SAJEEWA JAYAKODY
COLOMBO – Former Sri Lanka World Cup-winning cricket captain Arjuna Ranatunga has been named the Chairman of the Sri Lanka Cricket Interim Committee in a surprising announcement by the country’s Sports Minister. The Sports Ministry revealed this development in the early hours of Monday.
The decision to appoint Arjuna Ranatunga as the Interim Committee Chairman of Sri Lanka Cricket was made under the No. 73 Sports Law, granting authority to Sri Lankan Sports Minister. The seven-member committee includes former SLC President Upali Dharmadasa, legal experts Attorney-at-Law Rakitha Rajapaksha, son of Sri Lanka’s Justice Minister, retired High Court Judges SI Imam, Rohini Marasinghe, Iranganie Perera, and former Sri Lanka rugby player Nisham Jamaldeen SSP.
This appointment signifies the dissolution of the current Cricket Board, led by SLC President Shammi Silva admists on-going ICC World Cup, still Sri Lanka have two important League Games to qualify for the the next year’s Champions Trophy.
The decision follows Sri Lanka’s substantial loss in the ICC World Cup, where they suffered a defeat by 302 runs and were bowled out for a mere 55 runs. Consequently, SLC Secretary Mohan de Silva resigned from his position.
Arjuna Ranatunga, approaching his 60th birthday on December 1, has been outspoken in criticizing the current Sri Lanka Cricket Board in recent years. He previously served as the Interim Committee Chairman and is recognized for his stringent and decisive approach as an administrator.
