Tearful Sangakkara offered diplomatic post
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COLOMBO: Sri Lanka's Kumar Sangakkara bid a tearful farewell to international cricket on Monday and was immediately offered the post of the island's top envoy in Britain where he plays county cricket.
Several thousand cheering fans, many of them school children waving Sri Lankan flags, along with VIPs, turned out to farewell Sangakkara on the final day of the second Test between his team and India in Colombo.
“You have been a great honour to Sri Lanka,” Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena said in a televised ceremony at P. Sara Oval for the formidable cricketer after the match.
Sangakkara, who turns out for Surrey in English county cricket, did not directly address Sirisena's announcement on the diplomatic post, later telling reporters he had been unprepared for the gesture.
“It was a surprise, I have to go and think about it and discuss with his excellency (the president),” Sangakkara said.
During the formal sendoff, the 37-year-old broke down as he thanked his parents for standing by him during his 15 years of cricket.
“All the support and love they showed over the years, whether I played cricket or not, whether I did well or not, the only place I could go and feel safe was home. So thank you 'amma' (mother) and 'apachchi' (father),” Sangakkara said, fighting back tears, as fans cheered and clapped.
He also praised Indian captain Virat Kohli and his team for their tough opposition during his farewell match which Sri Lanka lost by 278 runs on Monday, allowing the tourists to level 1-1 in the series.
“Thank you for not giving any quarter,” he told the Indian team. “And thank you for really making it a privilege of mine to play against you,” he said.
Sangakkara, the fifth highest run-getter in Test history, finished with 12,400 runs from 134 Tests at an average of 57.40. He scored 38 centuries, including a best of 319 against Bangladesh in Chittagong last year.
He follows Sachin Tendulkar of India, Ricky Ponting of Australia, Jacques Kallis of South Africa and Rahul Dravid of India in the all-time list of leading Test scorers.
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On DawnNews
Comments (45) Closed
Aug 24, 2015 04:44pm
Ridiculous! I can understand the sentiments and emotions attached to this wonderful cricketer but to catapult him to the post of a High Commissioner in the UK is downright foolhardy. I mean what diplomatic experience does Sangakkara possibly have to qualify for this post? This usually happens when emotions get the better of common wisdom.
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Aug 24, 2015 04:54pm
@Indian Catholic Sanga has been a great ambassador of the game, he is well versed, educated and eloquent.. i am sure if he chose to accept it, he would make a good envoy.
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Aug 24, 2015 04:55pm
He is truly a great cricketer. That tiny island has produced some legendary cricketers. All the best to Sanga.
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Aug 24, 2015 05:00pm
@Indian Catholic Anyone can be a diplomat for the country...most nations do that...there are many countries in the world were univ professors are given ambassadorship irrespective of their field of work....moreover, remember he is being offered diplomat role to a nation that invented cricket...SL govt has made perfect decision...
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Aug 24, 2015 05:11pm
@Indian Catholic Take your rant to some Indian Newspaper, we here are all peace loving citizens and know how to appreciate when a legend retires!!
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Aug 24, 2015 05:19pm
Sangakara, a great cricketer and a great human being.
Cricket fans will miss you but your name will remain among the top 10 cricketers of all times.
I would love to see you in the commentary box.
Wishing you all the best
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Aug 24, 2015 05:29pm
@SOS He has every right to say his point on this website. A website is global site not a Pakistani or Indian if it was local then it should been accessed only in Pakistan. His comments are true that Sanga is very good cricketer but this only doesn't qualify for post offered.
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Aug 24, 2015 05:31pm
@Indian Catholic
I agree,such post cant be given to cricketers irrespective of their contribution to cricket,a person with no knowledge of diplomacy and day to day working of embassy is not something sangakara is fit into and that too countries like UK.This is insane and a decision taken purely out of emotion.Cricketeers can be given a staff post in embassy but a post of HC is overstretched.
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Aug 24, 2015 05:33pm
@Indian Catholic: Sangakkara will make a terrific diplomat. He is intelligent, eloquent and a very good human being. Read his speech that was delivered in 2011 at the MCC:
http://www.lords.org/mcc/mcc-spirit-of-cricket/mcc-spirit-of-cricket-cowdrey-lecture/2011-kumar-sangakkara/
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Aug 24, 2015 05:35pm
He is intelligent, educated and eloquent, will make an excellent High Commissioner. May be Sri Lankan head of the state in future.
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Aug 24, 2015 05:48pm
You will be missed great batsmen.
All these years I loved the classical style of your batting.
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Aug 24, 2015 05:48pm
Sanga - Legendary Cricketer, absolutely.
