A cash deposit has been placed on behalf of former Sports Minister Roshan Ranasinghe to contest the upcoming Presidential polls. 

It is reported that a relative of the former minister had placed the cash bond at the National Election Commission today.

The move comes after former Sports Minister Roshan Ranasinghe announced on Sunday that he will contest the 2024 Presidential Election. (Newswire)

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Former Sports Minister Roshan Ranasinghe says Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) officials must take responsibility for the poor show of the national men’s cricket team in the ongoing T20 cricket world cup.

Speaking to reporters, Ranasinghe said he will not and has never laid blame on the cricketers, stating that they are talented players. 

“The cricket board must take responsibility. If proper management is carried out, then developing the sport of cricket is not an impossible task,” he said. 

Roshan Ranasinghe pointed out that if the Cabinet-appointed committee to introduce new regulations for sporting bodies had acted immediately after his sacking, Sri Lanka could have avoided such a poor state at the World Cup. 

“In order to improve the sport of cricket, it does not matter if the cricket board is banned and the corrupt officials are removed. The team must continue playing. However, people value money more and do not intend to improve cricket,” he said. 

The former Sports Minister emphasized the need for a new Sports Law to fix the sport of cricket in Sri Lanka. (Newswire)

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Former Sports Minister Roshan Ranasinghe says he was subject to poisoning while leaving on an overseas tour in the recent past.

Speaking during an event, MP Ranasinghe said he had been severely ill for over a month due to the incident. 

Revealing details in this regard, MP Ranasinghe said he had consumed food suspected to be laced with poison during his visit to Dubai, Malaysia, and Japan recently.

The former minister said he was severely ill for over a month while in Japan, and had returned to good health due to the treatments provided by Japanese and Sri Lankan doctors.

MP Ranasinghe further said that it has come to a point where their lives were in danger from people who are hell-bent on holding on to power. (Newswire) 

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A new political alliance has been formed together by former cricketer and minister Arjuna Ranatunga, former Sports Minister Roshan Ranasinghe, and MP Lalith Ellawala, identified as ‘Dushanaya Nawathamu – Mawbima Godanagamu’ (Let’s stop corruption & develop our motherland). 

Speaking to NewsWire, former minister Arjuna Ranatunga said the alliance is formed together by politicians and civil organizations, with the intention of bringing in clean politicians to the Parliament of Sri Lanka. 

He further said that the key objective of the alliance was to rid of the Executive Presidency and Prime Ministerial powers and to grant more power to the Parliament. 

Ranatunga, a former Sri Lankan cricketer, further said that the alliance is working towards creating clean politics with national policies for all institutions, and mainly to promote the concept of ‘One nation, One people’.

Stating that there are various divides in the country, especially in the Parliament, for political advantage, the former minister said that it was essential to promote Sri Lanka as one nation. (NewsWire)

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Former Sports Minister Roshan Ranasinghe says he will not hesitate to accept if it is proposed for him to contest the Presidential Election in 2024 as a common candidate.

Responding to questions raised by reporters, MP Ranasinghe said if an offer such as that is made, proving that he has shown great leadership, he will take responsibility and accept it. 

“I am not someone who hides from responsibilities. I will accept the offer and take up the responsibility. We can rebuild this nation,” he further said. (NewsWire)

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The Court of Appeal has postponed the hearing on the petition related to the appointment of the Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) interim committee and the stay order issued preventing its functions.

The court will take up for consideration the case on Wednesday, December 13, 2023.

The hearing was postponed after new Sports Minister Harin Fernando had sought time to notify his position regarding the Gazette issued on the interim committee. 

The Sports Minister had also pledged to the court that no further action would be taken concerning the Gazette notification issued by the former Sports Minister, until that date.

The case pertains to the motion filed by former Sports Minister Roshan Ranasinghe seeking an order to revoke the stay order issued against the recently appointed SLC Interim Committee.

The stay order was issued preventing the functions of the new SLC Interim Committee following a motion filed by SLC President Shammi Silva. 

Former Sports Minister Roshan Ranasinghe had appointed an interim Committee for SLC citing financial malpractices in the cricket administration, which was refuted by the SLC.

The escalating spat between the former Sports Minister Roshan Ranasinghe and SLC drew attention in the Parliament, eventually leading to the International Cricket Council (ICC) imposing a ban on Sri Lanka Cricket. 

