Exclusive
Of late, the intention of Sri Lanka Sports Minister Harin Fernando has come under heavy criticism, as it has become visible that instead of making sincere efforts to revamp Cricket, he is just trying to drag things. Some of Harin’s latest decisions like – urging national team coaches to step down and tabling new SLC constitution in parliament suggests that he wants to divert cricket loving public attention from the world cup debacle and is trying to buy time for Sri Lanka Cricket Board (SLC) current administration.
Especially, the so called initiative to table SLC new constitution in parliament seems only one of such trick, instead of a historical move!
In Sri Lanka media and on social platforms, it has been publishing that Harin has tabled new SLC constitution in parliament.
Cricket Age, however, had published on July 22 itself that Harin didn’t follow proper preliminary procedure in submitting new SLC constitution.
Now, Cricket Age has the access of Sports Ministry’s letter, that suggests that Harin has not tabled any constitution at all! What Harin has submitted, are only the concept papers of former cricketers Sidath Wettimuny, Roshan Mahanama, Mahela Jayawardene and Kumar Sangakkara.
And most shockingly, Harin has not tabled even these concept papers by following proper procedure.
Instead of tabling it in parliament, Harin has just circulated these concept papers amongs members of parliament.
The letter, dated July 23 and issued by Sports ministry secretary Chulananda Perera, reads:
To,
Secretary General
Sri Lanka parliament
Parliament complex
Sri Jayawardanapura
Kotte
” Proposal for develop cricket in Sri Lanka
At the request of the minister of telecommunication, foreign employment and Sports Harin Fernando, a concept paper has been submitted by former cricketers Mr. Roshan Mahanama and Mr. Sidath Wettimuny to reform Sri Lanka cricket. simultaneously, Mr. Mahela Jayawardene and Kumar Sangakkara have submitted a proposal to reform administrative structure of the Sri Lanka Cricket.
These proposals are handed over along with this letter for the kind consideration of parliament. Please be good enough to make arrangements to distribute them amongst members of parliament.
Your cooperation in this regard is highly appreciated.
W. A. Chulananda Perera
Secretary
Ministry of telecommunication, foreign employment and Sports
The new SLC constitution is the need of the hour for Sri Lanka cricket in the wake of national team’s dismal showing in recent times.
“The likes of Sidath Wettimuny, Roshan Mahanama, Mahela Jayawardene and Kumar Sangakkara can bring Sri Lanka’s Cricket glory day’s back. However, their names must not be used again and again just for hiding someone’s inability, wrongdoings” One of the most genuine cricket administrator, who was part of few interim committee’s, told Cricket Age.
Majority of member of parliament have also expressed their concerns over Harin’s letter, which has been distributed amongs them.
“What is the logic to distribute concept papers to us. Instead, he should properly bring it as an act, so we can debate on it and if it is good enough, can pass it. Circulating it among us is just a waste of time and nothing will be happened by this” One of the senior most member of parliament told Cricket Age.
