Former Sri Lanka Cricketer and Galle Cricket Stadium’s Caretaker Jayananda Warnaweera’s sudden visit to club has stirred a big controversy. So much so that merely within few hours the matter has already reached to the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) Anti Corruption Unit (ACU).
Warnaweera, long-serving caretaker of the Galle International Stadium, served a three-year ban imposed by the ICC. The ICC didn’t mention the details of the case, and Warnaweera was handed the suspension for failing to cooperate with the (ACU investigation. Though, his ban has ended now, he is still not allowed to enter any International Cricket Ground, until he faces the ACU inquiry.
According to sources, Warnaweera Friday visited the club and had a discussion with acting general secretary Thusitha Wijetilake. His unexpected arrival has created a new row in the middle of the upcoming club election later this year. Cricket Age understands that Steve Richardson, ACU’s Coordinator Investigations, has already contacted few Galle CC officials and inquired about the matter.
“As he was carrying Club membership card, when he arrived, security people didn’t stop him. We have not received a word about him either from the SLC, ACU or Sports Ministry. We have taken his visit seriously and will be officially writing to SLC asking for clearity about him” a top club official told Cricket Age, when inquired.
Before the ban, Warnaweera was a respected figure in Sri Lanka cricket. He was the chief curator at Galle, preparing wickets on which Sri Lanka were practically unbeatable. Galle came to be known as the bastion of the home team, and even India have lost two third of their Tests they played here.
