SLC crisis deepens : SLC & Sports Minister write to President

November 3, 2023 at 5:21 PM

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has requested the intervention of President Ranil Wickremesinghe, stating that its day-to-day operations are being affected due to the “deliberate harassment from the sports ministry.”

In a letter addressed to the President, the SLC highlighted the Sports Ministry’s interference in several recent tournaments.

The hosting of the ICC World Cup – Under 19, Lanka T10 Super League, Ex-Co members’ representation, rejection of Japanese opportunities, and participation in the Men’s ICC Cricket World Cup, Sri Lanka Tour of New Zealand, Asia Cup Championship 2022 are among the tournaments highlighted by the SLC.

Sri Lanka’s cricket administration has requested a meeting with President Ranil Wickremesinghe to address the following issues. 

Responding to the SLC’s letter, Sports Minister Roshan Ranasinghe has written to the President, refuting all allegations levelled by the SLC against the Sports Ministry.

In his letter, Sports Minister Ranasinghe pointed out that the conduct of Sri Lanka Cricket has been deplorable in light of the grave allegations and corruption charges that are levelled at them. 

The matter has been brought to the attention of the President due to society-wide pressure seeking the resignation of the board officials for their misconduct and shameful acts, he said. 

The Sports Minister further said that the SLC has repeatedly written to the International Cricket Council (ICC) of political interference to prevent any action against them for their corrupt conduct. 

“I am not prepared to stay silent nor be influenced by various political plots and stay put on the apparent corruption in the institutes that are directly accountable to my ministry,” he added. (NewsWire)