LOST INNOCENCE

Sri Lanka handball team goes missing in Berlin (The Straits Times, September 19th, 2004)

In an unusual case that has baffled the German authorities, an entire team of handball players from Sri Lanka has disappeared after turning up in the city for the game.

German Sports Exchange Programme organiser Dietmer Doering told BBC News Online: 'We initially thought the team had got lost in nearby woods while jogging.'

But he said a note had been found saying the 23-strong team had gone to France.

We now know they crossed into Italy,' Mr Doering said.

But he said he felt extremely let down by the incident.

Talking to BBC's Sinhala service, he said this would be the last time they would invite teams from Sri Lanka.

'The entire team of 23 men, including the coach and the manager, has taken off,' he said.

What's worse, he added, the team had left dirty laundry behind.

Remember the good old days when stories like this made us think of calling Inspector Clousseau rather than the security services?