The developments also led to President Ranil Wickremesinghe sacking Roshan Ranasinghe from his ministerial portfolio and appointing Tourism and Lands Minister Harin Fernando to the post. (NewsWire)

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Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has announced that it has formally filed a complaint with the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption against former Sports Minister Roshan Ranasinghe over the alleged misuse of funds provided by the SLC.

Issuing a statement, the SLC said the funds had been provided to the National Sports Fund for the development of various other sports in Sri Lanka.

The decision to file this complaint stems from the concern that Parliamentarian Roshan Ranasinghe has not appropriately disclosed the utilization of funds allocated by the SLC for the intended purposes.

This move comes in the wake of a discernible disparity between the information disclosed to the media by MP Ranasinghe and the response received by the SLC under a Right to Information (RTI) application, outlining the specifics of the expenditures made, it said.

Emphasizing the importance of maintaining the integrity of financial transactions and ensuring that funds are utilized for their designated purposes, the SLC said the formal complaint filed with the Bribery Commission underscores the SLC’s dedication to upholding the highest standards of governance and ethics within the realm of sports administration.

The SLC expressed hope that the Bribery Commission will conduct a thorough investigation into the matter to ascertain the facts and take appropriate action as necessary.

Sri Lanka Cricket will continue to collaborate with relevant authorities to ensure a fair and just resolution to this issue, as part of its ongoing commitment to the promotion and advancement of sports in Sri Lanka, it added.

Responding to the claims, former Sports Minister Roshan Ranasinghe refuted the allegations levelled by Sri Lanka Cricket.

MP Ranasinghe, who was recently sacked from his ministerial portfolio of Sports, said that the funds have been utilized for official activities related to the Sports Ministry.

He further said that the expenditure has been audited by the Sports Ministry. (NewsWire)

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Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena today clarified the government’s reasons for the sacking of Roshan Ranasinghe from his ministerial portfolios of Sports and Irrigation. 

Addressing the Parliament today (Nov 28), Prime Minister Gunwardena said that the Cabinet of Ministers must act with discipline and it was the responsibility of the MP taking oaths as a Cabinet Minister to follow that discipline.

He further said that those who do not want to adhere to the government’s policy can leave, or they will be removed or sacked.

“During the Yahapalanaya Government, an MP who proposed a Bill eventually voted against the Bill. Just because this happened in the past, there are some here who think they can do the same. Such actions cannot take place now,” the Prime Minister said. (NewsWire)

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The Court of Appeal has decided to take up for hearing on December 05, the motion seeking to revoke the stay order issued against the Interim Committee appointed for Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC). 

Taking up for consideration the motion today (Nov 28), the court also informed the newly appointed Sports Minister, Harin Fernando to present his status on the matter on the fixed date. 

The case has been moved to a new panel of judges of the Court of Appeal after a total of three judges had earlier recused themselves from hearing the motion. 

In November, the Court of Appeal issued a stay order against the Gazette issued by Roshan Ranasinghe, in his capacity as the Sports Minister, on the appointment of an interim committee for Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) headed by former cricketer Arjuna Ranatunga.

The court issued the order suspending for 14 days the functions of the SLC interim committee after taking up for hearing a petition filed by SLC President Shammi Silva challenging the Gazette notification. 

A motion was later filed by Roshan Ranasinghe to revoke the stay order that was issued against the Interim Committee appointed by him for Sri Lanka Cricket. (NewsWire)

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Minister of Sports Roshan Ranasinghe has been sacked from his ministerial portfolios by President Ranil Wickremesinghe.

A letter signed by the President, states Roshan Ranasinghe has been removed from the portfolios of Minister of Sports & Youth Affairs, and Minister of Irrigation, with immediate effect.

Roshan Ranasinghe was appointed as the Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs and Minister of Irrigation under President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s government.

He was appointed to the ministerial portfolios as part of the government that was formed after the anti-government protests in July 2022.

However, the President and Roshan Ranasinghe have been at odds as of late over the crisis related to the sport of cricket and Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC).  

