By Shamindra Ferdinando

Sports Minister Roshan Ranasinghe yesterday (09) said that just weeks after being appointed sports and youth affairs ministry by President Ranil Wickremesinghe, he had sought direct intervention of Indian High Commissioner Gopal Baglay to secure a meeting with Asia Cricket Council (ACC) President Jay Shah to clarify issues at hand.

The UNP leader accommodated the Polonnaruwa District lawmaker in his cabinet on July 22 last year soon after he was elected the President. SLPPer Roshan Ranasinghe is among 133 MPs who elected UNP leader Ranil Wickremesinghe to complete the remainder of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s five-year term.

Minister Ranasinghe said that the Indian HC refrained from responding to his request made on August 29, 2023.

“Had I afforded an opportunity to meet Jay Shah, perhaps the current crisis could have been averted,” Minister Ranasinghe stressed.

In response to The Island query in this regard, the Indian HC spokesperson said: “It is not appropriate for us to comment on remarks made by a minister in Parliament of another country. However, we received a communication from the minister, which was duly forwarded. “

The minister said so after The Island sought a clarification as regards his special statement to the parliament on the previous day. Minister Ranasinghe told parliament that he felt that one-on-one with Jay Shah could have strengthened his efforts to clean up Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC).

The lawmaker has solicited HC Baglay’s help before Jay Shah flew in here for Asia Cup 2023. BCCI President former national cricketer

Roger Binny and Jay Shah were present at the R. Premadasa stadium on Sept 17, 2023 when India restricted Sri Lanka to 50 runs and finished the match with 263 balls remaining.

Minister Ranasinghe said that in spite of him being the minister in charge of sports he couldn’t take vital decisions as the SLC bosses repeatedly declared they had the backing of Jay Shah. The minister said that as Jay Shah was the only son of Union Minister of Home Affairs, India, Amit Shah the corrupt lot warned him of dire consequences through Indian intervention.

Minister Ranasinghe pointed out that as Jay Shah also concurrently served as Secretary Board of Control for Cricket (BCCI) in India, SLC brazenly exploited the Indian official. SLC bosses declared whatever their actions, they had the backing of the BCCI, thereby influencing the government here, lawmaker Ranasinghe said.

“I sincerely hope Indian authorities take immediate measures to set the record straight. BCCI and ACC cannot allow SLC to abuse them. They cannot keep quiet especially against the backdrop of accusations made both in and outside parliament,” Minister Rnasinghe said, pointing out that the current crisis here could have far worse impact on the game here unless tangible measures were taken to address the issues at hand.

Minister Ranasinghe emphasised that the Indian factor has to be clarified as quickly as possible. The minister also acknowledged the contentious issue of Indian hand raised by National Freedom Front (NFF) MP Wimal Weerawansa in parliament this week. The SLPP MP appreciated the support extended by many MPs during parliamentary proceedings.

Former Commerce and Industries Minister Weerawansa told The Island that not only Sri Lanka but the International Cricket Council (ICC) had been under India’s thumb for some time. Declaring that he had nothing personal against SLC’s consultant coach Mahela Jayawardena (MJ), lawmaker Weerawansa questioned in parliament why MJ advised the Sri Lankan captain not to bat in the ongoing World Cup even if he won the toss.