School in Galle suspends own U-13 team following overage player scandal
A threatening note and wreath placed in front of the victim's house
Vidyalaloka College has suspended its Under-13 cricket team pending an inquiry after it was revealed that the team management had fielded an overage player in place of a regular opener during their match against Rahula College at the Sanath Jayasuriya Stadium in Matara.
A police complaint has been filed against the coach, W.S. Manathunga, who allegedly made the decision to substitute the regular player with the overage player, while also instructing the regular player not to speak about the incident to anyone.
The coach was summoned by the Galle Harbour Police following a complaint lodged by the player’s father. Reports also suggest that the coach has allegedly posted threatening posters with disturbing messages and placed a flower wreath in front of the house of the said regular player.
In response to the incident, the school’s principal, Prasanna Tennakoon, has ordered an internal inquiry into the matter and suspended all future matches of the team until the inquiry is concluded. The police investigation is also ongoing.