-Colombo, November 10, 2023-
In a parliamentary debate held on October 9, NPP Member of Parliament, Mr. Vijitha Herath, voiced his concerns about the genuineness of the Minister of Sports during discussions about the removal of the Sri Lanka Cricket Board. The motion, jointly presented by the opposition leader and the Minister, Nimal Siripala de Silva, aimed to address alleged malpractices and misappropriation of funds within the Cricket Board.
Despite the Minister’s move to dismiss the Cricket Board and appoint an interim body led by former National Cricket Team captain, Mr. Arjuna Ranathunga, the Court of Appeal restrained the interim body from functioning as the administrative body.
Towards the end of the debate, when the possibility of a vote was raised, government MPs influenced the Speaker to forego the vote, leading to the unanimous passing of the motion.
While endorsing the Minister’s efforts to cleanse cricket administration, Mr. Herath criticized the appointments made to the interim body. He questioned the inclusion of Mr. Arjuna Ranathunga, a vocal critic of the present administration, expressing concerns about potential confrontations. Mr. Herath also raised questions about the appointments of Mr. Rakitha Rajapasha, attorney-at-law and son of Minister Wijedasa Rajapaksha, as well as the inclusion of Governor Mr. A.J.M Muszamil’s son.
Mr. Herath highlighted his doubts about the genuineness of the Minister in these appointments, calling attention to what he perceived as questionable decisions.
During the division, with 83 members from the government side and 59 members from the opposition, a vote was deemed unnecessary due to the joint nature of the motion. The two NPP members present in the morning left as there was no agreement at the Business Committee to call for a vote.
Chief government whip, Prasanna Ranathunga, and Minister Raoshan Ranasinghe attempted to cast doubt on the NPP’s credibility, insinuating their alleged benefit from the corrupt cricket board. The debate concluded with the impression that, beyond addressing cricket board issues, the joint effort of the opposition and the government seemed to discredit the NPP, which has garnered significant public support.
