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COLOMBO : In a historic announcement at the 150th anniversary celebrations of the Colombo Colts Cricket Club (CCC) Friday December (08), President Ranil Wickremesinghe declared his commitment to depoliticizing and revolutionizing cricket in Sri Lanka by 2030.
The President outlined a comprehensive plan, emphasizing the need for an independent trust to oversee the financial administration and development of school cricket, backed by a substantial budget allocation.
Addressing the gathering at the CCC ground, President Wickremesinghe passionately expressed his vision for the future of Sri Lankan Cricket, asserting that the game should thrive beyond political influences. He underscored the importance of transparency and efficiency in utilizing funds earmarked for the development of school cricket, revealing a significant budget allocation of 1.5 billion rupees for the current year, with expectations of an annual increase to 2 billion rupees in the future.
The President’s commitment to abolishing the powers of interim committees and the sports minister in cricket affairs was a notable aspect of his speech. He highlighted the imminent introduction of new laws designed to keep the sport free from political interference, reinforcing his dedication to fostering a transparent and accountable cricket administration.
During the celebration, President Wickremesinghe unveiled plans for an independent trust to manage the allocated funds and spearhead the development of school cricket. He stressed the importance of conducting all activities with utmost transparency, ensuring that the trust achieves its objectives in a manner that aligns with the vision for Sri Lankan cricket in 2030.
The President also acknowledged the historical significance of the Colombo Colts Cricket Club, tracing its roots back to the early days of cricket in Sri Lanka when various ethnic groups formed clubs. He commended the club’s role in shaping the country’s cricketing history and recognized its contributions to the sport.
As part of the celebration, members of the 1996 World Cup winning team and the 2014 T20 World Cup winning team were awarded with the lifetime membership of the Colts Cricket Club. President Wickremesinghe also received lifetime membership from the club’s president, Mr. Nishantha Ranatunga.