Upali, Nishantha win uncontested as opposing camps withdraw

Favourite and highly connected Upali Dharmadasa yesterday became the Chairman of Sri Lanka Cricket after winning the first-ever election to its Board in seven years.

He won the race uncontested, a development which also favoured Secretary Nishantha Ranatunga who contested independently.

Dharmadasa held the Chairmanship between 1996 and 1998 as well whilst he headed the Interim Committee prior to elections.

Yesterday’s election was supervised by the Director-General of Sports Ranjani Jayakody.

Hitherto a series of politically appointed interim committees managed Sri Lanka Cricket, whilst of late the Board has also faced a serious financial crisis.

Analysts said the election itself was a fallout of the ICC’s ruling that requires all member boards to be free of political interference from 2012.

Dharmadasa along with supportive candidates returned uncontested when the rival faction led by another former Sri Lanka Cricket President Mohan de Silva withdrew prior to the elections.

Sources said De Silva’s team pulled out citing alleged political pressure and government moves forcing their voters to cast their ballots in favour of their rival Dharmadasa.

Sumith Perera who contested Dharmadasa for the post of president also withdrew making it a totally one-sided contest.

Other office bearers elected were: Vice Presidents - Asanga Seneviratne and K. Mathivanan, Treasurer- Nuski Mohamed, Assistant Treasurer Ajitha Pasqual  and Assistant Secretary - Hirantha Perera.