Cabinet sub-committee proposes catalytic reforms for SLC’s Transformation
Suggests a new constitution aim at bringing fairness, transparency, and accountability
Suggest to follow the Chitrasiri Committee draft legislation for the propose law
Suggests separating key arms of SLC to avoid encroachment and conflicts
Proposes to appoint a Director of Cricket
Emphasises holistic player development, recruitment through merit-based processes, implementing codes of conduct, and tailored plans for each player's growth
Advocates for substantial budget allocation for cricket development, rejuvenating school and club cricket, reinforcing provincial structures, talent identification, and skill-specific clinics
The ‘Report of the Cabinet SubCommittee on the issues currently faced by Sri Lanka Cricket’ has proposed a significant overhaul of the existing constitution and administrative processes, drawing parallels with changes implemented in Indian and South African cricket.
The report was compiled by a four-member Cabinet sub-committee headed by Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Sabry and includes Power and Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekera, Labour and Foreign Employment Minister Manusha Nanayakkara and Public Security Minister Tiran Alles.
It underscores the importance of consulting with the International Cricket Council (ICC) to ensure that the proposed reforms align with its standards and do not interfere with its regulations.
The report also addresses the issue of political interference and the role of interim committees. It proposes strict criteria for the appointment of interim committee members to ensure integrity and expertise.
It encourages the involvement of eminent individuals with diverse expertise to be in the administration of the SLC. And it calls for the establishment of a clear corporate structure.
“The office bearers have not made any financial investments, and all financing is received by the SLC organisation only due to the participation of Sri Lankans in cricket,” the report says.
“Therefore, it is the property of the general public and those in positions of authority are those entrusted with the responsibility of fulfilling their obligations. Therefore, their role is similar to that of trustees of a public trust, and they have fiduciary obligations to the citizens of Sri Lanka and to the state mechanism responsible for managing public funds and property.”
“Accordingly, it is imperative that the Ministry, Auditor General, and the Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) maintain adequate oversight to guarantee transparency and accountability of the utilization of such funds, and to prevent misappropriation,” it states.
“The administration of SLC should be conducted in a manner that is consistent with the goals of governing a sports association in a country, while also safeguarding the overall and specific interests of cricket in Sri Lanka.”
Following a head-on clash between former Sports Minister Roshan Ranasinghe and SLC officials, President Ranil Wickremasinghe appointed a cabinet subcommittee to examine the current situation and propose reforms.
Among those that committee met are former and present ministers of sports, SLC office bearers and CEO, men’s and women’s national players and their coaches, umpires, members of the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC), representatives from the Bar Association, Institute of
Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka, CIMA, KPMG, members of the selection committee, the Justice Chitrasiri Committee, Auditor General, Jagath Fernando and petitioners in case CA/ Writ/460/2020 which seeks a revamp of the SLC constitution.
The report was handed over to President Wickremasinghe this week. It also provides a comprehensive player management plan for cricket, emphasising the need for qualified professionals to manage cricketrelated matters; the formation of a TAC; the separation of general administration from cricket-related technical matters; and the development of a four-year comprehensive plan focusing on areas such as player development, fitness requirements, mental conditioning, code of conduct, social media guidelines, language development, mentorship programmes, regular progress
evaluations, and the implementation of a disciplinary code.
Among other recommendations is a comprehensive domestic cricket tournament framework in collaboration with various cricket stakeholders; allocation of a significant portion of the budget to cricket-related matters, including player development; school cricket revitalisation; and the enhancement of coaching and umpiring standards.
The report also stresses the importance of preserving and revitalising club and provincial cricket, and exploring opportunities for media coverage and revenue generation through broadcasting and sponsorship.
It calls for a one-time forensic audit of SLC and associated clubs receiving funding, as well as periodic audits, for transparency and good governance.