Inaugural speech of I.S. de Silva, Attorney-at-law, as 10th President of 122-year old SSC

I first stepped foot to this most prestigious sports club 55 years ago. At that time, the entire structure, façade and landscape of this club was completely different to what we see today. If my memory serves me right the then President of the club was Sir John Kotelawala.

I never thought then that one day I would be standing before you, as the President of this prestigious club. Therefore at the outset, I extend my humble appreciation and gratitude to the Ex Co for nominating me and the membership for accepting me in that post.

Over the 55 year period I have been a member, I have seen without a doubt, this most prestigious sports club evolve into the foremost and unparalleled sports club in Sri Lanka. It had the good fortunes of being enriched by rich traditions, from the time Sir Edward Dias became the first President. To my knowledge there is no other Sports Club in Sri Lanka to have the privilege and honour of having three prime ministers, the late Hon. D.S. Senanayake, Late Hon. Sir John Kotelawala and late Hon. J.R Jayewardene (who later became president) and one President of our country (JRJ) as previous Presidents of this club. I assume office as its 10th President.

My predecessor and more significantly my good friend Mr. Tommy Ellawala whom I had the good fortune of knowing for over 60 years has been at the helm of this club since 2008, I have seen since then, the commitment he has rendered to bring this club to this prominent position. His contributions are not by any means limited to the developments that have taken place at that we see and also enjoy today. Tommy through his extensive experience in the corporate sector for over half a decade serving in the highest positions, introduced to this club a corporate discipline, relating to the management and the operations. He brought in a much needed corporate culture into the thinking of the management and also the exco members on how to develop this expanding club into a growing and profitable business, without undermining its enviable charm. He brought in fiscal processes which ensured that there is accountability and transparency in all dealings. He always impressed that the ExCo of this club should be mindful that it is dealing with members’ funds, other peoples’ monies. Therefore, honesty, transparency and integrity is of unquestionable importance, if this club is to preserve and pass on the requisite discipline and traditions to future office bearers.

All of you who know and have interacted with Tommy are well aware that he is not only a very cultured man but a true gentleman. He even now functions as the Chairman and Managing Director of C. W. Mackie and Co. Ltd. During his illustrious corporate life he also held the position of Director Shipping of Brook Bonds until it merged with Liptons. In addition to these corporate appointments he also served as a member of the Shippers’ Council. He is hailed as one of the first to recommend a port in Hambantota. It is probably this vision that also contributed to most of the development work that was undertaken at the club during his stewardship. We are deeply obliged for the selfless service he has rendered to this club, initially as a treasurer for 16 years and as President for 13 years. Therefore, I have no doubt that the entire membership of this club joins me wholeheartedly in thanking Tommy for his yeomen service and we all wish him good health and long life and continued service to this Club.

Certainly stepping into the mighty shoes that Tommy will be bequeathing to me, is no easy task. Let me be candid about that. My vision as president is to take this club to even greater heights with the support of the Ex CO and the House Committees and you as members. I too endorse the ethos that any successful business, profession or even the management of a club of this nature requires discipline. It is discipline in conduct, management and accountability that is the bedrock of all success whether it is of a personal or of any other nature. Therefore one of my initial endeavors would be to strengthen this discipline in a manner that all members are treated equally, and that all stakeholders that are involved in this journey, whether it be the service staff, management staff, committee members and also members appreciate and realize this fact.

If this club is to grow further, it is important that we conduct and uphold the principles and traditions and more importantly the rules that have been formulated, to ensure that every member that patronizes the club is made safe, welcome and more importantly made to feel an integral and important part of this club. It is through the patronage of the membership that we can grow this club to further heights. It is the self-discipline that we can collectively instill as members, that can ensure that we could proudly call ourselves as members of the SSC, as I stand here and say now.

I will ensure that any audit issues raised with regards to the finances of the club will be promptly addressed and if there is any wrongdoing, such wrongdoing will be dealt with as severely as permitted. You have my assurance that I will make myself available to hear members on their suggestions to further develop the club and more importantly that rules of the club are implemented across the board without fear of favour. I am emboldened and heartened by the fact that I have an exemplary Ex Co that understands what this club stands for and signifies. I am sure we as a team can take this club to greater heights.

Before I conclude may I also take this opportunity to highlight the fact that it is important that we consider implementing certain measures to increase patronage of members and also have a sustainable source of revenue for the Club. It is through the patronage of members that the club generates most of its revenue. The recent pandemic and closure of the club for indefinite periods of time caused severe hardships to our staff due to lack of patronage by members.

Despite the closure, the club had certain fixed costs it had to bear such as maintenance and salaries, though the club was not generating revenue. Therefore, it is timely that we look at certain measures that we could introduce to deal with such situations, to ensure that the welfare of the staff, and also how costs of the club could be met in such challenging times, without the club having to draw on its reserves.

Having said that, let me conclude by extending my renewed appreciation to Tommy for his sterling service to this club and I call upon all members of this club to unite with the committee to preserve and further carry the SSC from the unparalleled heights it has enjoyed over 121 years.

Finally I call upon all of you present to stand up and join me in giving Tommy a much deserved round of hearty applause as appreciation for the service he has rendered to the membership of this Club. [Applause]

Thank you once again for the trust placed in me.