da bet7k： Controversial former cricket board President Thilanga Sumathipala confirmedthat he still has long-term ambitions to return as BCCSL President during amedia briefing on Thursday
Charlie Austin05-Oct-2001Controversial former cricket board President Thilanga Sumathipala confirmedthat he still has long-term ambitions to return as BCCSL President during amedia briefing on Thursday.Sumathipala, however, is willing to bid his time. "According to the presentpolitical situation, I will not come forward, but I will definitely contestonce the situation is better," he said.Then, starting the election campaign early, he added: "If at all I comeforward it will be for cricket, not the benefit of myself or my committee."Sumithapala, a successful local businessman, was angered by comments madeearlier in the week by Deputy Sports Minister, Managala Samaraweera, whoclaimed that he would change the BCCSL constitution to prevent the cricketboard from becoming "a haven for corrupt businessmen."Sumathipala questioned the legality of changing the constitution, arguingthat changes would have to be mirrored in the other 56 official sportsbodies in the country, as he had responsibility for Sports Law not theBCCSL.Lakasman Kiriella, the Sports Minister before the recent cabinet reshuffle,had dissolved the BCCSL shortly after the England tour of Sri Lanka earlierthis year. The dissolution was justified by a technicality, but the Ministerinsinuated that fears of financial malpractice had forced the decision andappointed a Probe Committee to investigate the affairs of theSumathipala-led board.The appointment the Probe Committee members met with howls of protest fromthe departing Executive Committee at the time, who complained that thecommittee was stacked full of Sumathipala enemies.In the preliminary report the Probe Committee, released in June, Sumathipalawas accused of improperly using BCCSL funds for personal legal fees.Yesterday, Sumathipala, explained that the reimbursement of his legal feeswas the result of a recommendation of the then treasurer of the BCCSL,Trevor Rajaratnam, which was supported by other members of the ExecutiveCommittee. He had apparently been prepared to pay them himself.The Probe Committee also accused the dissolved board of not adhering to"accepted norms and rules of financial management and procedures" during theconstruction of Dambulla International Stadium, claiming that there had been"glaring malpractices, misuse and abuse of powers."With regard to allegations that Dambulla contracts were improperly awarded,he responded with reference to the recently completed CECB evaluationreport, which concludes that: "Rates for work items were reasonable, beingequal or lower than standard rates in many instances."There have also been allegations that the dissolved board had improperlyawarded television rights to WSG/Nimbus despite a higher offer from TransWorld International (TWI). Sumathipala rubbished claims, pointing towards aTWI letter, dated 1 November 2001, which states: "In our view the bidprocess has been conducted in a transparent manner and are satisfied withthe way it has been conducted."The war of words and allegations looks set to continue. Sumathipala, itseems, is not yet ready to throw in the towel.