SLC SAGA: AG to file objections against Interim Order suspending the SLC Interim Committee

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka's Attorney General is expected to file objections with regard to the Court of Appeal order suspending the Interim Committee of Sri Lanka Cricket.

A Senior Official from the AGs Department told News 1st that the objections will be filed based on the resolution that was furnished an passed in the parliament on Thursday (9), for the immediate removal of all office bearers of Sri Lanka Cricket.

Sri Lanka's Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa presented the resolutions following startling revelations made by Sports Minister Roshan Ranasinghe in a special statement to the parliament on Wednesday (8).

The resolution called for the immediate sacking of the Sri Lanka Cricket Board, which is alleged to have engaged in corruption.

The Sri Lankan parliament unanimously passed the resolution, calling for the sacking of the country's cricket governing body, with both the ruling and opposition parties supporting it. 

The resolution titled 'the removal of the corrupt SLC (Sri Lanka Cricket) management' was seconded by the senior government minister Nimal Siripala de Silva.

The resolution also called for the introduction of a new legislation for the Management of Cricket in Sri Lanka.

Earlier, the report by a Committee headed by Justice K.T. Chitrasiri to introduce a new Constitution to Sri Lanka Cricket through a parliamentary act was formally handed over to the Chairman of the Cabinet Sub-Committee appointed to resolve Sri Lanka Cricket issues, Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Sabry by President’s Secretary Saman Ekanayake on the instructions of President Ranil Wickremesinghe.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s stance is that the current crisis in Sri Lanka’s most popular sport, cricket, is intricate and profound, said the President's Media Division.

He maintains that merely appointing an interim committee will not suffice to address the issue adequately. In his view, to advance the sport and find a lasting solution, a permanent and substantive approach is necessary, added the PMD.

The “Chitrasiri Committee Report,” which was prepared accordingly, had been presented to the President the previous month. 

Originally, the plan was to submit it to Parliament after the conclusion of the 2023 Cricket World Cup and the presentation of the 2024 budget. 

However, in light of the current circumstances, President Ranil Wickremesinghe has decided to expedite the process by submitting the proposed new draft constitution to the Cabinet sub-committee and subsequently bringing it to the attention of Parliament.

This new draft constitution suggests a comprehensive overhaul of the method for appointing members to the Sri Lanka Cricket Board, as well as changes in its composition, administration and management.

According to the proposed constitution, the Sri Lanka Cricket Board will be governed by a Board of Directors comprised of 18 members, each appointed for a 4-year term. These directors will be entrusted with the authority to make policy decisions and the power to execute these decisions will be vested in a Director-General appointed by the Board of Directors.

Out of these 18 directors, 8 will be appointed directors and the responsibility for recommending them will rest with an expert committee consisting of 6 members. This committee will include the Chairman of the National Sports Council, the President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka or a nominee from that institute, the President of the Bar Association of Sri Lanka or a nominee from that association, the Chairperson of the Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka or a nominee from that chamber, the Chairperson of the Institute of Directors of Sri Lanka and the Chairperson of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants Sri Lanka (CIMA Sri Lanka) or a nominee from that institute.

The remaining 10 board members will be chosen through an official election process. This election will select 5 directors to represent cricket clubs, 1 for the Players’ Association, 1 for the School Cricket Association, 1 for the Women’s Cricket Association, 1 for the Umpires’ Association, and 1 for the Coaches’ Association.

Additionally, a proposal has been made to establish 12 committees dedicated to various aspects of cricket, each with a formal mandate. These committees include the Cricket Committee, Audit Committee, Related Party Transactions Committee, Nominations Committee, Selection Committee, Tournament Committee, Facilities Development Committee, Rules, Arbitration and Disciplinary Committee, Investment Committee, Anti-Doping and Anti-Corruption Committee and Remuneration Committee. 

Based on the national cricket team's recent failure at the ICC 2023 Men's Cricket World Cup, and allegations surrounding malpractices at Sri Lanka Cricket, the country's Sports Minister Roshan Ranasinghe decided to suspend SLC and appoint an Interim Committee. 