Add to that wonderful human being, humble, smart, educated and eloquent.
All great qualities for a diplomat to have.
However, I am with Indian Catholic on this one; not because I don't think Sanga will eventually make a great politician/diplomat if he chooses that path.
This would be seen as an emotional appointment, perhaps tinged with a bit of favouritism and cronyism.
Doesn't really send out the correct message to the people of SL in my view. What about all those poor individuals who have slaved away in SL High Commissions in far flung places all over the world, surely you can't overlook them.
These things should be done on merit - otherwise nothing ever changes.
This seems too much of an emotional gesture. You don't offer someone a top diplomatic post in front of the media and catch the recipient by surprise.
That said, Sanga "Thanks for the memories - really enjoyed watching you Sir".
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Aug 24, 2015 06:07pm
@Mehreen I totally agree with Mehreen. Sanga has been an outstanding cricketer and already an outstanding ambassador for his country. His humility, decency, eloquence and choice of words are the best of any sports person I have known; undoubtedly one of the most dignified and graceful cricketer ever.
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Aug 24, 2015 06:08pm
@Mehreen They should learn the lesson from Imran Khan. Great cricketer - miserable politician.
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Aug 24, 2015 06:24pm
Diplomacy is a professional career taken up by people trained in the art of diplomacy. Sanga is undoubtedly a superb cricketer. But to push him into a role which somewhat needs political knowledge of the guest country does seem to be an emotional decision..
It's like asking Beckham of Britain to be a diplomat to say India. Anybody can guess how well he would fare...
If Sanga would think in the interest of the island nation he will very softly slip out of this in the interests of his own country..
Not everyone can be a sportsman. Not everyone can be a politician. Not everyone can be a diplomat.. These are specialist jobs for the one with special skills in that particular field.
And yes... It was indeed ridiculous to offer him that post. As ridiculous as it was to drag Sachin Tendulkar into politics..
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Aug 24, 2015 06:29pm
@IndianCatholic Wasn't Tendulkar included as a "nominated member" in the upper house of the Indian parliament (Rajya Sabha) a couple of years ago? What's your take on that?
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Aug 24, 2015 06:44pm
Well done that great and much loved human being, thank you for the journey and good luck for the future.
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Aug 24, 2015 07:06pm
@Xibalba
Good point - but somewhat irrelevant.
Sachin's appointment was indeed open to debate - but he was joining an organisation that has 200+ members and the President has discretion to appoint a very limited few individuals due to their contribution to Indian Society.
I am also guessing that Sachin was not offered that post in public like Sanga. Presumably background discussions etc would have taken place.
Sanga is being offered a role that is for career diplomats, others have had the training, experience and knowledge to do the role - and as a meritocracy they deserve it first in my view.
I am also guessing the incumbent in the role wasn't consulted either.
I am not questioning Sanga's integrity here; but if you start willy nilly offering such posts around; it doesn't bode well for country's morale in the long run.
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Aug 24, 2015 07:13pm
@Xibalba That was a very bad idea on GOI's part because he never comes to parliament but that mistake is still partiall.Partially because he is in India and in India things can be manageable as he can get lot of helps from his senior politicians from different political parties and Tendulkar was only an MP without any real administrative or executive power but HC in UK does has an administrative and executive power and since the HC is the senior most figure in embassy he should know a day to day operation fluently and be able to guide its juniors.But when the top senior guy himself/herself is inexperienced then how come he manage the whole staff.
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Aug 24, 2015 07:16pm
@Xibalba Yes Sachin Tendulkar was nominated as a member of the Rajya Sabha but that is what Rajya Sabha is; comprised of members from different fields of excellence. Who else can represent the country in sports than the world's best batsman, Sachin Tendulkar.
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Aug 24, 2015 07:19pm
@Indian Catholic Dude, I'm an Indian and back-of from making any comment on Sri Lankan govt's decision. They want to honor their hero, let them. Guess what, it is babu's who deal with numbers.
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Aug 24, 2015 07:20pm
@Indian Catholic He is a very educated person. Just find out.
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Aug 24, 2015 07:26pm
The way he played Ajmal in last few years was majestic. One of the best batters and cricketers of our generation. All the best for your second innings with your family Sanga.
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Aug 24, 2015 08:34pm
When many compare him to Sachin, Rahul or even Hammond they forget that he was also an Excellent Wicket Keeper, so he is way ahead of them. He belongs to the same league of few Great all-rounders like Gary Sobers, jack Kallis & Ian Botham.
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Aug 24, 2015 08:46pm
Records don't tell the true skill that this man possessed. He is even better than Sachin Tendulkar.
