Political sources suggest that the tension between Sri Lankan cricket institutions and the Sports Ministry is escalating. It is reported that the Sports Minister has rejected the request of 10 high-ranking officials from the cricket organization to travel to India.
These officials sought permission to attend the International Cricket Council’s executive meeting during the 2023 World Cup ODI tournament. However, it is reported that the Minister took this step based on a recommendation from the National Sports Council, which stated that only the Chairman and the Chief Executive Officer of the Sri Lanka Cricket Institute should attend the International Cricket Council Committee meeting.
Former cricket captain Arjuna Ranatunga held the chairmanship of the National Sports Council, and political sources suggest that the crisis between him and the cricket body indirectly contributed to this situation.
The members of the Sri Lanka Cricket Executive Committee submitted a request for approval to the Ministry of Sports in a letter signed by the Chief Executive Officer of the Cricket Institute, Ashley De Silva, addressed to the Director General of Sports.
In addition to Sri Lanka Cricket President Shammi Silva and Chief Executive Officer Ashley De Silva, Secretary Mohan De Silva, Vice Presidents Jayantha Dharmadasa, Raveen Wickramaratne, Treasurer Sujeeva Godaliyadda, Deputy Secretary Krishantha Kapuwatta, and Deputy Treasurer Lasantha Wickramasinghe had requested permission to travel to India.
Reportedly, this decision was made after the National Sports Council noted that the eight members of the executive committee had requested permission for a 10-day visit to India, even though the relevant International Cricket Council meeting is scheduled to last only four days.
The International Cricket Council Executive Committee meeting is set to take place from November 18 to 21 in Ahmedabad, India.