• Move comes hours before Lankan team’s departure to West Indies
• Sri Lanka Cricket alleges sudden quit notice “disheartening and irresponsible” based on personal monetary gain
• Sources close to Vaas say only made a humble request to SLC to pay him a similar salary as to the foreign coach David Sekar whom he was replacing 

In a shocking turn of events Sri Lanka Cricket said that former Sri Lanka cricketer and fast bowling coach Chaminda Vaas has resigned from his post with effect from 26 March and also informed them that he will not be available to make the tour of the West Indies as a member of the support staff.

Vaas’ resignation came hours before the Sri Lankan white ball team was scheduled to depart to the West Indies last night.

In a media release Sri Lanka Cricket stated: “It is particularly disheartening to note that in an economic climate such as the one facing the entire globe right now, Mr. Vaas has made this sudden and irresponsible move on the eve of the team’s departure, based on personal monetary gain.

“The Management of SLC, and indeed the entire nation, hold Mr. Vaas in high esteem as a cricketer who has excelled for his country. His years of yeoman service have been appreciated and rewarded over the years both in status and in kind.

“In such circumstances, it is extremely disheartening that a legend such as Chaminda Vaas has resorted to holding the administration, the cricketers, and indeed the game at ransom, by handing in his resignation at the eleventh hour, citing the administration’s refusal to accede to an unjustifiable demand for an increased USD remuneration, in spite of being a contracted employee of Sri Lanka Cricket, already receiving remuneration that is in keeping with his experience, qualifications, and expertise, in addition to which he would have been entitled to the usual USD per diems offered to all members of a traveling squad.”

According to reliable sources, Vaas had only made a humble request to SLC to pay him a similar salary to foreign coach David Sekar whom he was replacing as the national team’s fast bowling coach for the tour of the West Indies. The request was turned down by SLC.

Vaas was also informed that he was going to the West Indies only on Friday evening – just four days before the team’s departure although Sekar had resigned two weeks ago, the source added.

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