President orders Sports Minister to look into Chandana matter

By S.R. Pathiravithana

Chandana

Lokuge

President Mahinda Rajapaksa has asked the country's sports minister Gamini Lokuge to investigate into the matter pertaining to all-rounder Upul Chandana's retirement.

Speaking to The Sunday Times Minister Gamini Lokuge said “President Rajapaksa requested me to go into the reasons which led Chandana to announce his retirement. This happened last week and I have informed both the SLC and the national selectors to meet me regarding this matter, but due to my busy schedule I have not been able do that so far. Both the SLC and the selectors are ready with their facts on the matter and I will meet them by Monday or Tuesday.

“Chandana had commented on the unfair treatment meted out to him to the press on Wednesday and we have a duty to look into it. If corrective action is needed, we will take them,” Lokuge said.

He also added that the president himself would take part in the meeting when it takes place on Monday or Tuesday.

Chandana’s name, along with a host of other national cricketers has been linked with the rebel Indian Cricket League (ICL). But he told the press that so far he has not been contacted by the ICL, but, if it happens so he would make his mind up at that time.