Cricket: SLC clarifies on Excise raid at RPICS last Saturday

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has released a statement clarifying the raid conducted by the Department of Excise during the 5th and final ODI between Sri Lanka and England played at the R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium (RPICS) in Colombo on Tuesday (23).

"Clarification pertaining to several media reports published citing 'Department of Excise' causing a search at the RPICS during the 5th ODI," SLC stated today (25).

"Sri Lanka Cricket wishes to state that following a decision made by the Executive Committee during February, 2018, SLC appointed Classic Destinations Private Limited as the hospitality Partner for the Nidahas Trophy and the England Tour of Sri Lanka 2018". 

"Accordingly, the Company is entitled to, at its sole cost and expenses to provide and or supply Hospitality Services (including food and related care) to the spectators procured by the Company for such Corporate Boxes with no involvement of Sri Lanka Cricket."

"In that context, in the exercise of the rights granted to the Company, it shall be duty bound to act within the Law of the Country by procuring and obtaining relevant licenses and or permits as required by Law for the services to be offered by the Company to its spectators."

"As the firm has failed to act within the law; as found following a raid by the Department of Exercise during the 05th ODI between Sri Lanka and England at the RPICS; and bringing disrepute to Sri Lanka Cricket, SLC decided to immediately terminate Classic Destination from delivering further hospitality services during the England tour."

"Sri Lanka Cricket will handle the corporate boxes in the upcoming matches to ensure that spectators will not face any inconvenience."