Former Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) president Thilanga Sumathipala has denied the financial irregularities allegations, which were made during the parliament debate on April 21 (Yesterday).
Sumathipala’s reply reads:
“I refer to the reply made by the Honourable Namal Rajapakse the Minister of Youth and Sports in reply to a question raised by members of the opposition on the 21st of April 2021.
The comments made in Parliament by the opposition with regard to the question raised to the Hon. Minister is factually incorrect and an abuse of Parliamentary Privilege and appears to have been made to personally vilify me for narrow partisan political purposes. I have written to the Honorable Minister of Youth and Sports clarifying my position in this regard.
I have faced elections and been duly elected to the following positions in Sri Lanka Cricket (“SLC”). From 1995 to 1997 as Vice President, As President SLC From 31 st March 1998 to 31 March 1999, 31 st March 1999 to June 1999 , June 2000 to May 2001, August 2003 to 31 March 2004 and 3rd January 2016 to 30 May 2018.
I have also served three terms as the President of the Asian Cricket Council from 1997/ 1998 & 2000/2001 & 2016/2017 and as a Director of the International Cricket Council during the same period.
During the above mentioned tenures of office at Sri Lanka Cricket, the Auditor General of Sri Lanka has audited the Financial Statements of Sri Lanka Cricket and each audit report had an unqualified opinion with no allegation of any impropriety.
Furthermore, the opinion that forrns part of Auditor General’s report has never contained any adverse comments, observations or any allegations of financial impropriety against me or any office I have held.
The incident of the unauthorized wire of US$ 187,000 was initiated during the time that the then Minister of Sports Hon Faizer Musthapha had appointed competent authority Mr Kamal Pathmasiri, who had overall responsibility for the administration of Sri Lanka Cricket and not during my tenure.
During my tenure of office significant development work such as Dambulla Stadium, Galle Stadium, Pallakelle and infrastructure development work such as 1000 Side WicketsIndoor Nets, High Performance Center, Cricket Pathway and Brain Centers was introduced by me.
I am proud to that no other administration was able to raise the quantum of funds that I raised in the history of Sri Lanka Cricket. Thus the statements made about me in Parliament are denied by me and the said statements have no factual or legal basis.”
