New Sports Minister Harin pledges to revive cricket, tackle corruption

• Assures to take necessary legal measures to eliminate corruption from cricket 
• Invites all stakeholders to support efforts to revive cricket in SL 
• Says he is prepared to face any challenges and address issues faced by the sport 

The newly appointed Minister of Sports, Harin Fernando, committed yesterday to revive Sri Lanka Cricket and implement necessary legal measures to eliminate corruption from the sport. 

Speaking to the media after assuming duties in his new post, Fernando invited all stakeholders to collaborate in achieving this goal. “This responsibility is crucial because the sport is a cherished aspect of our lives. Simultaneously, certain practices need to be followed when making these changes to the regulations,” he remarked.

Fernando, who also serves as the Minister of Tourism, was appointed as the Minister of Sports on Monday by President Ranil Wickremesinghe. This decision followed the dismissal of the former Minister Roshan Ranasinghe. Fernando has previously held the position of Minister of Sports in 2018.

Fernando acknowledged the challenges confronting Sri Lanka Cricket and referenced his previous tenure in the same role, where the sport faced serious issues related to corruption. Despite those challenges, he asserted his successful navigation of the organisation through those difficulties, highlighting his proven track record.

“I am no stranger to challenges,” Minister Fernando said, expressing his preparedness to address the issues affecting Sri Lanka Cricket. He invited all stakeholders in cricket administration to join forces with him, emphasising the significance of unity and collective efforts in restoring the sport to its former glory.

The Minister expressed his intention not to go against anyone and emphasised his desire to ‘clean up’ the sport of cricket, seeking collaboration from all, including former World Cup-winning Sri Lankan skipper Arjuna Ranatunga.

He acknowledged the public’s expectation for the restoration of cricket in Sri Lanka, focusing on overturning the suspension imposed by the International Cricket Council (ICC). Highlighting the significance of swiftly reversing the ICC ban, he stressed the importance of accomplishing this within a few days.