Sri Lanka cricket in shambles

7 November 2023 06:59 am - 71 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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COLOMBO (Daily Mirror) - Hours after Sports Minister Roshan Ranasingha appointed an interim committee headed by former cricketer Arjuna Ranatunga to assume control of Sri Lanka Cricket yesterday, an angry President Ranil Wickremesinghe telephoned Ranasingha and asked for an immediate explanation as to why he had made such a move without consulting him or the cabinet.

The Daily Mirror learns that the President was made aware that the Sri Lanka Cricket Board had been suspended and an interim committee was appointed only by seeing the messages on the news and was surprised as to why Ranasingha had not consulted him or anyone in the cabinet.

An angry Wickremesinghe immediately telephoned Ranasingha and called for an explanation and asked him to be present at the cabinet meeting last evening.

The President had also informed Ranasingha that politicizing the Sri Lanka Cricket Board would lead to Sri Lanka losing its membership in the ICC and why is it that such a sudden move was made when the World Cup series was ongoing. Ranasingha of course had defended himself to which he was firmly told to remember who the President was and that he should have consulted the cabinet before making any such move.

Later last evening when the cabinet convened, President Wickremesinghe questioned Ranasingha in front of the ministers as to why he made a sole decision and even the composition of the members was questioned.

All Ministers questioned Ranasingha as to how retired judges would run the functions of the Sri Lanka Cricket Board and why Rakitha Rajapakshe, who is the son of Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe and Hisham Jamaldeen, son of A.J.M. Muzammil were appointed to the committee.

The cabinet said that while the administration of Sri Lanka Cricket should be done by one committee, the allegations of misconduct should be done by another committee.

As a result, a four member ministerial committee headed by Foreign Minister Ali Sabry was appointed to look into SLC's future activities and the gazette notification issued appointing the SLC interim committee members. The other ministers are Kanchana Wijesekara, Manusha Nanayakkara and Tiran Alles.

By last evening it was unclear if the new interim committee headed by Arjuna Ranatunga still remained as the President and Minister Ranasingha were yet to thrash that out.

The Daily Mirror learns that a few weeks ago Ranasingha was informed by the President to compile a report into allegations of misconduct by the suspended Sri Lanka Cricket Board and only after this report was submitted to the cabinet that a collective decision would be made and the course of action taken.

However instead of doing that, Ranasingha hurriedly suspended Shammi Silva and his gang from the SLC Board and appointed an interim committee appointed by Arjuna Ranatunga.

It is learnt that a furious President had also mentioned to some of his close confidantes yesterday that he would revoke the gazette issued by Ranasingha if Sri Lanka's membership with the ICC was at stake and the cabinet would take over the Sports Law.

However despite Ranasingha being told last morning to provide an explanation to the cabinet over his sudden move to appoint an interim committee, the new members led by Arjuna Ranatunga visited the Sri Lanka Cricket yesterday to take over their functions. Ranasingha himself met Ranatunga later in the afternoon to begin discussions.

The suspended Sri Lanka Cricket Board led by Shammi Silva, who in recent days have been severely ridiculed by a cricket loving nation for the national team's disappointing performance, remained silent with all suspended members remaining tight lipped over their disgraced suspension.

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Comments - 71

Nimal Tuesday, 07 November 2023 07:18 AM

Lol. The sacked administrators have gone crying to the president.

Mizaru Tuesday, 07 November 2023 07:23 AM

The whole country is in shambles. The only way out for a fresh mandate from the people. The present approval rating of the government just 9% and dropping. It is worse that the other dude Biden.

Chryshan Tuesday, 07 November 2023 07:24 AM

President was sleeping while Sri Lanka Cricket deteriorated to the lowest lewels led by Shammi Silva and his gang of robbers. Without Suspension and taking over accounting cannot prove the mis management of these culprits. President is now worried that his rogues are going to get caught.

Mahila Wednesday, 08 November 2023 10:19 PM

Taht's beyond Fantasy - load of BS

Jayantha Tuesday, 07 November 2023 07:31 AM

Why icc not look to miscoduct at slc. They are seems to be a part of corruption too. They never say the voting system should be changed to slc as everyone knows bribing clubs will secure votes to become heads at slc. Then these jokers give preference to those clubs over the rest. This is another reson why we do not get talented guys to the team. Instead we are depending on weak players like Rajitha,kjp,dimuth,game silva,mendis,asalanka and even Dasun.