The removal comes after Roshan Ranasinghe earlier today accused the President of attempting to frame him, due to exposing corruption related to the sport of cricket in Sri Lanka. (NewsWire)

“If the cricket crisis in Sri Lanka is not resolved now, then it will be resolved at least by the next Presidential election.” Sports Minister slams President pic.twitter.com/LSBfBVxlYM

— NewsWire (@NewsWireLK) November 27, 2023

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Sports Minister Roshan Ranasinghe has accused President Ranil Wickremesinghe of attempting to frame him for political vengeance.

Addressing the Parliament today (Nov 27), Minister Ranasinghe said the President was using false facts related to a vehicle to frame him of unlawful acts.

He further questioned why the President was taking political revenge, when he, as the Sports Minister, had only exposed corruption.

“My life is at risk, I may be killed today or tomorrow. If something were to happen to me, the President and his advisor Sagala Ratnayake should be held responsible,” he added.

Minister Roshan Ranasinghe further accused the government of having taken a Cabinet decision with regard to appointing interim committees without properly briefing the Cabinet Ministers and in his absence.

The minister made the remarks in response to a statement previously made in Parliament by President Ranil Wickremesinghe with regard to the Sri Lanka Cricket crisis. (NewsWire)

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Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has rejected allegations made by the Minister of Sports Roshan Ranasinghe during a media conference held yesterday (Nov 19), calling them baseless and malicious. 

Issuing a statement, the SLC said the Minister’s statements were tainted with malice and appeared to be orchestrated to instigate the public, creating undue influence on pending and emerging matters related to the affairs of the SLC. 

The SLC said it notes with concern that Roshan Ranasinghe, in his capacity as the Minister of Sports, seems to lack a comprehensive understanding of the intricacies surrounding the affairs of the Parent Body and its affiliated members. 

“Particularly noteworthy is the fact that the President of SLC, as a director of the ICC (International Cricket Council) Board of Directors, is dutybound to respect and further the objectives outlined in clause 5 of the Memorandum of Association of the ICC. 

“It is imperative to clarify that each ICC Director, including the President of SLC, has an obligation to apprise the status of SLC affairs when there are reasons to believe that impending actions by the Minister of Sports may jeopardize the fulfilment of obligations set out in the ICC’s Articles of Association,” the SLC said.

SLC further emphasized that it has consistently acted in the best interest of the cricket administration in Sri Lanka, striving to address issues through constructive dialogue, adding that regrettably, these endeavours proved futile, given the continuous and unfounded criticism by the Minister of Sports, aiming to wield unwarranted influence over SLC through the misuse of authority.

“It is noteworthy to mention that despite lacking any vested authority, the Minister of Sports has taken the unprecedented step of communicating with the ICC and its full members, making false claims that SLC officials were involved in corruption and malpractices based on a Special Audit report. However, it is crucial to emphasize that the said audit report did not reveal any corrupt conduct or malpractice, and the ICC and its Members were well aware of the groundlessness of these allegations. 

“Moreover, the SLC believes that the Minister’s continuous appeal to the general public and repeated false allegations of corrupt conduct and malpractice by SLC officials appear to be driven by political motives, aimed at enhancing his public image,” the cricket administration alleged.

The SLC further revealed that as a member of the ICC, it is obligated to comply with its paramount obligation outlined in Article 2.4 (D), which mandates that the SLC must operate autonomously without government interference. Nevertheless, it appears that the Minister of Sports, by contravening these ICC principles, is willfully causing harm and irreparable damage to SLC. 

“SLC wishes to emphasize that the ICC’s decisions are reached during board meetings comprising Directors representing all full member countries. The ICC, being a reputable international organization, approaches decisions with careful consideration, particularly those that could result in the suspension of a member. Contrary to any assertions implying that SLC sought its suspension from the ICC, we want to clarify that such allegations are without merit, and SLC is steadfast in its commitment to earnestly address and lift the suspension imposed by the ICC. 

“While SLC focuses on resolving the suspension issue, it appears that the Minister of Sports is pursuing a different agenda through media manipulation, without pursuing legal avenues to address the allegations. This raises concerns about his intention to influence public opinion and other stakeholders to achieve his objective of taking control of SLC through the misuse of his powers,” it pointed out. 

Calling for a fair and unbiased examination of the facts, the SLC said it remains focused on its mission to uphold the integrity of cricket in Sri Lanka and is confident that the truth will prevail in due course. (NewsWire)

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The Court of Appeal has decided to take up for consideration the petition related to the Sri Lanka Cricket interim committee on Monday, November 20, 2023.