Sri Lanka's Sports Minister Roshan Ranasinghe said that the approval of the President or the Cabinet of Ministers is not necessary for the appointment of an Interim Committee for Sri Lanka Cricket. 

He said on Tuesday (7) that he appointed the Interim Committee for SLC as per the powers vested in him as the Minister of Sports. 

On Monday (6), Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe had summoned the country's Sports Secretary to elaborate on the decision taken by the Sports Minister to appoint an Interim Committee for Sri Lanka Cricket.

Speaking to News 1st, Sports Secretary K. Maheeshan said that he provided the President with the relevant information.

It was reported that the President was kept in the dark about the decision taken to appoint an interim committee for Sri Lanka Cricket.

Chairman of the Interim Committee, Former Sri Lanka Cricket Captain Arjuna Ranatunga said that he is ready to leave the position whenever deemed unnecessary, as the position was not obtained by force. 

Sri Lanka's Sports Minister Roshan Ranasinghe issued an extraordinary gazette to suspend the registration of Sri Lanka Cricket,under Section 32 and 33 of the Sports Law.

In addition, the Sports Minister decided to appoint an Interim Committee for the purpose of exercising the powers, functions and duties of Sri Lanka Cricket until an election is held or until further notice.

Former Sri Lanka Cricket Captain Arjuna Ranatunga was appointed as the Chairman of the interim committee.

The other members of the committee are: 

S. I. Imam, Retired Supreme Court Judge
Rohini Marasinghe, Retired Supreme Court Judge
Irangani Perera, Retired High Court Judge
H. K. Upali Dharmadasa
Rakitha Nirmala Rajapakshe, Attorney-at-Law
M. H. Jamaldeen

In a significant development later in the day, the Cabinent of Ministers decided to appoint a special sub-committee with the mandate to examine the current situation and work in collaboration with relevant stakeholders, including input from esteemed former cricketers. 

The primary objective of this sub-committee is to recommend immediate, viable measures to resolve the outstanding issues in Sri Lanka Cricket.

The members of this sub-committee include: 

Ali Sabry – Minister of Foreign Affairs as the Chairman Kanchana Wijesekara – Minister of Power and Energy 
Manusha Nanayakkara Minister of Labour & Foreign Employment 
Tiran Alles – Minister of Public Security as its members.

In addition to the above, an additional secretary to the President, nominated by the Secretary to the President, will function as the Secretary/Convenor to the sub-committee. 
This appointment ensures efficient coordination and facilitation of the committee’s work.

Furthermore, the sub-committee has been authorized to co-opt the services of any official or expert in the relevant field as they deem necessary for their deliberations. 

This inclusive approach aims to tap into a wide range of expertise and perspectives to address the cricket-related issues more comprehensively.

The decision made by the Cabinet regarding the formation of this sub-committee is to be treated as confirmed, and it underscores the government’s commitment to addressing the challenges faced by Sri Lanka Cricket, said the President's Media Division.

The sub-committee is expected to work diligently to bring forth practical solutions to strengthen and rejuvenate the country’s cricketing landscape.

On the 7th of November 2023, the Court of Appeal issued an order preventing the enforcement of the gazette on the appointment of an interim committee for Sri Lanka Cricket.

The order was made after considering a writ application filed by Sri Lanka Cricket Shammi Silva on Tuesday (7).

The order issued by the court of appeal is in effect for a period of fourteen days. 

Sri Lanka Cricket said that members of the Interim Committee, who were briefly in operation after their appointment, have removed vital project-related payment vouchers and documentation from SLC premises. 

SLC said it strongly disapproves of the behavior exhibited by the said members who advocated the importance of good governance and transparency.

Sri Lanka Cricket emphasized that if these materials are not returned immediately, SLC will be compelled to initiate legal action against those responsible.

In a separate statement, SLC said it has taken a proactive step to invite respected individuals appointed by the Minister of Sports through a recent gazette notification to form an independent committee.

The committee will consist of the following distinguished members:

S. I. Imam, Retired Supreme Court Judge
Rohini Marasinghe, Retired Supreme Court Judge
Irangani Perera, Retired High Court Judge