Cricket Fan Tuesday, 07 November 2023 07:32 AM

Get lost President and corrupt cabinet. Give new interim committee a chance to work. RW wants bookmakers in good good book. Shame you! It might be the downfall of RW intentions of to be the elected President if he pushes too hard in favour of corrupt committee. Cabinet members should declare their assets as a priority before covering disgraced former SLC cricket administration

Hello Hello Tuesday, 07 November 2023 07:48 AM

Everything is a monkey business in SL. Nothing is done in a straight way. It's always relatives of someone is appointed to committees after committees.

VJ Tuesday, 07 November 2023 07:56 AM

Just like everything else in the country. We are the same, we don’t know where the problem is, but appoint committees with crooks to find solutions. We have not progressed but our opponents have made big strides in preparing for the tournament.

Jude Tuesday, 07 November 2023 07:56 AM

The subject minister have the authority And the SLC under his Purview, the action he took was justified and in line of minister's responsibilities!!

Gamaya Tuesday, 07 November 2023 08:01 AM

Wow the committee appointed by the Pres has some of the most corrupt jokers.

Steve Tuesday, 07 November 2023 08:02 AM

Convenient moves by the President to divert public attention from the severe problems in the country.

Harl Masso Tuesday, 07 November 2023 08:07 AM

Mr President resolve the IGP appointment before embarking on crusades

kumar Tuesday, 07 November 2023 08:08 AM

SL possessed world class batsmen but were not consistent, to a lesser degree but also lacked a reserve of good bowlers. We also have a Minister who makes rash decisions and statements.

Jude Tuesday, 07 November 2023 08:09 AM

RANIL don't want to offend BOOKIEEMAN, Coz Shammi Silva is his ගෝලයා then the BOOKIEEMAN is one of the Major contributors to crossover by SB to UNP back in 2001 yeah BOOKIEEMAN sponsored SB in another words he who paid crossover fee to SB, so they go back Long way RANIL and BOOKIEEMAN!!

rohan Tuesday, 07 November 2023 08:21 AM

Why the president had got angry. he wants to put his finger for all events then why he has appointed a minister. president thinks that he is the only genius person in srilanka. he is putting srilanka iinto a hell.

Joseph Tuesday, 07 November 2023 08:24 AM

So the President has a reason to be concerned, the Minister has not followed collective decision on submission of a report

Ranil the protector of criminals Tuesday, 07 November 2023 08:26 AM

It's simple Mr, President, you were not consulted because 1. You are untrustworthy, 2. You don't know anything about cricket, 3. Even if you did you will insist on putting your stupid friends in top positions. Get it Mr. I work for only the rajapaksas?

Jagath Ekanaya Tuesday, 07 November 2023 08:37 AM

You were not consulted because you would put the boy of your dreams Namal as chairman.

Gajaba Walimunidewa Tuesday, 07 November 2023 08:38 AM

ICC wants to see SLC deteriorate. This problem is like an iceberg. There's lot more underneath. ICC would support Shammi and the clan anyways. On the other hand, why not let sports minister handle this case? RW should be steering the country's economy to right direction and the national security.

Dr. Aruna Jayakody Tuesday, 07 November 2023 08:41 AM

Ranil and Sagan wants Shammi. 99.9% of Sri Lankans want Sammi out from crochet board. As usuals Ranil does not understand the expedition of the people.

Jude Tuesday, 07 November 2023 08:42 AM

At the rate we're going SL team NOT gonna qualify for any ICC tournaments and I don't see the difference getting suspended by ICC. If SL get suspended then it's a blessing in disguise!! In case you didn't follow, SL this year world Cup campaign was over when SL was shotout for 55 runs against India And we only hadda chance, only mathematically and Bangladesh put final nail in the coffin when they beat SL today. Thanks Bangladesh for taking us out of the Misery second time And thanks for the $200 million loan.

Gary S Tuesday, 07 November 2023 08:55 AM

Sri Lanka Cricket fiasco is a reflection of the administration of the entire country

sll Tuesday, 07 November 2023 08:57 AM

Ranil's Indian boss may be angry too

lalithan Monday, 13 November 2023 03:51 PM

Who.. The bcci .. The board of crooks and criminals international

Premalal Perera Tuesday, 07 November 2023 09:21 AM

Sri Lanka in shambles let alone Sri Lanka cricket. The problem of the country remains clear. The man who claims to be President put his fingers in every thing but does not let anyone interfere in his ministries however shambolic they are. Once a minister is given responsibility he must be given a free hand. Or else all portfolios should be handled by the cabinet and of course the President.

DOT Tuesday, 07 November 2023 09:55 AM

You should have done this earlier Ho. H.E! Better late than never!