The case will be taken up for consideration under a new panel of judges of the Court of Appeal. 

The move comes after a total of three judges had recused themselves from hearing the motion filed by Sports Minister Roshan Ranasinghe to revoke the stay order against the recently appointed Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) Interim Committee.

Earlier today, Justice Neel Iddawela recused himself from the case, stepping down from the two-judge bench consisting of himself and Justice D. N. Samarakoon.

On Tuesday (Nov 14), the President of the Court of Appeal Nissanka Bandula Karunaratne recused himself from hearing the motion citing the unfair criticism of him by the Sports Minister, some members of the Cabinet members, and some Parliamentarians recently.

The lawyer representing the Sports Minister had also objected to Justice Nissanka Bandula Karunaratne hearing the petition. Thereafter, the petition was moved to another court to be heard before another judge bench of the Court of Appeal.

However, Justice Dhammika Ganepola had also recused himself from the two-judge bench consisting of Justice Sobitha Rajakaruna, citing personal reasons. The case was once again forwarded to name a new judge bench to hear the petition. (NewsWire)

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Sports Minister Roshan Ranasinghe says that no discussion or Cabinet directive has been taken over future appointments of interim committees.

“The minister of Sports says the media report by the President’s Media Division needs to be corrected as there was no discussion or Cabinet directive as to the future appointments of interim committees,” the Sports Ministry said responding to a media statement by the President’s office.

The President’s office in a statement said that the Cabinet has decided that any future appointment of an interim committee must receive Cabinet approval. (NewsWire)

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The President of the Court of Appeal Nissanka Bandula Karunaratne has recused himself from hearing the motion filed by Sports Minister Roshan Ranasinghe to revoke the stay order against the recently appointed Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) Interim Committee.

The Judge recused himself after the petition filed by the Sports Minister was taken up for consideration today (Nov 14) before the two-judge bench, consisting of him and Justice Vikum Kaluarachchi.

During the hearing, the lawyer representing the Sports Minister had objected to Justice Nissanka Bandula Karunaratne hearing the petition.

Responding to the objection, Justice Nissanka Bandula Karunaratne stated that he had decided to withdraw from this trial due to the unfair criticism of him by the Sports Minister, some members of the Cabinet members, and some Parliamentarians recently.

Therefore, the petition has been moved to another court to be heard before another judge of the Court of Appeal. (NewsWire)

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Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has issued a statement clarifying assertions made by the Minister of Sports in Parliament regarding the transfer of USD 2 million from its accounts. 

The SLC categorically denied any attempt to transfer funds from its accounts to third-party accounts.

Addressing the matter, the SLC said that as the governing entity for cricket in Sri Lanka, it receives funds and sponsorship income in USD, which are intentionally kept in its USD accounts to leverage exchange rate fluctuations. 

“However, it is important to note that the SLC needs to carry out its operations in Sri Lanka and fulfil financial obligations to stakeholders, including suppliers, regularly. To meet these expenses, SLC follows the practice of transferring funds from its USD account to its local currency (LKR) accounts. This has been a longstanding practice, as SLC does not derive significant income in local currency. It is crucial to highlight that these transfers are solely for operational purposes and are not indicative of any attempt to transfer funds out of SLC’s accounts. 

“Thus, any claims stating that SLC is trying to transfer funds out of its accounts are false and factually incorrect. It is evident that such assertions have been made with ulterior motives, aiming to create unnecessary public unrest against SLC,” the cricket administration said.

The SLC further said that it operates by the provisions of its constitution, which prohibits cash payments exceeding Rs. 10,000/-. 

“Accordingly, and to clarify the misconceptions, we have taken steps to release a schedule to the Parliament and to the Ministry of pending payments, for which cheques have been issued to suppliers, stakeholders, and third parties who have provided services to SLC. The schedule covers the period from 17th August 2023 to 8th November 2023 and ensures that the necessary funds are available in our LKR account to fulfil these payments upon presentation to the bank,” it said. 

Stating that it remains committed to transparency and upholding the integrity of its operations, the SLC urged the public to disregard any misinformation and rely on authentic sources for accurate information. 

The SLC added that it continues working diligently to support cricket development in Sri Lanka and maintain good governance.

