SLC deny offering former IGP monthly salary and perks
Following MP Hesha Withanage’s recent claims regarding Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) in Parliament, SLC quickly denied allegations that it paid a salary of Rs. 150,000 to IGP Deshabandu Tennakoon, who is currently under remand, since August 2021. However, it remains clear that the SLC Executive Committee had approved this payment, along with additional perks, even though the agreement between SLC and Tennakoon, who was then a Senior DIG, never came to fruition.
In a statement, SLC strongly denied the allegations made by MP Withanage during the Parliamentary debate on the Appropriation Bill on March 18, 2025. The statement read, “Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) wishes to categorically deny and strongly refute the baseless and false allegations made by MP Hesha Withanage during the Parliamentary debate.”
During the debate, MP Withanage alleged that SLC had paid Rs. 150,000 as a salary to Deshabandu Tennakoon, who was serving as the Senior DIG in charge of the Western Province at the time. A document presented in Parliament by MP Withanage on Thursday, revealed that the Executive Committee had offered a two-year contract, beginning on August 16, 2021, for Tennakoon to serve as an Adviser to the Security Consultant of SLC. In addition to the monthly allowance of Rs. 150,000, the SLC also approved 200 litres of fuel, a Rs. 5,000 mobile allowance, a laptop, a mobile phone, and medical insurance.
Neither party disputed these details. However, the deal ultimately fell through when the then Secretary to the Ministry of Public Security at the time, denied the necessary permission. Tennakoon subsequently wrote a letter on November 5, 2021, explaining his reasons for declining the offer extended by SLC on August 8, 2021.
SLC sought Tennakoon’s expertise on security matters related to international tours. This request came at a time when Sri Lanka was adjusting to the “new normal” lifestyle following the Covid-19, requiring SLC to implement additional safety protocols to protect players and officials during international and domestic cricket events.
In a two-page statement, SLC emphasised that it is fully committed to ensuring the highest level of security for foreign national teams, international tours, players, events, and visiting dignitaries, including heads of state. To achieve this, SLC regularly collaborates with security personnel, including high-ranking military and police officers. It is standard practice for SLC to enlist the support of both active and retired senior officers to ensure thorough safety measures during international cricket tours.
MP Withanage, a vocal critic of the current administration, has also called for the suspension of the scheduled election of office bearers on March 31, 2025. The current administration, led by President Shammi Silva, is widely expected to secure a third consecutive term after former Minister of Sports Harin Fernando introduced regulations that would extend the term of the president to eight years and set a 16-year limit for other executive members. While these regulations are yet to be approved by Parliament, a requirement by the Sports Law, SLC will go into vote to extend their term by another two years.