E.B.Channa, former captain of the Sri Lanka football team was brought into the spotlight by media in the recent past as he was spotted working as a grave digger and living an indigent life.
The news was brought upon the ears of Sports Minister Dayasiri Jayasekara who has promised to help the veteran footballer regarding this matter.
E.B.Channa is one of the legends in the game of Football in Sri Lanka after having rendered his services to the game for sixteen years.
Adding furthermore to his achievements, he wore the captain’s band, leading Sri Lanka in the year 2012. In his career of sixteen years, he had played 128 matches and was able to find the net 53 times. He decided to hang up his boots in 2014.
He had been instrumental in helping Sri Lanka towards victories in the Football arena. The fact that he was never dropped from the national side since his debut speaks volumes about his talent and commitment to the sport and country.
He also shined in the club arena representing Ratnam SC and Negombo Youth SC. He joined Kalutara Blue Stars SC in 2015 following his retirement from National Football.
Despite working himself to be a legend in the game of Football, E.B.Channa is going through a lot of hardships, struggling to cope up with the needs of his family. He is currently working as a grave digger in Thadalla Cemetery, Galle.
The news of the former skipper living in a rented room with his wife and three kids burst out on social media, provoking many emotions and debates. The news hit the headlines as the whole country turned to see the veteran who had nearly been forgotten.
Speaking at a public meeting in Hettipola, the minister Dayasiri Jayasekara expressed that due actions will be taken from his part.
He conveyed his concern regarding E. B. Channa’s situation promising that he would look into finding Channa a job immediately to fulfill his economic needs.
