- Former Sports Minister Roshan Ranasinghe was ousted from his post for interference
(COLOMBO) – Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe on Friday said it was important of maintaining a separation between politics and sports and suggested that preventing politicians from assuming high positions in sports clubs could contribute to a healthier sporting environment.
He emphasized the necessity of preserving the integrity and independence of sports from political influence, recognizing that this separation would contribute to a healthier sporting environment.
However, he did not signify a disengagement from sports. On the contrary, he assured of his continued commitment to supporting sports initiatives and meeting the needs of athletes and sports enthusiasts.
President Wickremesinghe also underscored the importance of advancing Sri Lankan cricket, expressing his ambition to witness the nation reclaim its championship status in the sport.
He highlighted that the Government has earmarked one billion rupees for cricket development this year, with plans for additional funding in the following year. The President emphasized the importance of expanding cricket programs in 1000-1500 schools, aiming at cultivating a vast talented pool from which the national team can be selected
Wickremesinghe’s remarks comes barely two months after the country’s former Sports Minister Roshan Ranasinghe was forced to resign following a spat with senior officials at the Sri Lanka Cricket Board.
