Sports Minister Roshan Ranasinghe, through his lawyer, informed the Court of Appeal today that there is no necessity to take action against Sri Lanka Cricket until a comprehensive report from the Auditor General on Sri Lanka Cricket’s (SLC) T20 World Cup 2022 expenditure is received.
President’s Counsel Sanjeeva Jayawardena, appearing for the Sports Minister, made these remarks when a writ petition filed by SLC was called before the Court of Appeal.
In its writ petition, the SLC is seeking an order quashing the report submitted by the inquiry panel headed by Retired High Court Judge Kusala Sarojini Weerawardena, who was appointed by the Minister of Sport to inquire into the allegations leveled against the national cricket team during the T20 World Cup 2022.
Meanwhile, the Court of Appeal’s two-judge bench, comprising Justices Sobhitha Rajakaruna and Dhammika Ganepola, issued notices to the respondents, returnable for February 27.
The SLC had filed this petition on the basis that the contents of the said report supersede the mandate of the Committee. The Sports Minister had appointed a five-member committee to investigate cricket-related matters, especially during the last T20 World Cup in Australia in 2022.
The committee had made several recommendations, including regarding the alleged misuse of funds, the alleged influence of the “Born Again” sect on the Sri Lankan cricketers, the influence of social media, and action against cricketer Dhanushka Gunatilleke.
President’s Counsel Romesh de Silva appeared for the SLC. President’s Counsel Sanjeeva Jayawardena and Milham Mohammed appeared for the Minister of Sports. Additional Solicitor General Sumathi Dharmawardena PC appeared for the Sports Ministry Secretary.
