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It is nonsense to doubt Kumar Sangakkara's accent, says his ex-principal

BIPIN DANI. Dated: 4/20/2017 11:06:27 PM

MUMBAI, Apr 20: Leonard De Alwis, the former principal of Trinity School and College in Kandy believes that his one time pupil, Kumar Sangakkara will prove to be a good and successful cricket commentator.
Speaking exclusively over his mobile from Colombo (where he came from Kandy for holidays), the ex-principal says, "I can't describe how happy I am. I am extremely happy to hear that Kumar Sangakkara has been selected to be a cricket commentator for the ICC event (Champions Trophy in London in June)".
It was De Alwis who had advised Sangakkara's mother to encourage the son to pursue cricket. "The boy had interest in both cricket and tennis at the school level and his mother was in dilemma", said De Alwis, now principal of the adjoining Green Hill School in Kandy.
"He is an educated man and has a vast knowledge of the game. He is a world class player having played cricket at the highest level and I have not the slightest doubt about his success in the new role".
When bought to his notice that the broadcasters will be making special arrangements to show subtitles to the viewers to understand his English accent during his commentary assignments, Sanga's ex-principal said, "what nonsense it is...I don't agree with them. Sanga is a reputed speaker and his voice and accent is perfect. He is appearing in local advertisements in Sri Lanka and if his accent is understood by everyone here why should it be a problem otherwise ?".
It is the first time the broadcasters have made special arrangement that whatever he says in commentary will be typed and used as a crawler at the bottom of the screen.
The production team will also have access to a lip reader who will decipher Sangakkara's sentiments and convey them to the fellow commentators via their earpieces.
"I wonder why all this is being done...The viewers will enjoy his commentary and not only that, he will score above others", De Alwis signed off.