No financial crisis in Sri Lanka Cricket - Mahindananda Aluthgamage

Sri Lanka’s cricket authority, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) is not in a financial crisis as some reports describe and the current financial situation is only a temporary setback, Sports Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage says.

The Minister addressing media yesterday in Colombo attributed the delay in recovering funds from the 2011 World Cup cricket tournament to the current crisis.

Aluthgamage pointed out that the cricket authority was compelled to spend a considerable amount to construct the two new venues in Hambantota and Pallekele and renovate the existing R. Premadasa grounds in Colombo to co-host the 2011 World Cup.

The cricketers, who have not been paid their contract or match fees since March of last year, received a portion of their pay checks only last month.

The Minister said SLC expects to earn US$ 9 million this year and expressed hope that SLC will earn over US$ 150 million in the next few years.

Responding to media queries, the Minister asserted that the election of officer bearers to the SLC board has been conducted in a transparent manner.

The uncontested election of Upali Dharmadasa to head the SLC due to the last minute withdrawal of the competition has been seen as a political maneuver.

Former Sri Lanka cricket captain Hashan Tillakaratne has complained to the International Cricket Council (ICC) that the election held on January 3rd was conducted in violation of the institution’s constitution.

The Sports Ministry has also decided to promote soccer as a popular sport in the country, the Minister revealed, adding that he has asked the relevant authorities to study the setbacks in the sport and suggest ways to uplift the sport in the island.