Courtesy Hiru News

Colombo, November 20, 2023 – The ongoing crisis within Sri Lanka Cricket took center stage in Parliament today as Sports Minister Roshan Ranasinghe tabled three letters sent by Cricket President Shammi Silva to the International Cricket Council (ICC). These letters, requesting the suspension of Sri Lanka Cricket’s membership, have sparked a public outcry and raised concerns about the future of cricket in the country.

In a press conference held yesterday, Minister Ranasinghe unveiled the contents of the letters, shedding light on the internal turmoil within the Sri Lanka Cricket Board. The Board, in response, emphasized the obligation of the Cricket President to disclose all relevant information concerning cricket in the country under ICC regulations.

During today’s parliamentary session, Minister Ranasinghe called upon the Attorney General to initiate legal action against those responsible for jeopardizing the state of cricket in Sri Lanka. This move signals a significant step towards addressing the accountability of individuals involved in the crisis.

In related developments, Minister Manusha Nanayakkara, a member of the special sub-committee appointed by the President to address issues within Sri Lankan cricket, assured the media that the committee’s report would be promptly provided. The fate of the ban imposed on Sri Lankan cricket will be determined at an upcoming ICC meeting in India, where discussions will be led by ICC members.

As the nation awaits crucial decisions on the future of its cricketing landscape, an online petition has already gained momentum, calling for the removal of corrupt cricket officials. Simultaneously, a demonstration organized by Samagi Janabalawegaya was held in front of the Galle-Karapitiya Teaching Hospital, urging decisive action to eradicate corruption and safeguard Sri Lankan cricket.