SLC Secretary steps down, but on health reasons
Mohan de Silva sent his letter of resignation from Australia, according to sources
Sri Lanka Cricket Secretary Mohan de Silva yesterday tendered his resignation from the position citing ‘personal and health’ reasons. His resignation comes in the wake of the Sports Minister’s call for a resignation of the cricket board officials and the national cricket selectors following Sri Lanka’s dismal performance against India on Thursday.
“I am writing to convey my immediate resignation from the position of Honorary Secretary of Sri Lanka Cricket, owing to personal and health reasons that demand my urgent attention,” his resignation letter reads.
De Silva, who went to Australia a few days ago, has fallen ill which he says is the reason for his resignation.
“After thoughtful consideration, I have concluded that stepping down will be beneficial for both the Board and myself, ensuring the Board’s activities are not adversely affected by my current constraints,” the letter further reads.
De Silva, a former Ananda College and SSC cricketer, has been one of the longest standing cricket officials and has worn the hat of President, Secretary and Vice President.
Following Sri Lanka’s defeat to India, Sports Minister Roshan Ranasinghe heightened his call for SLC’s resignation. The team suffered a 302-run defeat, as they were bowled out for 55 runs in chasing a mammoth 357 to win in Mumbai.
Minister Ranasinghe has long been at loggerheads with the board and has threatened to dissolve it several times.
However due to pressure from the International Cricket Council (ICC), he has refrained but has now given an ultimatum to SLC to resign before he cracks the whip. However, speculation rifts in cricketing circles that the minister finally dissolve the board and hand the powers into an interim administration. This may, however result in a global ban of the sport, as ICC has vehemently opposed political interference in cricket administration.
“Sri Lanka officials have no moral, ethical right to remain in office. They should resign from their posts,” the Minister has said.
He also said that the non-inclusion of senior cricketers like Angelo Mathews and Dinesh Chandimal had an effect on Sri Lanka’s World Cup campaign.
“The victimisation of Angelo Mathews and Dinesh Chandimal by not including them in the World Cup squad also had an effect on Sri Lanka’s debacle at the World Cup,” he claimed.
“It is a joke that SLC is defending the selectors and its executive committee.”
In a letter to the President Ranil Wickremasinghe, the Sports Minister highlighted SLC’s association with brands connected to betting and gambling.
“The Sri Lanka Cricket Board’s present leadership has made choices that have resulted in considerable damage to the organisation. Various Sri Lankan players have faced allegations of involvement in match fixing schemes, and there has been a public backlash against Sri Lanka Cricket’s perceived promotion of a culture of betting and gambling,” he wrote.
“The organisation’s decision to allow such entities to participate in the Lanka Premier League has been met with criticism as betting and gambling is a strictly restrained business while promoting related activities is illegal by several acts of Parliament,” the Minister’s letter to the President read.
His letter was in response to a letter SLC wrote to the President asking his mediation to stop the continuous harassment of SLC’s activities by the Sports Minister. Following the despicable loss, SLC demanded an explanation from the selection committee and the coaching staff.