Minister Bimal Rathnayake explained the reasoning behind appointing Eran Wickramaratne as chairman of the Cricket Transformation Committee, responding to questions about why a person outside their political views was chosen for the position.
“Cricket doesn’t have to be left-wing,” he said, adding that Eran Wickramaratne was appointed as chairman of the Sri Lanka Cricket Transformation Committee considering his background in the sport, his vast administrative experience, and expectations that he will help restore Sri Lanka’s cricketing standards.
Explaining the decision, Minister Rathnayake said cricket could not be treated like managing a political party, and the appointment of Eran Wickramaratne should not be seen as a political decision.
“We needed a suitable and talented administrator. Eran Wickramaratne was selected because he is a former cricketer with knowledge of the game, and there are expectations that he will help develop the sport accordingly,” he said in a televised interview.
Minister Rathnayake stressed that cricket has declined sharply, noting that Sri Lanka has not qualified for a semi-final in any format over the past decade.
“Cricket must be developed. It is a national need, a national strength, and even a political asset for Sri Lanka to move forward globally,” he said.
The minister emphasised that the National People’s Power (NPP) is not confined to JVP or NPP members, and that just as the movement was built through collaboration, cricket’s revival requires working with diverse individuals.
“We are not considering whether it’s SJB, UNP, or LTTE. We are simply focused on a suitable and accomplished individual,” he added.
Minister Rathnayake pointed out that Eran Wickramaratne, also a former politician, will not dominate the administration alone.
“He is joined by cricketing greats Kumar Sangakkara, Sidath Wettimuny, Roshan Mahanama, and others. The whole country is watching them,” Rathnayake said, underscoring the weight of responsibility placed on the transformation committee. (Newswire)