Ruwan Tuesday, 07 November 2023 10:10 AM

The Minister appears to be immature and manipulated by Mr Cool and others. The composition of the interim administration is strange. Too close relatives of current politicians, one former politician and relative of a current politician, and A brother of a former member of the corrupt former committee. Blood is thicker than water. Deliberations within the committee is bound to leak out, and family interests safeguarded over national interest. I think the president is correct in calling out the immature, gullible bull in the China shop. Mr Cool now holds a position he long aspired for, albeit on an interim basis. The minimum the minister could have done is hold fire until the WC was concluded. There could have been behind the scenes cats paws to working actively to manipulate and create an ugly situation within the government. Clearly a lot of actors who have put personal interests ahead of the game and the country. Time will make it abundantly clear.

TV umpire Tuesday, 07 November 2023 10:21 AM

Minister Roshan Ranasinghe, was booed and chased out by the public when he went to a school recently to open the new laying of grass. So now he is the new hero and all disgrace is forgotten! This is political strategy at its best. Arjuna too, is hurriedly holding press conferences even before he has spoken with his own team known as the interim committee. After all he too is a politician. ANd in the meantime unpopular VAT increase and other bitter pills are been sollowed by us the gullible citizens.

Ram Tuesday, 07 November 2023 10:31 AM

President RW to get so angry about his Minister dissolving the SLC Board headed by Shammi, makes me think that he had some sympathies to the outgoing Board. It could be that the Board members paid something like "kappan" to the UNP and RW got angry for losing that

Mithun Tuesday, 07 November 2023 10:33 AM

Ranil may be wrong but interim committee too raises concern. As every one things Arjuna is not a genuine man and there is Wijedasa Rajapakhsa's son and Mussamil's son. Still this country prefers family chain.

Pravin Tuesday, 07 November 2023 10:34 AM

Ranasingha was informed by the President to compile a report into allegations of misconduct by the suspended Sri Lanka Cricket Board and only after this report was submitted to the cabinet that a collective decision would be made and the course of action taken. However instead of doing that, Ranasingha hurriedly suspended Shammi Silva and his gang from the SLC Board and appointed an interim committee appointed by Arjuna Ranatunga. The million dollar question is why did the minister run this alone? Who was close to him and advising him. I think many could make a very good guess.

Cricket Lover Tuesday, 07 November 2023 10:47 AM

quote"As a result, a four member ministerial committee headed by Foreign Minister Ali Sabry was appointed to look into SLC's future activities and the gazette notification issued appointing the SLC interim committee members. The other ministers are Kanchana Wijesekara, Manusha Nanayakkara and Tiran Alles". unquote How many of these people have played at least jil-bola? Are they interested in going to watch the Finals?

Marikkar Tuesday, 07 November 2023 11:05 AM

Yet another staged drama to fool the Public..

Remember you are the only unpopular unelected president Tuesday, 07 November 2023 11:06 AM

Why should every decision be referred to you? That’s why you appointed capable ministers to manage each portfolio. This is the same reason a new IGP is not being appointed. You want your man and unless you have your way you will shout and pout. Cricket is truly $

LK Ja Tuesday, 07 November 2023 11:12 AM

What Sports Activity did the Sports Minister Participate in his Time?

The Public Tuesday, 07 November 2023 11:13 AM

Vast majority of the public support and approve removal of cricket board. However, some appointments to the interim committee (relatives of corrupt politicians) are still questionable. The selected president is going to make a big mistake politically if he tries to intervene inappropriately. He should understand that the vast majority of the public are waiting for an election to remove him and the corrupt cabinet too.

Just Tuesday, 07 November 2023 11:14 AM

our cricket is going to suffer if we have such move .... Recognize and reconcile and re_ connect and re_correct

Hadiran Tuesday, 07 November 2023 11:28 AM

President must not pork fingers into each and every duties of cabinet of ministers since he was assigned to put the country to bring out of bankruptcy .Let the minister investigate financial corruption by cricket board as already revealed by the Auditor General.

Jeevendra Pathirage Tuesday, 07 November 2023 11:30 AM

Angry President Ranil Wickremesinghe JAMILA HUSAIN-How Jamila read the mind of another person News ........ Ha Ha Ha

Janaka Rajapaksha Tuesday, 07 November 2023 12:02 PM

Do we have a legally elected prez? Why people cannot understand this? This is the whole problem in this country!

Jagath Leanage Tuesday, 07 November 2023 12:06 PM

Ask Ranil to coach our cricket team . For every matter he is poaching his hand must be thinking he is the GOD FATHER .

N V Jen Tuesday, 07 November 2023 12:19 PM

Ranil proves once again that he is a spoilsport!

Wiraj Tuesday, 07 November 2023 12:21 PM

Virtually the whole country is run on the same manner only. Corruption and nepotism of the incompetent has led to failures in every sphere of life.

