Just before a week ahead of the World Cup, the Sri Lanka Cricket Board (SLC) has embroiled in a massive controversy as the treasurer of the board Lasantha Wickramsingha has reportedly abused head of administration Aruna De Silva over tender process. Angered by the unacceptable behavior of Wickramsingha, Aruna has threatened to resign after board CEO Ashley De Silva’s return, Cricket Age reliably learns.
According to sources, Aruna had been told to tender for travel and health insurance on urgent basis for the ExCo members UK trip.
Accordingly, Aruna called the tender by email since it was urgent. However, the tender committee rejected it stating it should be sealed tenders. Then it went to re-tender and they had given 14 days. As a result, it has delayed now and will not be done in time for ExCo members to travel.
Obviously, Both Aruna and Wickramsingha were right on their opinion, however the arrogance and rude behavior of treasurer has created unnecessary drama at the time of the world cup. Yesterday, he shouted and humiliated Aruna De Silva in front of everyone and set a wrong precedent.
“Aruna was following the protocol. Yes, he have gone for a shorter tender period due to urgency, but he is not experienced enough to know that” a top SLC official told Cricket Age.
Interestingly, before elected at SLC, Wickramsingha was the chairman of the Institute of Chartered accountants. Even then, he didn’t bother to guide Aruna in a proper manner.
“Treasurer could have guided him to do what was needed within protocols rather than shout at him. Office bearers must learn to speak to employees with decency and respect – whatever happens, even a mistake is made, there should be decency and decorum. It’s especially surprising from someone of Treasurer’s calibre since he has private sector experience” the official added further.
Aruna has threatened to resign after the return of Ashley, who is currently in Australia.
