If the appeal committee also rejects objections against virtually every nominee put forward by the current administration running Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) for the forthcoming elections, the opposition is determined to go to the court.
Nishantha and Co have filed objections to the Elections Commission appointed by the present SLC ExCo and have also objected to the Sports Minister with regard to the time frame Shammi Silva led administration is able to hold office. Usually, the time period to hold office is four years, but a maximum of two years. Last time the elections were held was on 20 February 2019.
At a media briefing held at the Colts Cricket Club premises yesterday, Club President Nishantha Ranatunga, alon with K. Mathivanan and Bandula Warnapura, expressed disappointment with the Elections Committee.
“We expected them to give us a positive response to our objections in terms of all the accusations we have made against the current office-bearers, and for all the violations they have made for which we have got documentary evidence. However, we are very disappointed with the response of the Elections Committee.”
“To remind you, even in the last two elections held in 2017 and 2019 the same thing happened. In 2019, we had to go to the Appeal Court and we had to go to Courts to get the real outcome of our objections. Even with regard to 2017, we had to follow the same process. We had to go to court and we managed to keep some of the people who are not supposed to be eligible to contest, out,” said Ranatunga.
He also pointed out that the present administration is continuing in office, despite their two-year term having expired on 20 February, which is unlawful.
“The second point we want to raise is that they have not got approval from the ExCo and submitted their accounts to the AG by 20 February 2021. We have got evidence that they have got approval only in March, which is a violation of the constitution and therefore they cannot apply for any position at the forthcoming elections. There are also certain members who have gained payments while serving in honorary capacity while not having played the game, which is a constitutional requirement.
“We have filed objections against all of them. We are very confident that with the existing documentation and proofs that we have, apart from one candidate from their side (Samantha Dodanwella), all the others are not entitled to qualify to run for office at the forthcoming elections. We are going to appeal to the Appeal Board through the Ministry of Sport and we will take further action if required,” he concluded.
Later, Ranatunga camp confirmed Cricket Age that they are determined to drag the matter to court, if appeal committee also turns bias.
“Yes, we will sure go to the court. It’s always been a pattern in Sri Lanka cricket that election committee takes side of a particular camp, which is shameful. If appeal court also rejects our objections, then this SLC election could well be ended up in court” a close associate of legendary Nishantha told Cricket Age.
