Issuing a statement, the Ministry of Sports and Youth affairs has issued a clarification on the statement issued by Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) on Friday(1) that all domestic cricket matches have been suspended due to a decision by the Minister of Sports.
Extract of Statement issued by media division of Ministry of Sports:
The Gesto Sports Club had made a complaint to the District Court that they were treated unfairly in the ‘Governors’ Cup’ tournament organized by SLC.
The Honorable District Court has nominated the Minister of Sports to provide solutions to the related problem.
Accordingly, the complaint sent by Gesto Sports Club to the Ministry has been forwarded to the Appeal Advisory Committee.
After taking into consideration the facts of both parties, The Appeal Advisory Committee chaired by Court of Appeal Judge Chandra Jayathilaka has recommended to the Ministry to inform SLC that it has violated its constitution and all the amendments adopted on June 17, 2023 have been made unanimously and it cannot be implemented without obtaining the approval of the Sports Ministry.
The appeal advisory committee’s decision regarding the appeal was communicated to Sri Lanka Cricket by the Director General of Sports in writing on 25th August 2023.
Sri Lanka Cricket should continue with the existing constitution until the proposed amendment is legally approved.
Furthermore, since no change has been made in the existing constitution of Sri Lanka Cricket, that decision should not be an obstacle to holding any cricket tournament in the country.
Sri Lanka Cricket has forwarded the proposed amendments to the relevant authorities for study and the decision will be communicated in due course.
Media Division
Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs
