Sports Minister Harin Fernando has sacked the office bearers of the National Sports Council (NSC) who were installed by his ousted predecessor Roshan Ranasinghe.
Former Sri Lanka Cricket World Cup winning captain Arjuna Ranatunga who headed Ranasinghe’s NSC has been replaced by Dr. Maiya Gunasekera a former rugby second rower.
Gunasekera is no stranger to the NSC and was its Chairman some years ago.
But analysts say nothing is likely to change by way of policy making at the NSC which some say is yet to prove its justified existence.
Also in the NSC are former Sri Lanka women’s hurdler Sriyani Kulawansa, former Sri Lanka cricketer Sidat Wettimuny and one time Sri Lanka Cricket President Ana Punchihewa.
Minister Harin Fernando’s legal advisor, eminent Lawyer and Sports Law expert Panduka Keerthinanda
Eminent Lawyer Panduka Keerthinanda who was recently appointed by Minister Harin Fernando as the Chairman Land Reforms Commission is also appointed as a committee member. Incidentally Keerthinanda also serves on Minister Fernando’s appointed Ministry of Tourism’s advisory panel too.
New National Sports Council office bearers:
Maiya Gunasekera (Chairman)
I.U. Wickremaratne (Secretary)
Sriyani Kulawansa
Retired Major Gen Rajitha Ampemohotti
Arjuna de Silva
Panduka Keerthinanda
Ana Punchihewa
Malik Cader
SVD Nanayakkara
Hafeez Marso
Sidat Wettimuny
Retired Maj Gen Jagath Jayasuriya
Anuradha illeperuma
Shemal Fernando
Kamal Deshappriya