President blames internal conflicts for cricket downfall 

• Says issues regarding cricket have persisted over an extended period
• Attributes decline of sport to an enduring conflict between two factions 
• Emphasises need for collective responsibility to safeguard cricket from political interference

President Ranil Wickremesinghe blamed internal conflicts within the cricketing community for the decline of the sport in Sri Lanka yesterday. 

In response to accusations of shielding specific individuals associated with the sport, Wickremesinghe in parliament remarked that concerns regarding cricket have persisted over an extended period. He attributed the decline of the sport to an enduring conflict between two factions.

“To tackle this issue, we have consistently championed the implementation of a law and the formation of a suitable team in adherence to that law. In pursuit of this objective, we have utilised the Chitrasiri report as the groundwork for the proposed legislation,” he said. 

Wickremesinghe also emphasised the need for collective responsibility to safeguard cricket from political interference. 

Expressing his views President Wickremesinghe said he had cautioned the subject Minister against handling a case in a way that could lead to consequences such as losing the International Cricket Council (ICC) membership, forfeiting matches and deterring tourists. 

“During Cabinet discussions, the Minister sought legal representation, and we, including the former President and the Attorney General, urged the Attorney General to represent him. Subsequently, the case concluded, and I plan to request a report from the Minister to understand the details,” he said. 

“While unsure of the court’s verdict, I believe that in cases with disputes, decisions should be sought from the court. Regarding the current situation, I conversed with the ICC, and they expressed concerns about political interference, emphasising the need for law rather than defending individuals,” he added. 

The President also said that accusing judges individually over court orders is unjustified and unwarranted. “The temporary order could have been addressed the next day if necessary,” he noted.

“Launching attacks under the guise of parliamentary privileges is unacceptable. There is no privilege in this context. According to the standing orders, the proposal did not receive approval. Each branch of government has its own distinct responsibilities, the court performs its functions, and so does the council,” he said.