The Youth Alliance of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) has voiced its support for former Sri Lanka cricket captain Kumar Sangakkara and other cricketers who have been questioned over the allegations raised with regard to the 2011 Cricket World Cup.
The Youth Alliance of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya staged a protest opposite the Ministry of Sports today.
The Alliance said the protest was held against the continuous harassment of Kumar Sanagakkara and other cricketers over unsubstantiated match-fixing allegations.
Commenting on the issue, Prime Ministerial candidate of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya Sajith Premadasa said that the continuous harassment of Kumar Sangakkara and other 2011 cricket heroes must be strongly opposed.
The Government’s behavior is deplorable, said Premadasa via Twitter.
Meanwhile, former Parliamentarian Namal Rajapaksa pointed out that the questioning of cricketers at the Police Financial Crimes Investigation Division (FCID) commenced during the Yahapalana Government when Sri Lanka Test and ODI Captain Angelo Mathews was questioned in 2016.
“ I disagreed with it then. I disagree with it now”, he said on Twitter.
Rajapaksa further said that there are relevant authorities set up to address these kinds of issues.
The Ministry of Sports launched an investigation into the 2011 World Cup final between Sri Lanka and India, following an allegation made by former Minister of Sports Mahindananda Aluthgamage.
On 18 June, Aluthgamage had stated that the 2011 Cricket World Cup had been fixed.
Following this revelation, statements have been recorded from Aluthgamage, former Chairman of the National Selection Committee Aravinda de Silva and Sri Lanka cricketer Upul Tharanga.
Kumar Sangakkara, who captained the 2011 World Cup against India, recorded a statement with the Special Investigation Division of the Ministry of Sports today. (Newswire)
