SLC denies allegations over promoting an agenda of a religious group

30 January 2021 07:24 pm - 15 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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While denying the allegations of promoting an agenda of a religious group described as ‘Born Again’, the Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) today said these allegations were false and fabricated.

In a statement, it said, “Sri Lanka Cricket wishes to express extreme disappointment at the baseless allegation leveled against certain Sri Lanka national players, coaches, selectors and officials by certain quarters with a vested interest, who allege that the present administrators of Sri Lanka Cricket are working towards promoting an agenda of a certain religious group, which the detractors describe as ‘Born Again’’.

The SLC steadfastly denies this false and fabricated allegation which has no substance to it.

“We wish to caution the persons with vested interests, who throws such allegations to be mindful of the fact that the game of cricket is followed ardently by every citizen of this country and is the primary sport that unites the Nation, which consists of a population representing diverse backgrounds, ethnicities, and religions.

“Sri Lanka Cricket Team has experienced the love and affection of the entire country and its people, when the Sri Lanka National Team won the 1996 Cricket World Cup, T20i World Cup in 2014 and also when it achieved other great wins, such as the Asia Cup victories.

“We wish to state that SLC works in line with the ICC Anti-Discrimination Policy for International Cricket which confirms a level of commitment from the ICC and its Members to promote and encourage participation at all levels regardless of race, color, religion, descent, culture, ethnic origin, nationality, sex, gender, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, and/or maternity status and to ensure that there is no discrimination in the sport.

“The public of this country is very well aware that Sri Lanka National Cricket Team has been a place, where talented players from all walks of life have walked in and represented the country and some went onto become the ‘Greats of the Game,’ due to the fact that they were given their due place in the national team owing to the non-discriminatory policy of the SLC. Whilst SLC pays the utmost respect to the right granted on every person by the Constitution of the Democratic Republic of Sri Lanka to freedom of religion including the freedom to have or to adopt a religion or belief of his/her choice, in no way SLC takes into consideration any person’s religion or what he/she believes in for any affairs of Sri Lanka Cricket.

“Therefore, we wish to reiterate to the ardent fans of Sri Lanka Cricket and the public of this country that in no way Sri Lanka Cricket is carrying out an agenda of a religious group and request them to rally around their beloved National Cricket Team, as done always, in order to carry forward the glory of the ‘One Team One Nation’ brand.”

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Comments - 15

Alfa Saturday, 30 January 2021 09:40 PM

Any idea as to how almost all top SLC persons of recent and today are of Born Again cult?

Kumar Saturday, 30 January 2021 09:44 PM

I personally know of good new Hindu players who were promised favouritism at selections if they become Born Again followers

RSD Saturday, 30 January 2021 09:51 PM

Will there be independent inquiry to see whether players were pressurized for this? There have been such stories in the recent years.

Lol Saturday, 30 January 2021 09:52 PM

No no no politician related. Politicians son son in law politicians brother these are now rules the our kericut team. Jaffna area so many players. Any one Central Colombo Hindu college hartly college st Jones so many players why none of them at least reserve.

nihal manasinghe Saturday, 30 January 2021 10:14 PM

it is 100% true

Siribiris Saturday, 30 January 2021 10:53 PM

Who is Jerome Jayaratne and what is his relegion ?

Jeeves Saturday, 30 January 2021 11:01 PM

Given recent performances, "born again" is more like " died again"! Let's get back to serious cricket, boys! That's the religion that unites all Sri Lankans!

Michael Ranasinghe Sunday, 31 January 2021 12:15 AM

It's such a shame that as the administering body of cricket SLC spends more time either in front of commissions , preparing for elections , and denying allegations rather than develop the game of Cricket . Please don't be parasites . Resign and let those who know the game , love the game and have credibility and honesty manage SLC.

Mozzart Sunday, 31 January 2021 01:14 AM

'Smoking gun' is the proof. and don't make us laugh with cocky statements like ‘Greats of the Game,’

Ceylonese Sunday, 31 January 2021 10:40 AM

All these comments above show how racist and communal minded most of the Sri Lankans are no wonder this country is Kaput

Ranaweera Sunday, 31 January 2021 10:53 AM

Jerome Jayarathne is a Born Again pioneer.

Joshua Sunday, 31 January 2021 01:23 PM

The SL cricket team has to be born again. We have seen enough of these useless players

Sammy Sunday, 31 January 2021 01:55 PM

It is fact that modern day Evangelists will use every little opportunity to try and convert and promote their agenda. As to whether this is happening at SLC is something that needs objective investigation.

Andy Silva Sunday, 31 January 2021 03:22 PM

Totally agree with your sentiments.

jen Sunday, 31 January 2021 03:38 PM

These allegations are absolutely false ans fabrication. I believe all those foolish people must be born again- which means coming out of evil and hypo critic life and live soberly and righteously.

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SLC denies allegations over promoting an agenda of a religious group

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