Sri Lanka Cricket issued the clarification after Sports Minister Roshan Ranasinghe today alleged that a group of senior SLC officials were attempting to withdraw USD 2 million from a state bank account.

Addressing the debate on SLC in Parliament today, the Sports Minister said he had received information that a group of SLC officials are currently attempting to obtain USD 2 million from the account of a state bank branch located near Independence Square in Colombo, in a supposed bid to flee the country.

Sports Minister Roshan Ranasinghe urged that expeditious measures be taken to suspend the passports of the said individuals, adding that one official has already left the country. (NewsWire)

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The BAR Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) has raised concerns about court proceedings being discussed in Parliament.

Issuing a statement, the BASL said it is disturbed by the allegations made by a Cabinet Minister in respect of a case which relates to a matter concerning the appointment of an Interim Committee to Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) and the alleged conduct of a judge of the Court of Appeal.

The BASL further said it strongly feels that statements being made in respect of ongoing court cases and reference to judges, purportedly taking cover on parliamentary privileges, is seen as a direct threat to the Independence of the Judiciary.

Given the nature of the serious allegations made against the alleged conduct of a Judge in the well of Parliament, the BASL is of the view that independent and impartial persons should be appointed to probe into the truth of the allegations.

The BASL statement comes after Sports Minister Roshan Ransinghe launched a scathing attack on the judiciary over yesterday’s judgement suspending the Gazette issued on the Arjuna Ranatunga-led interim committee appointed for Sri Lanka Cricket.

Delivering a special statement in Parliament yesterday, the Sports Minister blamed the judgment, stating that it was taken only considering one view and made several serious allegations against the judiciary, including conflict of interest.

Full BASL statement: 

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A decision has been taken to present a joint proposal in Parliament for the removal of Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) office bearers.

Chief Government Whip, Minister Prasanna Ranatunga said the joint proposal will be presented in Parliament tomorrow (Nov 09).

The decision to present the joint proposal to Parliament was taken at the Party Leaders’ meeting held this afternoon.

Minister Prasanna Ranatunga further said the proposal would be taken up for debate on the same day and put for a vote in the evening.

The move comes after the functions of the interim committee appointed for SLC, headed by former cricketer Arjuna Ranatunga, were suspended via a court order yesterday.

The interim committee for SLC was appointed by Sports Minister Roshan Ranasinghe based on the recommendations of the Auditor General’s report related to alleged financial malpractices within the cricket administration. (NewsWire)

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Sri Lanka’s Sports Minister Roshan Ranasinghe today launched a scathing attack on the judiciary over yesterday’s judgement suspending the Gazette issued on the Arjuna Ranatunga-led interim committee appointed for Sri Lanka Cricket.

The minister blamed the judgment, stating that it was taken only considering one view and made several serious allegations against the judiciary, including conflict of interest.

The Sports Minister also accused the Attorney General for not supporting the ministry and acting in a way to protect corrupt Cricket officials.

Stating that President Ranil Wickremesinghe has been misled by his close associates, the minister informed the President to choose which side he is on, whether it is Roshan Ranasinghe or SLC President Shammi Silva.

Sports Minister Roshan Ranasinghe made the remarks while delivering a special statement in Parliament today (Nov 08).

Joining the discussion, Opposition Leader MP Sajith Premadasa proposed that the parliament should adopt a resolution tomorrow it self to send corrupt Sri Lanka officials home.

Meanwhile, a special party leaders meeting has been scheduled for this afternoon with the consent of the ruling party and the opposition to take a collective decision regarding Sri Lanka Cricket. (NewsWire)

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The Government Medical Officers Association (GMOA) has sought clarification on a recent statement of the Sports Minister claiming that the income of cricketers has been exempted from income tax.

In a letter addressed to the Income Tax Commissioner General, the GMOA has cited a document issued by Sports Minister Roshan Ranasinghe bearing the statement.

Stating that the said document which was issued on November 03, 2023, has been making rounds on social media platforms, the GMOA questioned if such a measure has been implemented. 

The GMOA further pointed out that such exemptions can only be carried out following approval from the Parliament or by amending the Income Tax Act. 

The document by the Sports Minister, verified by NewsWire, does mention the exemption of cricketers’ income from income tax. (NewsWire)

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