Thu, 28 Mar 2024 Today's Paper

SLC rejects Mahela's request

19 December 2012 07:12 am - 38     - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

A A A

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has decided to reject a request from Sri Lanka team captain Mahela Jayawardene to pay a part of the guarantee fee due to the players from the concluded ICC World T20 to the support staff and nominated coaches.

Jayawardene had submitted a list of names that included some team officials apart from the 15 Sri Lanka squad players to the SLC Finance Manager with a request to distribute the money according to the list. However SLC has turned it down.

SLC pays guarantee money only to the players and has taken a firm decision on the matter at an Ex-Co meeting held on July 12 this year.

It was decided at that ExCo meeting that officials/staff of SLC should not be compensated from any payment due to the players without the knowledge and approval of the Board.

Finance Manager had thus submitted Jayawardene’s request for the ExCo approval as it contravened the earlier ExCo decision.

“We pay 25 percent of the total guarantee money SLC receives from ICC tournaments to the squad players according to the contractual agreement. We tried to negotiate this and pay less to the players as our cash flow situation is tight. But the players did not agree” said SLC Treasurer Nuski Mohamed.

“Anyway, we are now paying them their due 25 percent. The players have however named a few team officials and staff, asking us to pay a part of the guarantee fee due to the players to the nominated official. We have rejected that due to several reasons” Mohamed added.

“The first reason was that they had not included all coaches and other staff in the list. So, it is discrimination and will obviously create dissention among officials who get this payment and those who do not. We cannot get involved in that situation” he explained.

“This is different from Prize Money. They can share their Prize Money as they please. But when our staff is involved it is a completely different issue and SLC has to take responsibility. When we write our cheques and deduct taxes this issue will become official. Then we have to account for the basis of distribution. That is why SLC cannot get involved” Mohamed pointed out adding “It is also going to create a precedent”.

“We have told the players that we can pay the guarantee fee due to each one of them but not the officials. If they want to pay their favourite officials or staff, it is their discretion. Once we settle their guarantee fee, they can pay the officials directly as they like. We cannot get involved in it” Mohamed said.

Mohamed agreed that if the list had included all involved staff without discriminations, the issue would have been less complicated.

“This may not be a big issue. But it is a matter of principle” Mohamed added.

According to the list prepared by Jayawardene, the six senior players of the team which finished runners up in the ICC World T20 which was also hosted by Sri Lanka are to each receive Rs. 12.5 million as guarantee fees for the tournament while the youngest members Shaminda Eranga, Dilshan Munaweera and Akila Dhananjaya will receive Rs. three million each.

This Guarantee fee is in addition to the payments such as match fees, prize money, contract fees and food allowances players receive.

Sri Lanka cricketers however, have taken the commendable initiative to reward all those who have supported them in their successful campaign and according to the list even the team’s baggage boy P.D. Nimal is in for a One million Rupee guarantee fee.

But as the list suggests, the value placed on the services of SLC Media Manager and Sri Lanka team’s media liaison officer Rajith Fernando is only half of that of the baggage boy.

Sri Lanka cricketers have also remembered the support given to them by the Ground staffs and curators at the three venues the World T20 was played and have even rewarded the Bowling machine handler.
 Cricketers have decided to offer Rs. 14. 5 million to the coaching staff and altogether Rs. 22.95 million of their guarantee fees to the people who helped them during the World T20. (Channaka de Silva)

Order Gifts and Flowers to Sri Lanka. See Kapruka's top selling online shopping categories such as Toys, Grocery, Kids Toys, Birthday Cakes, Fruits, Chocolates, Clothing and Electronics. Also see Kapruka's unique online services such as Money Remittence,Astrology, Courier/Delivery, Medicine Delivery and over 700 top brands. Also get products from Amazon & Ebay via Kapruka Gloabal Shop into Sri Lanka

  Comments - 38

Order Gifts and Flowers to Sri Lanka. See Kapruka's top selling online shopping categories such as Toys, Grocery, Kids Toys, Birthday Cakes, Fruits, Chocolates, Clothing and Electronics. Also see Kapruka's unique online services such as Money Remittence,Astrology, Courier/Delivery, Medicine Delivery and over 700 top brands. Also get products from Amazon & Ebay via Kapruka Gloabal Shop into Sri Lanka
  • WILD BULL Wednesday, 19 December 2012 12:51 PM

    No the reason is CRICKETERS want to avoid tax !

    Lihana M Arachchi Wednesday, 19 December 2012 09:58 AM

    There might be valid reason for Mahela to make this request. They fought well with limited resources but lost the march as a result of somebody watched it on be half of that man who is the sole prop of everything and vision or disgrace for the game even if he watched on TV when Mathews and Samaraweera were fighting hard and therefore the guarantee fee for all must be granted in the given climate as they are SL citizens; to face coming colours......................

