As some people’s in social media are questioning the appointment of Dimuth Karunaratne as the captain for the Sri Lanka’s world cup campaign, young and dynamic Sports Minister Harin Fernando has issued a statement, clarifying all the baseless allegations.
Harin’s statement reads:
“With regards to the recent selection of the WC team to England wales. I wish to clarify few facts. First and foremost a minister does not get involved in selections. We have selectors paid by Sri Lanka cricket to do that job. Once the selection process is done it, comes for approval to the minister. The captain and the players were all picked by selectors. The fact that Dimuth is from St. Joseph College is irrelevant to his appointment. Angelo Mathews and Thisara Perera are also from the same college.
It’s unfortunate to see people bring up religion and other pointless arguments as to the selection process. For those who do not know Dimuth Karunaratne went to St. Joseph, but is a strong Buddist. I believe whats ones religion or race should not matter in sporsp or for anything for that matter.
What I realized over the last few months of being a sports minister is that you need to have team work in a team sport. This is the responsibility the selectors have given him and I believe the current team will do their best and wish them the very best at all times. We do not lack in talent. It’s the confidence and hard work that will get us over the line.
As only 15 men get this opportunity of a life time, hope they do justice and we as citizens can only support them and get behind them. My approach was to never interfere with selection as my predecessors did. I am certain all of their victory. I will back them with all my heart and soul. Make sure we play to our true potential. I always believed a good player may not be the best captain and a good captain may not be the best player. There will be 11 men on the ground with different jobs in hand. Social media and print media criticizes, but at end of the day there are paid people to do the job. I thank all selectors of SLC for the effort that was put in. My job from now will be to be close to the boys motivate them and make sure mother lanka regain its lost glory. I wish the team and management the very best for the upcoming games.”
