By Roy Denish.
Uva cricket suspension follows allegations of corrupt administration and election irregularities, with SLC placing the provincial body under oversight.
Sri Lanka Cricket has imposed the Uva cricket suspension after public and social media disclosures raised allegations of corrupt administration and election irregularities within the provincial body. The move prevents former officials, including Secretary Bagheetharan Balachandran, from carrying out official duties. SLC has placed the association under a competent authority.
The Uva Province Cricket Association comprises the Ratnapura, Badulla, and Monaragala district associations. It had reportedly operated for years under Balachandran’s unilateral control without holding a single Executive Committee meeting.
Uva cricket suspension follows AGM controversy
At the Annual General Meeting held on February 27 at the SLC premises, the incumbent administration reportedly realized it could lose power at an upcoming election. It then extended its term by another four years.
The extension was allegedly approved despite not appearing on the meeting agenda. Former SLC President Shammi Silva and former Treasurer Sujeewa Godaliyadda reportedly intervened in support of the move.
Officials also allegedly tried to calm opposition by distributing official positions to members. Some positions reportedly went to individuals who had not even attended the meeting. Critics described these appointments as effectively functioning as psychological inducements.
Amid growing public criticism over the alleged irregularities, SLC suspended the Uva Provincial Association and appointed an SLC representative to oversee its administration.
The decision follows the removal of the Southern Province Cricket Association administration under Bagheetharan’s purview the previous week. Following these developments, Bagheetharan Balachandran now retains only his post as Secretary of the Badulla District Association.
Cricket enthusiasts hope the Uva cricket suspension will help dismantle what they describe as mafia-style cliques that have threatened opportunities for young cricketers in the Uva-Wellassa region. They also hope a fair election will restore democracy, accountability, and transparency to provincial cricket administration.