Tudor Nanayakara - Snr. Lawyer Tuesday, 07 November 2023 12:23 PM

President always protects wrong doers, robbers and even murderers and drug dealers. This is proved in the past. Only alternative is to send the President and the ruling SLPP home and form a new regime to develop SriLanka.

Prof. T. Thuraisingham Tuesday, 07 November 2023 12:26 PM

Consulting the President and the Cabinet is the old method Ranil, now anyone who could stand for the right can stand and take any decisions which works good for the nation. Mind it Ranil. Sports Minister did the right thing.

Rasika Tuesday, 07 November 2023 12:28 PM

Lawlessness country we cannot expect any thing other than total collapse like corrupntions etc etc. Sad state.

Dr. K.M.J. Koswatte Tuesday, 07 November 2023 12:29 PM

Appointing Arjuna Ranatunga is the best decision by the Sports Minister as he knows he will point blankly bring all the culprits before justice. But the President Favours the culprits... we will wait and see what will happen to SriLanka Cricket.

Quwath Quwamai Tuesday, 07 November 2023 12:32 PM

Ranil if you try to be like Hitler in SriLanka, only within few months either your seat will remain vacant, or your body will rest under the soil. Don't try to be so rood and save the thieves using your powers.

Frank Tuesday, 07 November 2023 12:34 PM

Hay Ranil all the Ministers you appointed to look in to the Sports affair are the worst thieves whom you have to support you. Be aware, anything can happen within six months not only for you Kanchana also in the priority list.

K.D.J. Ramanathan (attorney-at-law) Tuesday, 07 November 2023 12:37 PM

Ranil, now it is your plan to sack Roshan Ranasinghe and offer his post to Namal Rajapakshe as per the order of King Mahinda. Correct????

A disgusted citizen Tuesday, 07 November 2023 12:39 PM

Ranil Rajapaksa has shown that he is a supporter of corruption. Thats all.

Sauel Raju Tuesday, 07 November 2023 12:46 PM

Mr. President, The Sports Minister has made the correct decision. Now that he has been appointed as the Sports Minister, he has the sole right and the discretion to act firmly. Do not interfere. Do not safeguard the rogues!!

Bande Tuesday, 07 November 2023 01:34 PM

Have we done anything right up to now after consulting Prez or Cabinet in this country. We are showing our nudity to international community . It is shame…..all bureaucrats….nothing for the country.

Yehiya Zavahir Tuesday, 07 November 2023 03:40 PM

Minister must consult the cabinet.

Mandayan Tuesday, 07 November 2023 04:12 PM

Sri Lanka itself in crisis, let alone the cricket!!

Kithth Tuesday, 07 November 2023 05:03 PM

It's a power struggle between two greedy sides. Arjuna and his brothers and Sumathipala proxy clan. Both parties are equally greedy..!! Sport Minister is an idiot to sack cricket board while the world cup tournament is going on which will further unsettle players and team management. Though Arjuna was a good cricket captain he is a very poor administrator. His last tenor as Head of SLC was in shambles. If Arjuna and Thilanga can stay away from SLC administration, that is the best thing that could happen for SL cricket. Decent ex-senior cricketers like Wettimuny, Sangakkara stay silent because they don't want to get caught in these two's (Arjuna and Thilanga) ugly battle for power.

djkperera Tuesday, 07 November 2023 05:15 PM

courted politicians liker Ranil should be defeated in Sri Lanka politics.

Rulers all together fails than the cricket team Tuesday, 07 November 2023 06:11 PM

If ICC membership is at stake due to this sudden change of the governing body, its a foolish act and an offence. Sack this arrogant minister. Too many foolish comments.

Mahila Wednesday, 08 November 2023 10:50 PM

The Honourable Minister (who was held in very High Esteem until this moment BY ONE AND ALL), 'SAD TO SAY' TANTAMOUNT to Playing “POLIT-(R)-ICS” with “SL Cricketing Public and Cricketing Events”, which Sri Lankans, TRULY, ‘Love and adore’!!!??? Ranatunga is also a very respected Cricketer/Politician!!!??? NOT in MANAGEMENT though!!!??? Sorry, thus far and NO FURTHER!!!??? If Minister Roshan, HASN'T SUBMITTED the report prior to removing the governing Board of SLC to Cabinet and Not-Complied with the Presidential request, he doesn't appear to be a "TEAM PLAYER" in a Team of Governance!!!!?? In the circumstances, “NON-COMPLIANCE” shouldn’t be TOLERATED!!!??? He should be “TAKEN to TASK”, apologise to Cabinet and submit the report he was requested to submit???? Otherwise, total MIS-FIT!!???? What else IS GOOD IN HIM!!?? SARCASM!? QUESTION, would "Gamma" – Gamini Fernando Tolerated this non-sense!!!??? NO!!??

