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Sri Lanka doping 'spread to schools' | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Performance enhancing drugs has even been spread to school children in Sri Lanka, says the new head of the sports ministry’s medical unit. Prof Arjuna de Silva said that the unit is facing a serious task of eradicating banned substances from the all sports. “We have heard reports that these substances are even used in the schools. The parents have a right to ask the trainers what that medication was and whether it is suitable for the child,” Prof de Silva told journalists in Colombo. “One aspect of this that it is cheating against other sports personnel. The other aspect is that it will result with cancers in liver, kidney diseases and even diabetes,” he said. The new director general of the ministry’s medical unit added that the sports personnel should also be aware that if they win an international medal they will definitely be tested for banned substances. Investigation launched “The main task is to keep sportsmen healthy. Their nourishment and taking care of their health and sports psychology is also of paramount importance,” he said.
The sports minister last month sacked the then head of the unit, Dr Geethanjana Mendis, and replaced the whole team with sports medical experts. "We have received numerous serious complaints from sports personnel and sports associations that individuals at the unit provided banned substances," Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage told BBC Sinhala last month. He said he would launch an investigation into allegations. Cricketer Upul Tharanga was banned for three months by the International Cricket Council (ICC) after he was found guilty of taking a banned drug during the 2011 World Cup. Two Commonwealth Games medallist, boxer Manju Wanniarachchi and weightlifter Chintana Vidanage, were among the other national sportsmen to be banned from the international game, together with a group of rugby players. Dr Geethanjana Mendis refused to comment when contacted by the BBC. | LOCAL LINKS  Sri Lanka army to run cricket stadiumsSandeshaya Minister to investigate medical unitSandeshaya Ajantha Mendis tops T20 bowlers24 October, 2011 | Sandeshaya 'No coverage' to Sri Lanka cricket fans22 October, 2011 | Sandeshaya Minister admits debt to Chinese firm07 October, 2011 | Sandeshaya No action against Sanga - Minister01 October, 2011 | Sandeshaya SLC to settle Chilaw Marians 'sale'28 August, 2011 | Sandeshaya | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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The parents have a right to ask the trainers what that medication was and whether it is suitable for the child
