Former Sri Lanka Test Player Hashan Tillakaratne has dragged himself into a “conflict of interest” controversy after being elected as the Secretary of one of the domestic cricket club. Currently, Tillakaratne has been serving as Sri Lanka U19 Team Head Coach, after being mysteriously appointed by Thilanga Sumathipala led administration without following proper procedure.
Hashan, who played all his cricket for Nondescript Cricket Club, was elected as the Cricket secretary of the club at the 129th Annual General Meeting held at the Club recently. However many in Sri Lanka Cricket circuit feels it’s an unethical attempt from Hashan’s side.
“He is the Coach of the U19 Team. In this scenario, he can’t hold a position in a domestic club” a former SLC administrator told Cricket Age.
As Per SLC Constitution, a member of elected board can hold a position at club’s as well. However, SLC employees doesn’t fall in this criteria.
“Well, he is an employee of the SLC, so he can’t hold a position in any of the club. It’s as simple as that” a top SLC official told Cricket Age.
“As an U19 Coach, Hashan can pressurize players to play for Nondescript Club. Vise versa, he can influence things and can bring Nondescript U19 players into the national side” The Top Official added further.
Incidently, currently Sri Lanka U19 is involved in a series against touring India U19 team and the first Youth Test started today at NCC Grounds.
It is noteworthy that since last few months, Hashan is trying hard to get behind with all Camps. Few days ago, he went behind Sumathipala to get the approval of the funds for the U19 Team for ongoing home series against India. During the meeting, Hashan also asked Sumathipala to look after the selection of the 25 Probable players for the series.
Then, few days later, he went behind another former SLC President Upali Dharmadasa.