    Shahul Wednesday, 19 December 2012 10:15 AM

    First of all concentrate on the game and try to win the remaining test matches. Even the school boys would have won or atleast drawn the last test at Hobart..!

    dave Wednesday, 19 December 2012 10:38 AM

    Money Money Money
    Corruption Corruption Corruption.
    We are fed up of these stories.
    All people (Officials and Players) should get together and must bring the Glory to our motherland.

    Chinthaka de Hoot Wednesday, 19 December 2012 10:44 AM

    Bagalawathie, I like you nick name !

    raj Wednesday, 19 December 2012 10:46 AM

    SLC has to support the staff not the players. Mahela is right in asking SLC to pay and its from what is due to the players.

    Remember the support staff are employed by SLC and not the players, therefore the players are not obliged in anyway to pay the support staff.

    Sanjay Fernando Wednesday, 19 December 2012 11:09 AM

    If you could do better please go play and see if you will make 1/10th the runs Mahela has scored for his country.

    jan Wednesday, 19 December 2012 11:19 AM

    Mahela & Board don't distract the team.Two important test matches are ahead. Put your full effort there.

    saman Wednesday, 19 December 2012 11:48 AM

    May for Hope Cancer hospital project in Maharagama. No one knows what happened to the money collected by Mahela and team. Specially from foreign donors who contributed in big millions

    Dammika Wednesday, 19 December 2012 12:00 PM

    “We pay 25 percent of the total guarantee money SLC receives from ICC tournaments to the squad players according to the contractual agreement. We tried to negotiate this and pay less to the players as our cash flow situation is tight. But the players did not agree” said SLC Treasurer Nuski Mohamed.

    Aren't they shame to ask from the PLAYERS to reduce their percentage ... while Nuski Mohamed claiming BONUS for top guns of SLC. For that cash flow is OK ... Why can't he be an example by cutting BONUSES to help the cash flow of the SLC. Selfish mafia. They all survive because of the players whether they perform well or not.

    KD Wednesday, 19 December 2012 09:46 AM

    Great gesture by Mahela or is it a great piece of PR? No way in hell will anyone let alone SLC agree to treat part of the support team. It will be a legal and HR mine field. Knowing this, Mahela is trying to bowl a doosra thus we all admire him for his philanthropy while he knows it wont cost a cent to anyone of his team mates. Mahela you could've easily had a group huddle and done a hat collection amongst you'll to distribute the money which is going straight into your bank account. You dont need to face a single ball from Silddle. Even I could make it happen.

    rio Wednesday, 19 December 2012 12:59 PM

    this is the problem with our team..SLC is of course useless but still Mahela should mind his own business..His priority is to win a test in down under

    Ami Wednesday, 19 December 2012 02:12 PM

    It's not only a sport , for us, Srilankans, it's a way of life !

    Devinda Wednesday, 19 December 2012 04:08 PM

    Main reason to reject is because Mr. Useless Ranjith Fernando would have got less than a minor employee and rightly so....

    DH Wednesday, 19 December 2012 04:18 PM

    SLC is correct on this for a change! would have created alot of dissent among minor staff! could even lead to sabotage!
    It is a Tax gimmick in the sense that the players will not be loosing a single cent if SLC agreed for this proposal as the players will be paying off that portion in tax anyway. A very tactful generosity! now they can say "sorry lads, we asked them to pay you but ur bosses refused so nothing to do with us"

    muckgona Wednesday, 19 December 2012 04:32 PM

    Well you are not the only one looking to apply for the lowly position of baggage boy, One million+salary +++
    SLC is quite correct, if the players wish to donate some of their dues, let them do so, nothing to do with the SLC.
    Given the poor performances of the highly paid players, more than just a few should step down. They only continue to play in order to be selected for the"gamblers" game played in India.

    sach Thursday, 20 December 2012 04:04 AM

    the thing is management doesnt do the job

    drbd Friday, 21 December 2012 05:34 AM

    if they make 3-4 million per series
    pay taxes
    rs 1 million each

    THEY CAN build 2-3 homes each
    per each series,
    many do,
    but som find ways to avoid taxes,
    and then its not such a saving.
    but count ones own earnings,
    not dictate to others ,how they should spend their money earned.
    it is fair money,
    they are among the worlds best players,
    and deserve what the markt pays them.

    Ratan Tuesday, 25 December 2012 05:32 PM

    Mahela may be a good cricketer, but he has not thought about the implications this may create.
    Mahela please stick to cricket.

    kaputakukula Wednesday, 19 December 2012 08:53 AM

    "Cricket"... IS THIS REALLY A SPORT? I don't think so.

    paksha Wednesday, 19 December 2012 07:34 AM

    SLC do you have any vacancy for baggage boy?

