yourself from all these and leave your legacy behind with respect. You need good advice as currently your decisions seem to be ill advised and desperate.

    Anu Friday, 07 December 2018 12:32 PM

    Please reject Dilshan at the first place and he is another person who never left cricket being a failure and finally , had to asert pressure for him step down and now looking for an opportunity to have a free ride

    Ramdas Ragunathan Friday, 07 December 2018 12:35 PM

    Carry on with your soacial welfare work and save your good name without coming to active politics ..Being a member of any party is your wish..!

    Ainsley Friday, 07 December 2018 12:48 PM

    Birds of the same feather. Dilshan, no doubt you excelled in Cricket but there were other issues. You cannot be compared to a person like Imran Khan but to Sanath to some extent. No one can stop you as you are free to join rogue politicians with similar ideas and your respect will vanish in no time.

    Big spender Friday, 07 December 2018 12:56 PM

    One more of the many other welfare programmes. Definitely going to function very well for the first-time, unlike all the other.

    BuffaloaCitizen Friday, 07 December 2018 01:13 PM

    Nowadays each and every lazy SOB who is looking for fast pickings wants to be a Politician. Not for concern of the country, but to be in a place of influence

    ravin Friday, 07 December 2018 01:18 PM

    Our motherland have enough trouble at present because of unqualified, uneducated, unprofessional politicians. We do not want any more.

    Jude Friday, 07 December 2018 02:05 PM

    I envy your cricketing skills!! And am a huge Fan !! However, Dilshan you don't necessarily have to be a member of any Political party to serve the needy. Unless, you're laying the groundwork for your political ambitions!!?? Good luck!!

    surasena Friday, 07 December 2018 02:07 PM

    OK BRO, we will have elections, give us an assurance that MS agree to appoint any PM as of the election results. Here the issue is not the election, yet the violation of the Constitution. As of your request we may only conducting elections in the future, if we got a President like MS.

    Nuwan Friday, 07 December 2018 02:52 PM

    Don't lose your respect by being a stooge of the Rajapakses.

    mahendra wijeratne Friday, 07 December 2018 02:56 PM

    go to Zimbabwe they will put in jail harassing women not suitable for Lanka politics get off

    Siri de Alwis Friday, 07 December 2018 03:05 PM

    He knows the best way to earn money.

    Roy Friday, 07 December 2018 03:24 PM

    he can surely match the capacity of MS and MR and gang of thieves.

    Chris Friday, 07 December 2018 03:43 PM

    Some stupid reality show made him a judge so he thinks he is capable. You seem to have a lot of free time. They all copy each other open restaurants and join the political scene. No imagination.

    SEKARA Friday, 07 December 2018 05:49 PM

    to play in diyawanna?

    Jim Kuru Friday, 07 December 2018 06:05 PM

    Good move ,you cannot win better stay at home

    shane jay Friday, 07 December 2018 06:08 PM

    Who will vote you... probably your wives and Family members. Look at Sanath Jayasuriya, you can learn from him. Play sixers in dirty politics.

    savagepotatololol Friday, 07 December 2018 06:24 PM

    Yes, we need these dumb cricketers, actors, singers, people from small parties who can't even secure 100 votes and people who never seen a school to represent people's vote and make critical decisions for Sri Lankans!!!The craziest issues is still the dumb sri lankans think the country can stand it's own feet when the country functions mostly on foreign aid-these people will blame the westerners but use all the inventions created by westerners including what they wear.

    Upul Friday, 07 December 2018 06:32 PM

    Yes, your thoughts may be genuine and want to help people more and more doing politics. If you get in with that crowd, definitely, they are going to turn you to a monster who will change completely. Just think, your reputation is at risk.

    Siv Friday, 07 December 2018 06:41 PM

    This guy may be bankrupt now.. so trying to earn millions in politics... good you joined the gang of thief... no respect to you at all...


Add comment

Comments will be edited (grammar, spelling and slang) and authorized at the discretion of Daily Mirror online. The website also has the right not to publish selected comments.

Reply To:

Name - Reply Comment





Order Gifts and Flowers to Sri Lanka. See Kapruka's top selling online shopping categories such as Toys, Grocery, Kids Toys, Birthday Cakes, Fruits, Chocolates, Clothing and Electronics. Also see Kapruka's unique online services such as Money Remittence,Astrology, Courier/Delivery, Medicine Delivery and over 700 top brands. Also get products from Amazon & Ebay via Kapruka Gloabal Shop into Sri Lanka

MIRROR CRICKET

More