Cricket Age Exclusive
As Sri Lanka have won a tough game against host England in the ongoing World Cup, entire country has become cricket crazy. So much that, many of top Sports Ministry officials are travelling to UK to watch Sri Lanka’s remaining matches, Cricket Age reliably learns.
Currently, Sri Lanka are languishing at number 7 in World Cup points table after 2 wins, 2 losses and two wash out matches. To make things worse, Sri Lanka’s next run rate ( -1.119) is also second worst in the mega event after Afghanistan ( -1.634).
However, after win against England, the officials of Sri Lanka’s Sports Ministry are in mood to fly to UK and watch remaining Sri Lanka’s/World Cup matches.
Sri Lanka to play South Africa ( June 28), West Indies ( July 1) and India ( July 6) in a bid to qualify for the semifinals.
Cricket Age has the access of SLC management committee documents that says that the board has recommended to purchase the air tickets for ExCo members and Sports Ministry officials.
“PC – 012/007 Purchase of air tickets for ExCo members/ministry officials travel for ICC CWC – England
It was recommended, subject to match the lowest price for sectors preferred by the individuals and offered to George Steuart or classic travels on fare matching basis” one of the SLC management committee document reads.
Another SLC management committee document says that Sports Minister Harin Fernando’s secretary and former board competent authority Chulananda Perera travel to UK on June 26 and will stay till July 2.
Another management committee document shows Keerthi Siribardana name, who is Sports Ministry’s additional secratary and attends SLC ExCo meetings as a representative of the ministry.
In addition, Sports Minister Harin Fernando’s private secratary Azra Reyaldeen has left for UK on June 26. Also, Megha Chandrapala ( Coordinating secretary to Chulananda Perera), Upendra Mudugamuwa ( Senior advisor at ministry of telecommunications, foreign employment and Sports) are also travelling to UK in the first week of July.
The most notable thing is that the young and dynamic Sports Minister Harin Fernando has repeatedly been promising that after the world cup he will overhaul Sri Lanka cricket by making changes from top to bottom. Just last week, he told Sri Lanka media that after the world cup ( on the hope against hope that one day the forensic audit report will come out) he would bring Sri Lanka Cricket back on track. Though, the facts is that even after five months ( Harin issued letter for forensic audit on January 27) the report is yet to be submitted by the auditor general.
Still, the innocent cricket loving public has the belief in Harin Fernando’s led Sports Ministry that it would bring Sri Lanka Cricket back on track by cleaning up the most cherished Sport in the island. However, for now, Sports Ministry officials are busy in travelling to UK for the World Cup!