    Jaya Wednesday, 19 December 2012 07:44 AM

    I thought our players are not so much generous. Hats off to them!!! and boo to SLC

    anura Wednesday, 19 December 2012 07:46 AM

    May be SLC top officials also wanted their names to be included

    Senna Wednesday, 19 December 2012 07:55 AM

    Well said Sir

    Aney Machang Wednesday, 19 December 2012 08:08 AM

    Mr.Nuski is correct in his interpretation, SLC cannot set a precedent like this. Mahela please concentrate in your games in Australia, you have let the side down with the two failures in the last test match.

    ASHRAFF NAZIM Wednesday, 19 December 2012 08:08 AM

    MAHELA HAS A BROAD HEART BUT THE SLC DECISION IS CORRECT AS A PRINCIPLE AND DUE TO DISCRMINATION
    IS INVOLVED THERE ON THE TRANSACTION.

    Srimal Wednesday, 19 December 2012 08:28 AM

    Good work SL cricketers. But these corrupted SLC officers didn't want to do so. May be they wanted those big money for their own, not even doing much things. Not these corrupted SLC officers deserves a reward, but all the people who helped the team should be rewarded. Well done Mahela and the team!

    Maximilian Wednesday, 19 December 2012 08:46 AM

    My friends, Nice gesture. but I am sure there is something to do with Income tax as well !!!

    Mervin Ayya Wednesday, 19 December 2012 08:51 AM

    Mahela can (personally) collect money from his teammates and build a house for a poor family, who give cheers when you are playing. At least one house a year. (I don't know, maybe they already do it without a publicity).

    Jagath Leanage Wednesday, 19 December 2012 07:31 AM

    No way. If SLC listen to this request & do this, others(POLITICIANS) too has follow the same foot step. That is why SLC has tuened down your request even though its good one.

    EMMANUEL PHILIP Wednesday, 19 December 2012 09:00 AM

    I agree Mahela should mind his own business and let the management do their job. He should play good cricket.

    Bagalawathie Wednesday, 19 December 2012 09:12 AM

    Mahela got a big heart, but the fat cats in the SLC got a point.

    Sparky Wednesday, 19 December 2012 09:19 AM

    Have a heart guys. They are writing lists like Santa Claus.

    Mahela, if you feel so strongly about this, talk to the other six senior players and each of you contribute a small % of your earnings as gifts to these people.

    SLC will have to justify every cent they spend.. but you do not even have to pay tax on this.

    I understand why you pay the baggage boy more...he probably is paid the smallest salary.

    Don't forget those less fortunate than you guys. You dont have to wait for someone to give, you can start the ball rolling, and the others in the team will follow.

    galapitamada Wednesday, 19 December 2012 09:20 AM

    Come on i think its not fair to blame those officials as corrupt as every politicians .Of course mahela should have consulted those offcials if technically is it possible to pay those listed guys in the first place .Technically SLC officials did the right thing. Though its a very generous idea no doubt. The SLC Officials have followed the technical line its upto the president to intervene and decide

    Chinthaka de Vas Wednesday, 19 December 2012 09:23 AM

    Come on Jaya, don't be silly.
    It is great that the cricketers want to reward the support staff, but why get SLC involved in that ? The cricketers could first receive the money and then distribute.
    In fact this is just a procedural matter. Either the board pays the support staff deducting from the cricketers money (which cannot be done officially) or the cricketers collect their money and pay the support staff. Either way the players will pay the support staff. So there is no "news" in this.

    Chinthaka de Vas Wednesday, 19 December 2012 09:29 AM

    Exactly Ashraff. Most readers here have jumped to conclusions.

    Bandara Wednesday, 19 December 2012 09:29 AM

    Mahela has sent a message to SLC as to how they value the services delivered by each staff member.

    Chinthaka de Vas Wednesday, 19 December 2012 09:31 AM

    Srimal don't fly off the handle.
    If the players want to play the support staff, let them pay direct without getting SLC involved. You cannot do financial transactions like in a play house. Grow up man and get a life.


Add comment

Comments will be edited (grammar, spelling and slang) and authorized at the discretion of Daily Mirror online. The website also has the right not to publish selected comments.

Reply To:

Name - Reply Comment





Order Gifts and Flowers to Sri Lanka. See Kapruka's top selling online shopping categories such as Toys, Grocery, Kids Toys, Birthday Cakes, Fruits, Chocolates, Clothing and Electronics. Also see Kapruka's unique online services such as Money Remittence,Astrology, Courier/Delivery, Medicine Delivery and over 700 top brands. Also get products from Amazon & Ebay via Kapruka Gloabal Shop into Sri Lanka

VAT increase: SOUNDs death knell for publishers, readers

Though the Government imposed VAT (Value Added Tax) on vegetables and other e

How female change-makers are driving Sri Lanka’s energy saving platform

Saving energy has become more of a responsibility than a habit in today’s c

A dull Ramadan awaits Muslims amidst the Soaring Cost of Living

In the coming days, Muslims across the world will welcome the Holy Month of R

New wildlife underpass to curtail HEC

As of February 2024, Sri Lanka lost another 38 elephants as a result of the H