Sports Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage yesterday sought the Attorney General’s advice on the recommendations made by a three-member panel appointed to inquire into the objections in relation to Thilanga Sumathipala’s candidacy for the top post of Sri Lanka Cricket president.
Sumathipala was challenged by three clubs soon after he handed in his nomination on February 27 over possible links with betting, newspapers and sale of sports goods.
Subsequently an inquiry was held on Monday by a three member committee headed by Anura Jayawickrama (Secretray, Ministry of Sports), Panduka Keerthinanda (lawyer) and B.K Mohottala (retired assistant Auditor General) and their findings were handed over to the minister last afternoon.
“We have made our recommendations to the minister. After discussion the minister deemed it fit to get the advice of the Attorney General in order to make the right call,” said Keerthinanda.
“The decision would be out during the next few days”.
Sumathipala has already denied any involvement in betting, newspapers and trading in sports goods after meeting the investigators saying he was confident of contesting the election on March 30.
He also said that the International Cricket Council has given the green light to contest.
However Sri Lanka Cricket president, Upali Dharmadasa issuing a media statement on Monday stated that Sumathipala will be debarred by the ICC from attending its meetings as president of Sri Lanka Cricket if elected.
Sumathipala hit back through his lawyers and challenged Dharmadasa while demanded a sum of Rs. 500 million as damages for tarnishing his image.
Minister Aluthgamage was to announce the ruling of the inquiry committee last afternoon at a press conference at the National Olympic Committee but later cancelled the event.
By Champika Fernando
