Sports Minister - Discussed with ICC to change the administration of Sri Lanka Cricket.

Sports Minister Sunil Kumara Gamage states that discussions are currently underway with the International Cricket Council (ICC) regarding the administrative affairs of Sri Lanka Cricket. Addressing a press conference held today, the Minister revealed that President Anura Kumara Dissanayake is also directly involved in these discussions.

He also hinted at the readiness to appoint an interim committee or an authorized officer to govern the cricket institution.

The Minister stated that the government has already prepared a special plan to uplift Sri Lankan cricket and bring it back to a winning path, and some parts of it have already been implemented. Emphasizing that the government will directly intervene as a government to implement that plan for the betterment of the sport, he declared that it cannot be handed over to another party or individual and that the government considers the development of the sport its responsibility and is committed to it.

The Sports Minister, further commenting, pointed out that several steps are being taken in this regard, including discussions with the International Cricket Council. He stated that there is no reason to ban cricket in Sri Lanka and that the sport should be developed while being continuously maintained. Mr. Gamage emphasized that the government will definitely intervene to make the necessary changes for this.

Responding to a journalist's question regarding whether the administration of Sri Lanka Cricket would be handed over to an interim committee or an authorized officer, the Minister stated that discussions on the matter are currently ongoing. He said that with the direct intervention of the President, a suitable mechanism related to this would be decided within the next one or two weeks. The Sports Minister further stated that it is the strong stance of the government and the President that cricket must be rebuilt by any means necessary.