Cricket: Thilanga Sumathipala elected SLC Chairman

Deputy Speaker of the Parliament, Thilanga Sumathipala was elected the Chairman of Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) at its Annual General Meeting held at the Ministry of Sports Auditorium in Torrington today (3).

Sumathipala and his group of officials obtained 88 votes while his main opponent Nishantha Ranatunga, the former Secretary of SLC and his group received 56 votes in favour. 

Minister of Ports and former chief of SLC, Arjuna Ranatunga, who contested against Sumathipala’s group received 80 votes in favour but the two Vice President’s positions were filled by Jayantha Dharmadasa and K. Mathivanan.

The World Cup winning former skipper of Sri Lanka cricket team, Arjuna Ranatunga expressed his displeasure over the conduct the elections were handled by the Director General of the Ministry of Sports, K.D.S. Ruwanthilaka and revealed that he had already written in this regard to Prime Minister Ranil Wickramasinghe.

“I’m not pleased the way this elections were handled and have officially informed about this to the Prime Minister, who should intervene and make an inquiry,” Ranatunga told reporters after the elections. 

Mohan de Silva was elected the Secretary of SLC while Ravin Wickramaratne was chosen the Assistant Secretary.

Shammi Silva was elected the Treasurer as the Assistant Treasurer post went to Lalith Rambukwella.

Speaking to journalists at the inaugural press conference Sumathipala stated that Jayantha Dharmadasa, the former Chairman of SLC will correspond matters and represent Sri Lanka at International Cricket Council sittings. 

“Our priority will be the National Team. From now on we will focus on upgrading the status of our National side from its current form. It’s our duty to make it a winning unit again,” Sumathipala stated.

“We are also looking at amending the SLC Constitution to amalgamate with the country’s Sports Law. Expert advice would be sought on that regard as we move on for a total overhaul of the SLC as an establishment.”

The Minister of Sports, Dayasiri Jayasekara had stated earlier that tight security would be made available and security personals of Parliamentarians would not be entertained inside the election premises today. 

SLC was administered by an Interim Committee under the leadership of former National cricketer Sidath Wettimuny appointed by former Minister of Sports, Navin Dissanayake.