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View(s):Reply to your article titled “Sports Minister Lays Foundation for Corruption-Free Administration; More to Follow?”
Re: Sri Lanka Cricket’s Commitment to Excellence and Transparency
Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) wishes to express its grave concern over the baseless and malicious claims published in your newspaper, which seek to undermine the reputation of one of the nation’s most respected institutions.
SLC has consistently upheld its commitment to the growth and development of cricket, both locally and internationally. Through our dedicated efforts, we have achieved significant milestones, including:
Strengthening grassroots programmes to foster young talent.
Enhancing player facilities to ensure their success on the global stage.
Upholding Sri Lanka’s cricketing legacy with pride and dedication.
These achievements have been possible due to the collaborative efforts of the international cricketing community, committed administrators, and the unwavering support of the public.
Baseless Allegations and Misrepresentation:
It is deeply disheartening to witness fabricated narratives, often propagated by individuals who have failed to secure positions of responsibility through legitimate and democratic means. Such falsehoods serve no purpose other than to mislead the public and tarnish the image of an organisation that has consistently prioritised integrity and excellence.
SLC operates under stringent governance structures, ensuring transparency and accountability in all its dealings. As a full-fledged member of the International Cricket Council (ICC), SLC is bound by international standards, regulations, and protocols. The ICC monitors its members closely to ensure compliance with these standards, and SLC has consistently met these obligations.
ICC Constitution and the Need for Autonomy:
Article 2.4(d) of the ICC Constitution mandates that every member shall have its governance and affairs managed and carried out without any form of political interference. Members are required to maintain autonomous governance, which is a paramount requirement to ensure the uninterrupted continuation of cricket in their respective countries.
It is, therefore, essential for the state to uphold the autonomy of SLC without any interference by any governmental arm or institution. Failure to do so could result in adverse consequences, such as the ICC’s suspension of
Sri Lanka from participating in cricket, as witnessed in 2023.
A Recent Case in Point:
It is worth noting the ICC’s suspension of SLC on 10th November 2023, due to the breach of the requirement to manage its affairs autonomously, free from government interference. Following this, assurances were sought by the ICC from the Government of Sri Lanka, and based on these assurances and SLC’s rigorous corrective measures, which involved working tirelessly with relevant stakeholders to address these concerns, SLC successfully achieved the lifting of the suspension imposed by the ICC on 28th January 2024. This affirmed that SLC was no longer in breach of its obligations.
This recent episode underscores SLC’s commitment to operating independently and adhering to the highest international standards. It also highlights the detrimental impact of external interference and baseless allegations on the sport, its stakeholders, and the nation.
A Call for Responsibility and Integrity:
Cricket holds a special place in the hearts of Sri Lankans, serving as a unifying force across the nation. SLC strongly urges the public to remain vigilant against misinformation that undermines this beloved sport and the people who dedicate their lives to its progress.
The governance of SLC is guided by fairness, integrity, and accountability. We do not and will not succumb to political interference, corruption, or propaganda. Attempts to malign the board only detract from the focus on nurturing talent, building the sport, and fostering national pride.
This is a reminder that while baseless accusations may persist, SLC remains steadfast in its mission to elevate cricket and inspire future generations. We will continue to uphold our values and fulfil our responsibilities, undeterred by unwarranted attacks.
Sujeeva Godaliyadda Hony. Treasurer
| Sports Editor’s Note | |
| Sri Lanka Cricket must be reminded that our previous article, “Sports Minister Lays Foundation for Corruption-Free Administration; More to Follow?”, did not contain baseless or malicious allegations. Instead, it underscored the critical need to implement the recommendations of the Chitrasiri Committee.We reiterate that SLC, an organisation long criticised for its lack of accountability and resistance to reform, requires professional corporate management to thrive. It deserves leadership that prioritises the sport’s development and the nation’s pride over personal gain. This is where the implementation of the Chitrasiri Committee’s recommendations becomes crucial. |