SLC President Shammi Silva Makes Complaint to Sports Minister for his removal
Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) President Shammi Silva has written a strongly worded letter to the Minister of Sports, condemning the controversial appointment of former Sri Lanka cricketer Sidath Wettimuny to the National Sports Council (NSC). The letter questions Wettimuny’s credibility, citing a serious conflict of interest, financial mismanagement, and political maneuvering.
The National Sports Council, established under the Sports Act, serves as an advisory body to the Minister of Sports, guiding the development and administration of sports in Sri Lanka. However, Silva argues that Wettimuny’s appointment is deeply problematic, given that he is actively engaged in legal action against the very same Ministry he is now advising.
Conflict of Interest: Wettimuny Suing the Ministry While Serving as an Advisor
One of the key concerns raised in Silva’s letter is Wettimuny’s ongoing legal battle against the Ministry of Sports. In Case No. CA Writ 460/2020, Wettimuny is a petitioner, having filed a case against the Minister of Sports, the Secretary to the Ministry of Sports, and Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC).
In his petition, Wettimuny has accused SLC officials of corruption and has demanded drastic reforms within the cricket board. This, Silva argues, raises serious ethical concerns, as Wettimuny cannot simultaneously serve as an impartial advisor while legally challenging the Ministry.
Silva’s letter strongly criticizes the decision, questioning:
“How can a person who is actively engaged in legal proceedings against the Ministry be appointed as an advisor to the very same entity he is trying to litigate against?”
The letter further suggests that Wettimuny has failed to disclose this conflict of interest, which compromises his ability to provide fair and unbiased recommendations.
Wettimuny’s Track Record: Serial Political Appointments Without Results
Silva also points out Wettimuny’s history of leveraging political connections to secure various appointments, alleging that he has frequently used these positions for influence rather than actual progress.
- 2019-2022: Wettimuny was appointed by former Sports Minister Roshan Ranasinghe to the International Sports Coordination Committee for Sri Lanka at the ICC, allegedly with the intent of interfering in Sri Lanka Cricket’s governance. The ICC immediately rejected this move, refusing to recognize the committee.
- 2024 Budget Allocation: Wettimuny was part of a committee appointed by former President Ranil Wickremesinghe to oversee school cricket development with a Rs. 1.5 billion budget allocation. However, Silva claims no tangible progress was made, and Wettimuny allegedly failed to attend any meetings regarding the project.
- Diyagama Stadium Development: Wettimuny was involved in the Diyagama Stadium project but, according to the letter, no visible progress was made under his leadership.
These repeated instances of inefficiency and political affiliation, according to Silva, prove Wettimuny’s inconsistency and lack of commitment to Sri Lanka’s sporting progress.
Financial Mismanagement Allegations
Silva further accuses Wettimuny of financial mismanagement during his previous stints in SLC interim committees. The letter claims that during one of these terms, Wettimuny’s administration spent “colossal sums of money” without obtaining proper approvals. SLC is now reportedly preparing to file legal action against him for unauthorized expenditure.
The SLC President strongly questions Wettimuny’s credibility, stating:
“A man with such a track record should not be entrusted with the responsibility of advising the Minister on matters concerning Sri Lanka Cricket.”
Political Interference and Sri Lanka Cricket’s ICC Suspension
The letter also highlights the damaging impact of political interference in cricket administration, citing Sri Lanka Cricket’s temporary suspension from the ICC in 2023. The suspension was a result of political meddling by former Sports Minister Roshan Ranasinghe, leading to Sri Lanka being stripped of the hosting rights for the 2024 ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup.
Following assurances from the Sri Lankan government to the ICC that such interference would cease, the suspension was lifted. However, Silva warns that Wettimuny’s appointment, given his history of politically motivated activities, could reignite tensions between SLC and the ICC.
Call for Wettimuny’s Removal
Given these concerns, Shammi Silva has urged the Minister of Sports to reconsider Wettimuny’s appointment.
The letter argues that Wettimuny’s involvement in ongoing litigation, history of politically motivated appointments, financial mismanagement, and lack of substantial contributions to cricket development pose a significant risk to the credibility of the National Sports Council.
Final Appeal for Transparency and Accountability
Silva concludes by emphasizing the need for transparency, impartiality, and professionalism in the governance of Sri Lankan sports. He warns that the integrity of the National Sports Council is at stake and that allowing individuals with political and legal conflicts to hold key advisory positions could damage the credibility of the Ministry of Sports itself.
“We trust that appropriate steps will be taken to ensure that the affairs of the National Sports Council remain free from conflicts of interest and political bias.”
This explosive letter marks yet another flashpoint in the ongoing power struggle within Sri Lanka’s sports administration, setting the stage for further legal battles and political confrontations over the governance of Sri Lanka Cricket.
