The inquiry of former Sri Lanka cricketers on the 2011 World cup match fixing allegations is aimed at diverting public attention from the real issues faced by the public, former Minister of Sports Harin Fernando said.
The former Parliamentarian said Sri Lanka must be the first country to question all players over an unreliable statement.
“This madness has to stop. These cricketers are our pride. We must be the first country to question all players over an unreliable statement which is clearly aimed at diverting public attention from the real issues the public is facing. Shame”, he Tweeted.
Harin Fernando further said to keep politics aside and urged all sports fans to speak against this drama of insulting Sri Lanka’s cricketing greats.
Fernando issued this statement in response to media reports on Sri Lanka cricketer Upul Tharanga being summoned before the Special Investigation Division of the Ministry of Sports to record a statement over the match-fixing allegations.
Tharanga, who was a member of the playing XI during the 2011 World Cup, has reportedly been summoned to appear before the Special Investigation Division at 10.00 am today (01).
Meanwhile, former Chairman of the 2011 National Selection Committee Aravinda de Silva recorded a statement for 6 -hours at the Special Investigation Division yesterday (30).
The Ministry of Sports launched an investigation into the matter, after former Minister of Sports Mahindananda Aluthgamage made a shocking revelation on 18 June that the 2011 Cricket World Cup final between Sri Lanka and India was fixed.
The allegation created an uproar among cricketers and politicians alike.
The Special Investigation Division of the Ministry of Sports then recorded a statement from Aluthgamage at his office in Nawalapitiya on 24 June in this regard.
The former Parliamentarian, who was the Minister of Sports at the time of the tournament, later clarified that he had only suspected that the match had been fixed.
(Newswire)
