Sri Lanka Legend Mahela Jayawardene has once again dragged himself into a “conflict of interest” debate after being appointed as Consultant Coach of all national teams on Monday. A multitasking former cricketer, Mahela has currently been serving as Country’s National Sports Council and Sinhlease Sports Club (SSC) cricket committee chairman.
However, as now he has taken another post, this time as consultant coach of all the national sides, many in Sri Lanka Cricket circuit feels it’s an unethical scenario, if he still remains on other posts.
“Now, he is the Consultant Coach of the national teams. In this scenario, he can’t hold a position in a domestic club” a former SLC administrator had told Cricket Age Yesterday.
However, after Cricket Age raised the issue yesterday, some of the renowned law experts in the Island explained the publication that now not only Mahela’s post at SSC is unethical and a matter of conflict of interest, but him holding National Sports Council chairman is also a complete violation of country’s Sports Law.
“Well forget about conflict of interest, if he continues as National Sports Council chairman then its a blunt violation under Section 4 (3) of Act 25 of 1973 Sport Law of the country” a law expert in Sri Lanka told Cricket Age.
“A member appointed to the council shall cease to hold office in any national association of sports or other Sports Body or organization in Sri Lanka during the continuance of his membership” Section 4 (3) of act 25 of Sports Law reads.
Indeed, Mahela’s appointment will begin a new era of Sri Lanka Cricket. Probably the best tactician in the world cricket at the moment, he has already proved his mettle as a coach in franchise cricket. Thus, his expertise will surely be boosting the level of Sri Lanka national teams.
“The appointment of Mahela as national teams consultant has best thing happened to Sri Lanka Cricket. However, he need to look after this Sports Law violation scenario as well” another prominent Sri Lankan law maker told Cricket Age.
Cricket Age had published yesterday that as per SLC Constitution, a member of elected board can hold a position at club’s as well. However, other beneficiaries don’t fall in this criteria.
“Well, he will be officially associated with the SLC now, so he can’t hold a position in any of the club. It’s as simple as that” former administrator added.
“If he remains at SSC, there will always be questions, whenever a player from the club will be picked for national duty” former administrator added further.
In his new role which is effective for a period of one year, the legendary Mumbai Indians coach will be in charge of the overall cricketing matters of the national teams and will provide strategic support to the players and management teams at the High-Performance Center.
He will also continue the role of mentor and consultant for the U-19 team.
