Until May 31st, Thilanga Sumathipala was the undisputed king of Sri Lanka Cricket. He was like a ‘Messiah’ Who could speak Against all time greats like Muttiah Muralitharan and Lasith Malinga. Just few days ago, he openly said that Malinga is not trustworthy, referring his comments on Galle Pitch-Fixing.
However, A day before the scheduled SLC election on May 31st, Two stalwart of Sri Lanka Cricket Nishantha Ranatunga and Jayantha Dharmadasa brought back him on earth! In a single masterstroke, they crashed all his plans to contest for another term as SLC President, and on last day of his tenure, Sumathipala was giving a farewell speech to his staff, instead of celebrating the election victory!
Though few days ago, it was looking highly unlikely. Even after being discarded as deputy speaker, after he voted against Prime Minister Ranil Wickramsinghe on No Confidence Motion, Sumathipala proudly announced in front of media that President of the country doesn’t want him to leave SLC.
At that time, the opposite Camp was not even formed! Then, Nishantha took the challenge. He invited Jayanatha Dharmadasa to his Camp, and they submitted the nominations for the SLC election.
Even that time, Sumathipala Camp was sure about getting second term at SLC. The over confidence and arrogance was that much, that they formed the election committee on May 19, only 12 days before the AGM.
After the SGM on May 19, Sumathipala also self claimed that he has the full backing of Top authority! However, he couldn’t understand a simple fact that Top authority is fighting for its own survival, after the unexpected results in local elections!
At the time, when Sumathipala Camp was busy in making big statements and proving to the world that they have made SLC a profitable organization, Dharmadasa and Nishantha Went to Court and filed a case against Incumbent President.
It was a masterstroke! They knew it, once the matter goes to court, the Top authority wouldn’t come forward to support Sumathipala.
The same thing happened! When the court issued stay order preventing SLC election, Sumathipala had no other choice but to leave SLC!
However, Sumathipala Camp still maintaining arrogance. During his farewell speech at SLC, everyone was cracking jokes. The Controversial Assistant secretary Ravin Wickramaratne, Who himself has become a joke, was laughing and saying that now media won’t chase him, Mathivanan was promising to his most ‘favorite‘ that he would return soon! Sumathipala self claimed that he will return after winning the election. Off course he can return! But, thanks to Dharmadasa and Nishantha, Now entire Sri Lanka knows that Sumathipala can be defeated!
It was like Dharmadasa and Nishantha defeated him even before the start of the match. It was indeed an rare sight, when Sumathipala was Caught Dharmadasa bowled Nishantha!
