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SLC secretary resigns after Sri Lanka’s World Cup exit and board criticism
Sri Lanka Cricket secretary Mohan de Silva resigned from his board position on Saturday (03 November 2023). His resignation comes after both widespread criticism of the board following Sri Lanka’s crashing out of the Men’s ODI World Cup, as well as a release from the nation’s sports minister asking SLC’s executive committee to resign or face drastic action.
De Silva did not provide an official reason for his resignation, but it is understood to be at least partly the consequence of Sri Lanka’s poor performance in the World Cup, though personal reasons had also played a part.
Sri Lanka’s sports minister and SLC have been engaged in hostilities lasting over a year, with the board’s use of finances (particularly during last year’s Men’s T20 World Cup), the Lanka Premier League, and their running of other domestic tournaments being particular flashpoints.
SLC’s relationship with the sports minister often tends to be friendly, although it is occasionally characterised by sabre-rattling. According to Sri Lanka’s sports law, the nation’s sports ministry oversees SLC, as it does other national-level sporting bodies. However, in the case of cricket, the ICC’s official policy of not allowing direct government interference in the sport has usually prevented ministers from flexing their power.
The last time the government installed an “interim committee” to act in place of SLC’s member-voted executive committee, back in 2014, the ICC held funds that were due to be paid to the board in escrow.
In any case, the minister’s two-page release accused SLC of – among a variety of faults – failing to provide so much as an indoor training facility, or a swimming pool in which to conduct fitness and injury rehabilitation work. These, at least, have been long-standing grouses from players themselves.
SLC’s officials have responded to the minister’s criticism with strongly-worded statements of their own over the past few months. But the men’s team’s performance at the World Cup has shifted the power dynamic, however briefly.
Latest News
Warm welcome extended to the President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam at the Presidential Secretariat
The official welcoming ceremony for the President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam, To Lam, who is on a State visit to Sri Lanka at the invitation of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, was held this morning (08th May 2026) at the Presidential Secretariat under the patronage of President Dissanayake.
President To Lam is undertaking this State visit with the aim of further strengthening the economic, cultural and social ties between Vietnam and Sri Lanka.
Upon his arrival at the Presidential Secretariat, escorted by the Police Mounted Division, President To Lam was warmly received by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.
Following the playing of the national anthems of both countries, the official welcoming ceremony for President To Lam formally commenced.
On the occasion, President To Lam was accorded a ceremonial gun salute with full State honours.
Thereafter, President To Lam and President Anura Kumara Dissanayake reviewed the Tri-Forces Guard of Honour, following which the Vietnamese and Sri Lankan delegations were introduced.
The two leaders also posed for official photographs.
Representing the Government of Sri Lanka at the occasion were Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Vijitha Herath, Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning Dr Anil Jayantha Fernando, Minister of Science and Technology Professor Krishantha Abeysena, Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs Dr Hiniduma Sunil Senevi, Minister of Environment Dr Dhammika Patabendi, Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs Ananda Wijepala, Secretary to the President Dr Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, Secretary to the Ministry of Defence Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retired), Secretary to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Aruni Ranaraja, along with a number of senior officials from both countries.
(PMD)
President To Lam, President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam, accompanied by a delegation of 209 members arrived in Sri Lanka on Thursday (07) night on a state visit.
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President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam pays floral tribute to the Ho Chi Minh Statue
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Warm welcome extended to the President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam at the Presidential Secretariat
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President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam arrives in Sri Lanka on State Visit
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