Former Sports Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage yesterday in an e-mail denied allegations that he was part of a campaign to tarnish the reputation of star batsman Kumar Sangakkara. Earlier, in an e-mail to SLC, the former Test captain had alleged that there was campaign in 2013 targeting him.
“There have been media reports referring to an e-mail sent by Kumar Sangakkara to SLC Director Operations that I had tarnished the reputation of the cricketer. I am surprised to hear an allegation of this nature. This is an issue between Sangakkara and Sri Lanka Cricket and I have got nothing to do with this.”
“However, I would like to state one thing. The Sports Minister has to take policy decisions with regard to sports. Basing on that, I took an important decision that players need to put the interests of the country first. This wasn’t a decision targeting Sangakkara.”
“I would like to stress that at this important juncture, all our efforts should be directed at winning the World Cup. Kumar Sangakkara, the stylish batsman, is one of my favourite cricketers and I wish him and the entire Sri Lankan cricket team all the very best in the World Cup.”
