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SLC needs new constitution: Eran
The problem with Sri Lanka Cricket was too much political interference and the government must introduce a new constitution for that outfit, said SJB MP, Eran Wickramaratne addressing Parliament on the adjournment debate on Sri Lanka Cricket on Thursday (24.)
“Things are so bad that coaches have been asked to step down by politicians. So, we have a governance issue. We need to bring in a new constitution for Sri Lanka Cricket to depoliticise and clean cricket,” Wickramaratne said.
SJB Parliamentarian Hesha Withana moved a resolution on the alleged irregularities in Sri Lanka Cricket involving the T-20 international competition held in Australia in 2022.
Wickramaratne added that over 140 clubs are making decisions at the SLC but most of the countries in the world have 6-14 clubs involved in decision-making.
“Sri Lanka Cricket is not a private organisation as claimed by certain officials of the cricket board. It is a national organisation.
We need to go by the ICC guiding principles of good conscious, equity, common sense and simplicity enabling every member to grow with greater transparency. Those who are in the cricket say “oh.. government mustn’t interfere, they are not accountable to anybody because this is a private organization.” It is not private in that sense” he said.
He said that Sri Lanka Cricket is owned by Sri Lankans and that is why MPs are asking questions about cricket.
“Since there is a lot of money involved with cricket there is political interference. Today I heard a former Sports Minister saying we must not have political interference in sports. If that is the case, should politicians hold positions in sports associations. If you really want to stop political interferencem let the professional handle it leaving behind the politicians involved in sports associations,” he said.
The SJB MP said in 2019, Harin Fernando, who was the then Sports Minister, asked all cricket coaches of national team to step down soon. Wickramaratne emphasized that politicians should not be involved in removing national coaches.
“One time coach Asanka Gurusinghe is reported saying there was an overwhelming political interference which hindered the development of cricket. He has worked under three different Sport Ministers and due to disappointment, he has left his stint with Sri Lanka Cricket as a coach. In the same manner, another outstanding cricketer Hathurusinghe, who was taken as a coach, has also made similar sentiments,” he said.
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Urgent investigation ordered regarding role salinity barrier has on Nilwala River flooding
A special discussion was held on Friday (08) at the Presidential Secretariat, led by Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake the Secretary to the President, and attended by officials from the Irrigation Department, the National Water Supply and Drainage Board, and related Ministries to determine if the Salinity Barrier across the Nilwala river is contributing to the floods which lead to agricultural damage.
Dr. Kumanayake has instructed officials to prepare a proposal based on a study by the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Peradeniya. The solutions derived from this report will guide the second phase of the project, with necessary funding requests to be submitted.
Additionally, officials reported that saltwater intrusion has adversely affected livelihoods, with many residents losing farmland. The Secretary highlighted that restoring normal conditions is both a government and official responsibility and directed further action to address flooding in the Matara area.
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Chinese funds for Disaster Relief and Monitoring project transferred to General Treasury
The People’s Republic of China has provided financial assistance totaling approximately Rs. 30 million to compensate for damage to houses and properties caused by natural disasters from January 1 to October 30, 2024. This amount has been transfered to the Treasury.
In addition, the Department of National Budget has allocated further financial provisions to the Ministry of Defence for the reconstruction of homes affected by the disasters. The Department of Treasury Operations has promptly released these funds to the Ministry of Defence.
These additional provisions were necessary because the 2024 budget did not include adequate funds to address the needs of disaster victims.
Furthermore, material assistance worth 10 million Yuan is expected from the People’s Republic of China under the Emergency Humanitarian Assistance Program. The goods will be properly accounted for and distributed once received.
Finally, steps have been taken to ensure the timely disbursement of compensation for damaged homes and properties, as well as the swift completion of reconstruction and renovation efforts, through the Disaster Relief and Monitoring Project.
[PMD]
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