Following the footsteps of previous chairman of selectors Graeme Labrooy, the current selection committee is also enjoying the overseas joyrides with the national team, that too without any contribution.
The pattern was started by Graeme Labrooy. As his son studies in New Zealand, he went there with the U19 team for the World Cup last year. After replacing Labrooy led panel, Asantha De Mel committee also preferred overseas joyrides.
According to sources, at the beginning of their tenure itself, they finalized their tours. For the New Zealand tour, Chaminda Mendis was with the team. Now, as Sri Lanka is playing two match test series against Australia, this time Hemantha Wickramaratne is touring with the team. Brendon Kurrupu to go South Africa, while Asantha De Mel, the chairman of selectors, has also finalized his overseas joyride. According to sources, he will be accompanied the team during the 50-over world cup in England this year.
Interestingly, as per former President Thilanga Sumathipala’s modified SLC constitution, the current head coach Chandika Hathurasingha becomes a selector on tours. In last few months, Asantha De Mel led selection committee has also raised questions over the directorship of Hathurusingha in selection process. It is well documented that Hathurusingha selects the playing eleven as selector on tour. In this scenario, for selectors, being with the team, is nothing more than a overseas joyride!
