Jayantha Dharmadasa set to join SLC

By BIPIN DANI

Former Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) President Jayantha Dharmadasa may soon get involved in SLC Board administration, according to reliable sources.

He is likely to replace the immediate Past President Thilanga Sumathipala, who was banned by former Sports Minister Harin Fernando.

According to the sources, W. A. Chulananda Perera, Secretary of the Sports Ministry had written to SLC Secretary Ashley De Silva and President, Shammi Silva to appoint Jayantha Dharmadasa for the vacant post of the immediate past president as per the Constitution of SLC since he is the eligible person for the post.

"I received instructions from the Minister of Telecommunication, Foreign Employment and Sports to inform you to take necessary steps as per the Sri Lanka Cricket Constitution to appoint the vacant post of office bearer/immediate past president for Sri Lanka Cricket - 2019/2020. Therefore, kindly take necessary steps accordingly," the letter stated.

"Although the Sports Minister has resigned following the recent Presidential Elections, the letter is valid for the implementation," one of the sources said yesterday.

In the previous SLC Ex-Co Meeting it was decided to seek legal advice on this matter.

When contacted, Jayantha Dharmadasa said: "Let them take legal opinion. It is as per the SLC Constitution. And for the betterment of the game I will be joining the administration."

A business magnate, Dharmadasa has served at the SLC and the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) in the past.