SLC says media misinterpreted Chandimal’s comments on witchcraft

Sri Lanka Cricket yesterday said that a section of media has deliberately misinterpreted a comment made by Test skipper Dinesh Chandimal on witchcraft and astrology.

It was reported that Chandimal received a special blessing from a 'meyni', or sorcerer, ahead of the two-match series in the United Arab Emirates which Sri Lanka win 2-0.

“Sri Lanka Cricket wishes to draw your attention to the following transcript of the statement made by Test Captain Dinesh Chandimal at the press briefing held at SLC on (31) which has been deliberately misrepresented by sections of the media,” a board statement said.

Chandimal’s responses to the questions are as follows:

Q- There were various reports on Social Media stating that you had received blessings from a “maniyo” prior to the Test series. Did this help you win, and If so how?”

A- “It's like this - any religion blesses, furthermore no religion enables wrongdoing. Therefore not only this particular person but even if any member of the clergy blesses me I will gladly accepts that blessing. Ones beliefs in the effectiveness of this blessing is a personal matter that is different from person to person. I personally believe in obtaining blessings before any endeavour. There may be some who have different views, this is my view. That is the answer I can give to this question.”

Q- So did you'll lose the ODI series because you'll were not blessed.?

A- “There is no such thing. Everyone needs blessings, but talent too. Just because you have any blessings, you won't succeed without talent, likewise even if we have talent, we can't move forward without the blessings of you all. That's the reality.” “No no one sent me to her. She is the mother of one of my friends, and the picture is one taken at a function we attended. There is press freedom in this country, so anything may be construed.”