A Roshan Mahanama conflict of interest investigation raises questions over his alleged dual roles in cricket governance and the Dambulla Sixers.
A Roshan Mahanama conflict of interest investigation has raised serious questions over his reported simultaneous roles in cricket governance and the Lanka Premier League.
Mahanama has long presented himself as a principled former cricketer who supports transparency, accountability and reform in Sri Lankan cricket. However, information reviewed during this investigation has prompted scrutiny over whether those standards have been applied consistently.
The issue concerns his reported position on the current Cricket Transformation Committee and an alleged paid advisory role with the Dambulla Sixers.
The allegations should be treated as matters requiring a clear public explanation. They do not, by themselves, establish legal wrongdoing. However, the apparent overlap creates a legitimate governance concern.
Roshan Mahanama Conflict of Interest Questions
The Cricket Transformation Committee plays an influential role in shaping rules and policy affecting Sri Lankan cricket.
According to information examined during the investigation, the committee supported restrictions preventing officials connected to Sri Lanka Cricket or its affiliated bodies from simultaneously holding positions in other clubs, associations or teams.
Such restrictions appear designed to protect independence and prevent individuals from influencing decisions that could benefit organisations with which they have direct connections.
However, Mahanama reportedly continues to serve on the Transformation Committee while also accepting a paid consultancy position with the Dambulla Sixers.
The franchise is reportedly owned by US-based Priyanga de Silva, while former Sri Lankan spinner Rangana Herath serves as its coach.
If both roles are held simultaneously, the arrangement raises an obvious question. Can a person involved in shaping the regulatory environment surrounding the LPL also receive payment from one of its participating franchises?
The concern does not depend on proving that Mahanama influenced a specific decision. A conflict of interest may also arise when personal or financial interests create the appearance that independent judgment could be affected.
Governance Standards Must Apply Equally
Mahanama has previously earned public respect for leaving positions when he believed his principles had been compromised.
That history makes the present allegations more significant.
A person who publicly advocates high governance standards must also demonstrate that those principles apply to his own professional arrangements. If the consultancy and committee positions overlap, disclosure alone may not fully resolve the concern.
The most direct solution would be to step away from one of the two roles.
Sri Lankan cricket cannot rebuild public confidence if governance rules apply strictly to ordinary officials but appear flexible for prominent former players or respected public figures.
This investigation therefore asks whether the same standards imposed on others have been followed by those leading the reform process.
Mahanama should be given a full opportunity to clarify his role with the Dambulla Sixers, the nature of any payment received, and whether the Transformation Committee approved or reviewed the arrangement.
Until that explanation is provided, the Roshan Mahanama conflict of interest issue will continue to cast doubt over the credibility of the current cricket reform programme.
SOURCE:- Hari Deshaya