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Aug 24, 2015 09:06pm
we will miss you sanga
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Aug 24, 2015 09:19pm
Sanga is a legend. Much lived and respected in india
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Aug 24, 2015 09:25pm
@Indian Catholic how will you explain the fact that Sachin tendulkar is a rajya sabha MP?
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Aug 24, 2015 09:39pm
@Indian Catholic please read before writing. He is qualified barrister, he is profound orator and reader. His speech at MCC is still considered one of the finest by any sports person. He is wise, educated and learned and would probably think before shooting any comment..
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Aug 24, 2015 10:54pm
A good cricketer and above all a good human. Wishing him all the best for future.
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Aug 24, 2015 11:29pm
End of an era. Thank you Sir, it was a privilege watching you bat. In my opinion, the finest left-handed batsman the game has produced. Pray to God, your second innings, be it as a diplomat, a commentator or sports administrator or a barrister, bring you more glory and honour. One more time, thank you Sir.
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Aug 24, 2015 11:49pm
I will miss you Sangakara,you were a class player.
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Aug 24, 2015 11:53pm
It is a misconception that Ambassadors must be a career diplomat.All Foreign Offices (Embassies) are run/managed by permanent staff/bureaucrats . Ambassadors to a large degree is a ceremonial post- mostly to meet and greet visitors and other diplomats. If there are issues, the staff put together the needed file/dossiers and he delivers the message as needed.
I know atleast in the USA, President appoints ambassadors to award loyalty and personal friendships. Based on these facts, I do believe Sanga could be a great ambassador.
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Aug 25, 2015 02:11am
He has common sense that many experienced diplomats lack.
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Aug 25, 2015 06:12am
@Indian Catholic Many countries in the world 'give' such positions based on who contributed the larger amounts to election campaigns. So THIS is not so ridiculous. Keep your judgement to yourself.
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Aug 25, 2015 06:41am
To all those who think Sangakara is not qualified to serve as the High Commissioner, keep in mind that 80% of all members of cabinet in a government know nothing about the ministry portfolio given to them. Our Petroleum and Energy Ministry probably didn't know what an ohm or shale is . Mr Sartaj Aziz is an economist and was Joint Secretary Planning in 1971 when he left to serve with the UN World Food Organization. Yet he was appointed Foreign Minister. It would take Sangakara just a few months to learn the different protocols. Sri lanka is not about NATO warfare and Soviet era intrigue, they are about tourism, culture and promoting general good will. For that he is eminently qualified. He can express himself better that all Pakistani Foreign Ministry Spokespersons I have I have seen lately or 90 % of our cabinet members
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Aug 25, 2015 06:55am
He is most deserving of this post.
Great cricketer and a greater man.
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Aug 25, 2015 07:20am
He said it was his privilege and honor to play India in his farewell match.
Is someone listening.He could have had a farewell 3 TEST ago.But privilege????
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Aug 25, 2015 07:25am
What a great cricketer, a fine human being. He deserved it.
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Aug 25, 2015 07:35am
Indian Catholic: Not sure if the answer to your question is right or wrong. But wait until Sachin Tendulkar will be nominated to become President of India. In my opinion, no one cares what I think
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Aug 25, 2015 12:33pm
A message to all parents who care for their children.As reported in DAWN ,Karachi, August 25,2015.
During the formal sendoff, the 37-year-old broke down as he thanked his parents for standing by him during his 15 years of cricket.
“All the support and love they showed over the years, whether I played cricket or not, whether I did well or not, the only place I could go and feel safe was home. So thank you 'amma' (mother) and 'apachchi' (father),” Sangakkara said, fighting back tears, as fans cheered and clapped.
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Aug 25, 2015 01:48pm
I fully agree to the comment of Indian catholic - rather he should have been offered the prime minister or the president post of SL would he be capable of these post.
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Aug 25, 2015 02:51pm
He's a qualified lawyer as well, so people ranting about him taking a diplomatic post can shush down now.
Also he will be an honorary ambassador to UK, not the counselor general to deal with the political diplomacy.
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Aug 26, 2015 05:10am
@Indian Catholic Just watch all his interviews including this one (thanking the Indian team for winning) and you will see the Man's natural Diplomatic skills. He will excel in his role as Diplomat and would make all Sri Lankans proud. A very articulate man. I think you are off the mark with your assessment........
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Aug 26, 2015 05:20am
@Indian Catholic Dear Sir; you sound too bureaucratic; do you remember Sir Edmund Hillary, one of "first two men" on Everest was later such a successful New Zealand High Commissioner to India, Bangladesh & Ambassador to Nepal.
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