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Last Updated : 2024-05-08 12:15:00
25 July 2023 11:32 pm - 26 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
Questioning how a draft of the Auditor General’s report into Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) finances was leaked, SLC President Shammi Silva denied that the local governing body for cricket in Sri Lanka had funded the trips of celebrities and family members of its Executive Committee to travel to Australia during the T20 World Cup 2022.
In a hurriedly organized press conference in the middle of the second day of the second Test against Pakistan, with play cut short after rain in the morning session, Silva made a bold claim in the face of criticism SLC is facing following the leaking and widespread circulation of the draft.
Samagi Jana Balawegaya MP Hesha Vithanage expounded on the report in a media conference on Sunday, highlighting SLC’s expenditure of approximately Rs. 68 million on travel to Australia for the T20 World Cup last year.
“MP Hesha Vithanage doesn’t seem to know the difference between an Auditor’s Report and a draft report. This is a confidential draft report that was sent (from the National Audit Office) to the Sports Ministry, which has been leaked. It was sent from the Sports Ministry to SLC to give our answers to certain questions in the draft report. Nowhere in the report does it say that that the travel of celebrities or family members of those in the Ex-Co was funded by SLC,” Silva said.
“Yes, we gave letters (for Australian Visas) to certain actors and celebrities who have come for matches in the past. But we did not spend a cent on their travel,” he reiterated adding that the Sports Minister had approved the travel of Ex-Co members with SLC funds.
In the letters supporting Visa applications of those not in the Ex-Co, SLC had specified that they would only be assisting with match tickets, SLC Treasurer Sujeewa Godaliyadda said.
The draft report had been sent on June 14 to SLC, who were given 14 days to respond to queries raised in the report, however SLC had sought an extension of a month and have been given time until August 22 to reply. (Shehan Daniel / Pix: Kushan Pathiraja)
ACA Tuesday, 25 July 2023 11:56 PM
It is auditor generals report. There is nothing to prove. Just resign and allow authorities to take legal action to send you and your clan to jail. In this wonderland you robbers will thrive anyway.
Jude Wednesday, 26 July 2023 12:13 AM
That's a BS challenge!! We all know the truth, nothing but the truth that SLC corrupted to the core so Is ICC!!
Sivalingam Wednesday, 26 July 2023 02:31 AM
Nothing is proven against any VIP in the blunder of Asia.
Ram Wednesday, 26 July 2023 04:50 AM
If Shammi Silva discloses his assets to the public we can agree or disagree with the Auditor General. Our IRD is not questioning when assets keep swelling of many who even do not pay tax
Ram Wednesday, 26 July 2023 04:54 AM
Prove and I will resign is the chorus of all rogues. When charged in courts these rogues find loop holes left by our Prosecutors, rely on them as an escape route. The technicalities that can be raised must be removed from the legal system. If sufficient notice is given for the accused to understand the charge that is what will be needed
Suren Sarathkumara Wednesday, 26 July 2023 07:49 AM
Separate investigations should be carried out against prosecutors when the indictments have technical flaws.
Sambo Wednesday, 26 July 2023 06:54 AM
Never mind who sent the report and if it was a draft, the truth is as stated. Every board, department and corporations are corrupt to the word.
ravin Wednesday, 26 July 2023 07:16 AM
Why get so excited? Report is done by non other than National Audit office a proper authority ? knowing what is going on behind the walls may be the reason why no one wants to contest resent board election.
Russel Harmmer Wednesday, 26 July 2023 07:51 AM
No question Mr. Shammi Silva you must resign, SLC is not your father's property.
Lal Piyal Mendis Wednesday, 26 July 2023 07:53 AM
Sri Lanka Cricket Board went down to the bottom because of people like you robbed and misused the funds. Please get lost.
Navin Wednesday, 26 July 2023 08:08 AM
Now a cricket mafia?
Das Wednesday, 26 July 2023 08:33 AM
How many allegations are raised against this gang in the past
gerard Wednesday, 26 July 2023 08:45 AM
He said in the press conference that its a private establishment. Then why the hell are they forwarding the team selected to hon. Minister's approval ?
Crickets Wednesday, 26 July 2023 08:49 AM
If proven then you will have no choice but to resign before you are sacked!
Chulan Wednesday, 26 July 2023 08:51 AM
Ok will consider all allegations are falls. Your team is managing SLC for over 10 years , can Shammi tell what benefits or overall progress countries cricket has achieved. Simply tell how many matches national team played for last 5 years
joshua Wednesday, 26 July 2023 09:20 AM
Nothing to prove. We have enough trust in Auditor General. Please resign without wasting everybody's time. Take your stooges also with you
Jevan Wednesday, 26 July 2023 09:26 AM
Is SLC empowered to issue letters to support visa applications if individuals not connected to Team
Citizen2023 Wednesday, 26 July 2023 09:45 AM
Sack the entire Board n appoint trustworthy ex-cricketers who will do a good job. Too long Shammi is in the Board, high time he is sent home. What favours these officials get from the women who accompanied them. When our poor families cannot afford 2 meals a day, how these fellows misuse the Cricket Board money?
Lumbini Wednesday, 26 July 2023 11:05 AM
No elections for both the Board
Dhusana Wednesday, 26 July 2023 11:32 AM
The Reports we read, if true, is glaring misuse of funds. Shammi cannot escape by saying Celebrities were not funded ! He cannot go free by merely resigning but must face the consequences and even Fine and Jail sentence.
Mark Anandappa Wednesday, 26 July 2023 11:39 AM
This is just a line almost everyone uses but never implemented. Anyways the report has been complied on findings. So now it is to Walk the talk "right"
Chris Wednesday, 26 July 2023 11:48 AM
That's what all these crooks say. They should resign or should be interdicted till investigations are complete. If they remain in office they can tamper with the evidence.
Go, Johnny go!! Wednesday, 26 July 2023 01:57 PM
Sure, you will resign and contest the same post at the next SLC election. Hypocrisy is not a crime in any part of the world!!
Alan Wednesday, 26 July 2023 03:22 PM
I feel ex cricketer won’t make a good administrator, need a good honest administrator.
DJ Wednesday, 26 July 2023 10:52 PM
Please go and take band with you.
Dharme Thursday, 27 July 2023 07:28 AM
Sri Lanka is the most corrupt nation in ASIA , NO RULES of LAW with FOUR LEGGED Politicians , GUTLESS JUDGES ..So What can you expect?
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