Mahila Wednesday, 08 November 2023 10:50 PM

The Honourable Minister (who was held in very High Esteem until this moment BY ONE AND ALL), 'SAD TO SAY' TANTAMOUNT to Playing “POLIT-(R)-ICS” with “SL Cricketing Public and Cricketing Events”, which Sri Lankans, TRULY, ‘Love and adore’!!!??? Ranatunga is also a very respected Cricketer/Politician!!!??? NOT in MANAGEMENT though!!!??? Sorry, thus far and NO FURTHER!!!??? If Minister Roshan, HASN'T SUBMITTED the report prior to removing the governing Board of SLC to Cabinet and Not-Complied with the Presidential request, he doesn't appear to be a "TEAM PLAYER" in a Team of Governance!!!!?? In the circumstances, “NON-COMPLIANCE” shouldn’t be TOLERATED!!!??? He should be “TAKEN to TASK”, apologise to Cabinet and submit the report he was requested to submit???? Otherwise, total MIS-FIT!!???? What else IS GOOD IN HIM!!?? SARCASM!? QUESTION, would "Gamma" – Gamini Fernando Tolerated this non-sense!!!??? NO!!??

Sam Nathan Tuesday, 07 November 2023 07:32 PM

How about Chamari Aththapaththu? She is going great guns in Australia. Flying the lion flag high and mighty in WBBL. Well done young lady. Very proud of you.

Sambo Tuesday, 07 November 2023 07:37 PM

It seems this president is encouraging corruption in everything. Instead supporting the minister he reprimands him. This country is the corrupted in the world.

Lanka Tuesday, 07 November 2023 07:46 PM

Ha ha....All this juicy details came out because the LOST badly. Otherwise, they will be honeymooning forever!!

T.Douglas Tuesday, 07 November 2023 09:12 PM

SHAME! SHAME!

Suni Perera Wednesday, 08 November 2023 06:09 AM

The SLC scenario has become a joke beyond all realms of rationality.It has been known for a long time that it is an organization that is not only but run by inept and greedy individuals who have perpetuated its near demise.The ICC must certainly be watching all this and the last thing SLC needs is the President's involvement who should focus on resolving the country's real issues.Let the Interim Committee take over and adjudicate proceedings to restore order.Arjuna should be the person capable of resolving many of Sri Lanka's cricket issues and needs to be given the reins to continue.

Suni Perera Wednesday, 08 November 2023 06:09 AM

The SLC scenario has become a joke beyond all realms of rationality.It has been known for a long time that it is an organization that is not only but run by inept and greedy individuals who have perpetuated its near demise.The ICC must certainly be watching all this and the last thing SLC needs is the President's involvement who should focus on resolving the country's real issues.Let the Interim Committee take over and adjudicate proceedings to restore order.Arjuna should be the person capable of resolving many of Sri Lanka's cricket issues and needs to be given the reins to continue.

Marsipala Wednesday, 08 November 2023 11:24 AM

Racism- after muralidaran and mahroof retired why no hindu or muslim players selected for national team. give equal opportunities for talented players. this is what hap pent to the country as well

A confused citizen Wednesday, 08 November 2023 01:13 PM

The President has clearly shown that he is a supporter of the corrupt and clueless executives of SLC. The public should consider this if and when a presidential Election is held. This President must be 'Timed Out'.

ANURA NANAYAKKARA Wednesday, 08 November 2023 02:02 PM

THIS CLEARLY SHOWS THAT RANIL DOES NOT UNDERSTAND THE EXPECTATIONS OF THE CITIZENS OF THE COUNTRY. RANIL IS NOT A LEADER WHO CAN HANDLE COMPLEX ISSUES. WE SHOULD THROW HIM OUT IN TH NEXT ELECTIONS AND GIVE POWER TO A MORE CAPABLE AND INTELIGENT LEADER .

Sambo Wednesday, 08 November 2023 07:53 PM

Why don't the president sell Sri Lanka cricket as well and be done with it since he is selling everything else.

cricket fan Thursday, 09 November 2023 07:48 AM

Even before the 2023 cricket world cup Sri Lanka cricket was ranked 7th in the ICC ODI Rankings among the top 10 teams in international cricket. Currently during the 2003 cricket world cup has gone even further down the ladder to number 9 having won only 2 matches out of a total of 9 games and failed to qualify for the semi finals among the top four teams in the tournament

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Sri Lanka cricket in shambles

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