Sri Lankan sports minister appoints ‘Fact Finding Committee’

By BIPIN DANI

The Sri Lankan sports minister, Roshan Ranasinghe, has decided to appoint a 6-member Fact Finding Committee to enquire not only about the players’ behaviour in the T-20 World Cup in Australia but also to ascertain whether the officials showed ‘real concern’ for the team members.

Speaking exclusively over the telephone from Dubai, where he is on a one-day visit, he said, “We have appointed a 6-member committee to report on the recent issues. The committee will be chaired by former High Court Judge Kusala Sarojini. 

One former cricketer is also on the committee. The other members of the committee are: former Ministerial Secretary Kingsley Fernando, Rtd. DIG in CID Sudath Nagahamulla, Rtd. Rear Admiral Ananda Peiris, former cricketer Nalin de Alwis, and Attorney-at-Law Shalani Roshana.”

“No time frame is given to the committee, but we will ask the members to expedite the process.” The minister also expressed his concern about Chamika Karunaratne’s case. The 26-year-old has been given a one-year suspended ban by the SLC. 

“He was dropped for his poor form or bad behaviour? He has been cleared to play international cricket. My opinion is that if the player is in poor form or facing disciplinary action, he should not be considered at all.”
The bowling all-rounder has already been named in the LPL team.

“I will ensure that from next year on, any out-of-form player or player facing disciplinary charges is not selected even to play league cricket.”

The minister has no plans to meet the ICC during his recent Dubai visit, which was primarily for rugby sports.
“No, I am not meeting any ICC officials now but will certainly meet them in the near future,” he added.
The minister also denied the plan to form an interim committee, but hinted that there would be significant changes in 2023.

“We want the right people for all sports. Arjuna Ranatunga is helping me a lot, and I will continue to consult him for all important matters. We want to streamline everything. Cricket is a very popular sport in our country and will ensure public money put into the game is not wasted,” the minister concluded.