Hashan commenced his cricket career when he was a student at D.S. Senanayaka College. He played for his college team and captained the team as well. He played for N.C.C. and was appointed captain of the club.

He was selected for the national team in 1989 and continued till 2004. He represented the country in 83 tests and 200 ODIs, where he scored 4545 runs in test matches and 3789 runs in ODIs. He was a superb close in fielder with quick reflexes and kept wickets when needed. He represented the country in four World Cups. He was a member of the team when Sri Lanka won the World Cup in 1996 under the captaincy of Arjuna, by defeating Australia in Lahore, Pakistan. At a certain stage he had the best test average for a number Six batsmen in the world. He was dubbed Mr. Reliable for his consistency in batting. Prior to his retirement in 2004 he captained the national team. He had a very distinguished cricketing career.

Hashan Thilekeratne

I would also state that Hashan was bestowed honorary life membership of the M.C.C. in recognition of his services rendered to cricket. This is a rare achievement. Before the dissolution of the Cricket Board Hashan was the chief executive at Cricket Aid, which planned to build four housing projects to the people affected by the tsunami. What more do you need to be the manager at the national team. After Arjuna was appointed Chairman of the Interim Committee he obtained the expertise and services of past reputed cricketers for the administration, coaching and development of cricket in this country. With this end in view he selected Hashan, irrespective of his political involvement as U.N.P. organizer Avissawella. As a manager of the national team he promptly started working with the team with great enthusiasm without any monetary gains from the Cricket Board, purely on honorary capacity. We should have leaders with this quality to develop varied fields of sports in this country.

Nevertheless the Minister turned down this appointment. The argument adduced by the Minister was Hashan should resign from politics if he wants my approval. Millions of cricketing fans of this country deplores this decision of the minister. Letters to the media criticizing this decision bears adequate testimony in regard to this issue. Prominent politicians like J.R. Jayawardana, Dr. N.M. Perera, T.B. Werapitiya, Laxman Jayakody, Gamini Dissanayake and Tyronne Fernando were Chairmen of the Board of Control for Cricket in Sri Lanka. No one requested them to quit politics. Gamini Dissanayake was responsible to obtain Test status for Sri Lanka.

Nevertheless, the Minister has not taken any action to remove Arjuna as the Chairman of the Interim Committee, even though he is an M.P. Minster Dilan Perea, Chairman of the Volleyball Federation and Central Province Chief Minister Sarath Ekanayake as Chairman, Basket-ball Federation. Consequently it is quite evident that this is a sinister move by the Minister to take revenge for a personal vendetta against Hashan. Now the Minister has approved Charith Senanayaka Manager. He has played three tests and seven ODIs. What a disparity between Hashan and Charith in respect of skills and experience?

Recently Julian Boling reputed swimmer of the past, severely criticized the Minister in respect of the selection of the swimmers for Beijing Olympics. These incidents have eroded the confidence of the people pertaining to the Minister. At present members who are serving in the Interim Committee on honorary capacity get US$350 per day on overseas tours. Minister should define the position "ordinary" and "honorary" before repetition of this nature happens. I earnestly request the President to intervene in this matter and bring about an amicable settlement between the Minister and Hashan in the greater interest of this gentlemen's game. Justice must not only be done, but it must manifestly and abundantly appear to be done.

L.P. Karunarathne
Nawala