Sports

Rival Presidential candidates Jayantha Dharmadasa and Mohan de Silva have both expressed confidence of being elected a winner at the Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) elections which is set to be held amidst tight security at the Ministry of Sports on Saturday.A total of 29 controlling cricket clubs (2 votes each), 23 affiliated clubs (one vote each), 5 Provincial Cricket Associations (2 votes each), 22 District Cricket Associations (two votes each) and 6 Cricket Associations (two votes each) will make up the total of 147 votes.

Speaking to The Sunday Times the current interim committee chairman Jayantha Dharmadasa expressed confidence of winning the election. “We are very confident of victory. I expect over 100 votes”. Ironically Dharmadasa’s opponent Mohan De Silva who is being backed by Thilanga Sumathipala also expressed similar confidence at being elected as SLC President.” I am very confident of winning and I expect around 102 votes, that is my target”, said De Silva to The Sunday Times.

De Silva who was ousted from his position as SLC President last year and replaced by Jayantha Dharmadasa and his Interim Committee also expressed satisfaction in the manner in which the Ministry of Sports is to conduct this week’s election. “I have the utmost confidence with the Ministry of Sports and the Secretary S Wirithamulla who have been doing a very good job in preparing for this election.”

Cricket analysts view this years election as a very close tussle between Jayanatha Dharmadasa and former SLC President Thilanga Sumathipala who is working behind the scenes in support of Mohan De Silva’s nomination. In a surprise move the International Cricket Council (ICC) has also decided to send two representatives for the election to observe proceedings.

Roads leading to the Ministry of Sports at Torrington square are expected to be closed on Saturday afternoon and a large number of security Force personnel including members of the Special Task Force are expected to be present in order to ensure that a free and fair election will be held.

Some of the key positions that will be fought out between the two rival camps are- President –Mohan De Silva/ Jayantha Dharmadasa, Vice Presidents (2) -Nuski Mohamed and Jayantha Paranathala,/ Kaushik Amalean and K Mathivanan Secretary-Michael de Zoysa,/ Nishantha Ranatunge, Asst Secretary-Hashan Tilakaratne,/ Prakash Schafter, Treasurer -Nimal Perera/ Sujeewa Rajapakse and Asst Treasurer- Selva Perumal/ Ajith Cooray.