Italian based Sri Lankan Kelum Perera has brought fame and honour to the country, been elected as the Vice-Chairman of the Italian Olympic Committee and Chief Executive Officer of the Italian Cricket Association.
The 35-year-old sports administrator, born in Italy to Sri Lankan parents, Kumaradasa and Ashoka has already set a record as the youngest to hold these two key positions in the Italian sports history.
Kelum obtained the membership of the Italian Olympic Committee in 2009 after being an outstanding player in the Italian National Cricket Team.
Kumaradasa, was attached to the Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Limited (ANCL) and excelled in Mercantile Cricket during the late 1970s before he migrated to Italy with his family.
“I was educated in Italy and from my young age my father encouraged me to join the school cricket team. Thereafter, veteran coaches J C Gamage, Niroshan Ramanayake and Anusha Samaranayake helped me to become a top all-rounder,” Kelum said.
“I played for several cricket clubs in Italy. I had the opportunity of leading the Italy Under-15, 17, 19 and 23 Cricket Teams.”
“After retiring from cricket in 2010, I served as coach of the Italy Cricket Team from 2012 to 2016. Later, I became the Head Coach of the Italy National Cricket Team,” he stressed.
“Thereafter, I was appointed as the Chief Executive Officer of the Italy Cricket Association. In addition, I had the chance to play for few clubs in England and Australia for several years,” he said.
Kelum is a Level-3 certified coach and has followed the Level-1, 2 and 3 Coaching Courses in England.
“The Olympic Committee appointments are designated by an election. The majority of appointees are Italian medallists. There is no Sports Ministry in Italy hence the Olympic Committee is the highest sports institution,” he concluded.
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