Ashley De Silva, the notorious and controversial CEO of Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) recently recommended a huge increment for marketing department’s sales manager Melani, that too bypassing HR, Cricket Age reliably learns. However, it was unanimously rejected by the board top brass, citing said lady employee’s attitude issues.
According to sources, Melani’s probation period was 6 months initially. However, following a complaint by SLC Head of marketing Upul Bandara over her attitude issues, it was extended further.
“When something like this happens (extension of probation due to complain), increments are not given. However, even then, Ashley recommended for an increment” a SLC insider told Cricket Age.
Surprisingly, Ashley didn’t bother to get HR department nod before recommending Melani’s increment.
“It’s amusing that Ashley was that much desperate for her increment, particularly in this COVID time” the insider added further.
When inquired further, some of Melani’s supporters (including top SLC officials) tried to justify her proposed increment, stating that she brought in many sponsors. However, their claims turned untrue immediately, as it emerged that all major SLC sponsors are existing and new sponsors like Mycola and Red Bull were initiated by former COO Jerome Jayarathne.
It is noteworthy that Ashley is surprisingly world cricket’s longest standing CEO, that too without any accountability! Over the years, he has successfully modified himself as a complete Yes Man, in order to survive amid frequent power changes at Maitland Place.
Interestingly, recently a newest flag bearer of interim committee dreamers and players manager tried to bring another player agent Charlie Austin as SLC CEO, replacing ever incompetent Ashley! However, Sports Minister Namal Rajapaksa, who knows a thing or two about cricket, rejected the bizarre proposal!
